Medical Condition
Jessica Smith In December 2012, Jessica Smith finished finals at the University of Arkansas. Shortly after, she fell ill and went to the emergency room. Thinking she just had flu, they treated her and sent her home. Shortly afterwards, her fiancé found her, extremities turning blue. Later, the doctor diagnosed her with a strep infection.…
Damien Davis Staff Sergeant Damien Davis dedicated 16 years to the US Army. He worked as a truck driver in Korea, to a recruiter in Alaska, to a tour in Kuwait. Now, he’s working through the effects of Buerger’s disease. The loss of circulation to arms and legs due to inflammation in the arteries. With…
Matthew Pundyk Army Specialist Matthew Pundyk served in the US Army for more than 3 years. Currently, he serves as a Calvary scout and a dismount team leader. While serving in Afghanistan, he stepped on an IED. He lost his left leg, the hearing in his left ear and suffered shrapnel damage to his right…
Travis Sigmon While on foot patrol looking for insurgents, a fellow soldier stepped on an IED, and Corporal Travis Sigmon took most of the blast. Waking up from a coma without his arm, and suffering other injuries from shrapnel, he returned home for recovery. Now he’s on a mission to be a Dive Pirate.
Marlene Krpata Captain Marlene Krpata was a leg limb salvage after suffering a mortar attack while serving in Iraq. In 2011, she decided to amputate her leg below the knee. Since her amputation she has been back playing softball and running around with her nieces and nephew. Swimming in the ocean has had a calming…
Randy Gallup Shortly after Avionics Technician 1st Class Randy Gallup married in 2007, he and his wife were in a motorcycle accident. The crash claimed his wife and left him without a right arm. along with multiple other injuries. Driven to move forward with life, he now mentors others with life-changing injuries and is now…
Johnny Clay Fisher, Jr. Johnny Clay Fisher Jr. was in a major car accident that claimed his right leg below the knee. He trains for the 2013 trip, but jump started his training by working with friends and family to sponsor his gear. A truck driver who believes in living life to his fullest, Johnny…
Aaron Sifuentes Aaron Sifuentes is an above the knee amputee. He lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2006. After snorkeling with is fiance, he is planning on taking the next step as a Dive Pirate.
Still active duty, Senior Airman Thomas Hudson, lost most of the fingers on his right hand while serving in Iraq. The water actually took away most of his hand pain. His wife, Katelyn, also active military, trained to be his dive buddy for the 2011 trip.
Gina McWilliams An accomplished athlete, Gina McWilliams lost her right leg below the knee in an automobile accident at age 25. Her left foot severed and reattached. Since the accident, Gina has won metals in wheelchair basketball and volleyball. Currently the coach for the Ignite Volleyball Club, she serves as the middle school volleyball coach…