Medical Condition
Randy Smith An active member of his community, Randy Smith works at the Army Depot. Additionally, he manages a number of rental properties in the Corpus Christi area. He lost his leg to a drunk-driver accident when he was 19. However, he continues to live a very active life that now includes diving.
Larry O’Daniel Major Larry O’Daniel has served in the Navy during the Vietnam War era. More recently he served as a Military Policeman in the US Army. While in Iraq, a cancerous tumor required the removal of his leg. The surgery has not deterred Larry from motorcycling or diving as he finished his certification in […]
Retired Airman Scott Palomino, hit by mortar fire in Iraq, lost one of his legs. However, Scott remains very active and pursues his college degree. He took immediately to diving and finished his certification in the Caymans in the Spring of 2005.
A native of the Pittsburgh area, Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Hendrikson now lives there, attending nursing school. He has wanted to pursue after being a Navy Corpsman during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Justin always wanted to dive, therefore, Dive Pirates happily trained him after his injury in Iraq. He attended the class of 2010.
Albert is an avid motorcyclist who lost his right arm in an accident several years ago. When he learned he could dive as an amputee, he was an enthusiastic student. He still rides on a 3 wheeler and loves the road – and diving.
Bonnie Brawner Bonnie Brawner teaches high school chemistry in San Antonio and lost a leg in a car accident. This has not kept her from sports – she won the bronze medal in sitting volleyball from the Athens Paralympic games. Great in the water and out, she has a great sense of humor – her […]
Latseen Benson Sergeant Latseen Benson, a native Alaskan, served in the US Army as a Sergeant. A roadside bomb took most of both legs. Still active and a great swimmer Latseen naturally takes to scuba diving. He and his wife, Jessica, will be along for many more trips.
Private 1st Class Alex Nicoll Alex Nicoll was a PFC in the USMC and described his job as “kicking in doors”. While deployed to Fallujah, he lost part of his leg in an injury. He did so well in scuba and liked the island so much, don’t be surprised if he shows up next year […]
Veronica Padilla lost both legs above the knee in a roadside accident near her home in Albuquerque, NM. A nuclear engineering student, she has a terrific outlook on life. She joined our 2008 trip to Cayman Brac.
Captain Dawn Halfaker was wounded by a RPG attack while serving as a Lt in Iraq with the Military Police. She was promoted to Captain prior to her discharge. Now, the owner of a Security consulting firm and graduate student at George Washington University, she joined the Dive Pirates to the Brac in 2008. Dawn […]
