Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge was featured on WFLA this week!  Here’s the article, and the link below will take you to the site where you will also find the video.

Major progress is being made in treating post traumatic stress disorder, thanks to research happening right here in Tampa Bay.

What makes this treatment protocol so interesting is that it’s nowhere near a doctor’s office.

Wounded warriors side-lined by massive brain injuries, those who have had limbs blown off, or ones who are dealing with intense bouts of PTSD are being treated while on adventure based excursions.

“I look forward to going sailing I look forward to working the jib sheet, and getting back out there, there are other challenges like mountain climbing I want to go do it. I want to get back to who I was,” said Anthony Webster, who participates in “Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge” excursions.

The non-profit organization run by military members for wounded veterans travels the world taking vets on adventures. What makes this different from any other organization that helps our military, is there is a huge research component that happens on the excursions.

For example, during a huge competitive regatta happening this weekend in St. Petersburg, a licensed mental health expert who has experience working with vets will climb on board a sailboat to participate in the research.

“I can clinically observe the PTSD the symptoms and issues in the group, and help them while they are here doing something fun,” said Dr. Carrie Elk of the Elk Institute.

The Elk Institute is also a non-profit that has partnered with Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge to treat retired and active military members dealing with PTSD.

Combat Wounded Warriors was founded four years ago, and has seen retired military make tremendous strides by attending the adventures that include everything from climbing mountains to scuba diving.

This weekend veterans from all across the country are in town to participate in the America’s Disabled Open Regatta.

The veterans pay nothing out of pocket to participate in the challenges, but by being part of the research, they are helping other wounded vets who will one day be able to attend the same outings.

Many also leave with a new perspective on life, and can’t wait for the next journey.

“They’ll be the first one to tell you hey this was my last ditch effort – I was going to hang it up and retired to my living room and stay locked in my house,” said retired military leader Nelson Corbin.

He explained that every vet, including his son, who is a double amputee, feels better and is once again ready to face the world.

If you would like to find out more about Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge, or head out to support the wounded warriors participating in this weekend regatta, visit www.combatwounded.org

WFLA Article/video located here