Giving backGiving backGiving backEvery American safe at home enjoys the liberty of recreation because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.
For wounded veterans and service members this simple joy of recreation is often eclipsed by the challenge of recovering from serious wounds. Brain injuries, PTS and physical limitations have left countless veterans with life altering, debilitating conditions.
Our way of giving back is to provide them with a day away from their stresses and a chance to "re-create" in a truly memorable way.
Warriors SOAR is offered once a month, to eligible participants who come to us through SoCal VA Hospitals and other veteran organizations. These medical facilities and veteran groups select the participants, obtain medical clearances and provide transportation and recreational therapy staff on these private flying days, which are provided at no cost to veterans.
“The Warriors Soar Program helps give the veterans their independence back, and an opportunity to feel free and forget about their disability. All of our veterans who have soared with this program come back and ask
‘When can I go again?’”
Recreation Therapist
Give backA unique opportunity for each and every veteran!
As a recreation therapist, my favorite part of taking a group of veterans out to Southern California Soaring Academy is seeing the nervous, excited, anxious energy turn into calm, relaxed, peaceful smiles on each and every veteran from the moment of landing until well past the time we return back to the VA. The experience of gliding allows a unique opportunity for each veteran to relax and escape from their daily thoughts and struggles. The flight is unlike any other activity.
Rebecca Kopczak
Recreation Therapist
WITH YOUR HELP
We’ve flown over 1,700 veterans during more than 80 events.
Recreation is the process of giving new life to something.
Because neuroscience tells us that the brain is built to change in response to experience, we believe that our Warriors Soar program makes a difference.
Recreating by Soaring in a glider with no motor allows for an adrenaline rush in a very special way.
Without the droning of an engine, there’s a peaceful, yet exhilarating feeling! The sensations, movement and sounds are all coming from the marriage of the glider pilot’s skill, with whatever mother nature has to offer to gain altitude and soar the skies.
Members of USAF stationed nearby prepare and serve the day’s BBQ lunch. Our local neighbors (retired first responders), provide the days home baked treats, much of which goes back to the VA Hospitals for those who couldn’t attend.
Many of our volunteers are retired military. The camaraderie is palpable.
The Soaring Event gets veterans out of their isolation.
This day away from their daily routine is provided solely for the purpose of giving veterans a fun and memorable experience.
Talking about the flights afterwards and relaxing during the BBQ, facilitates connecting with others and breaks down barriers. Soaring high above the desert floor or over the mountains is a way to actually leave ones troubles behind. The beauty of the landscape and the indescribable feeling of soaring is a reminder that life-is-good!
Please make sure to check out our Glider-STEM mission (see below)!
STEMOur STEM Mission
Join us in our forward looking way of exposing kids to aviation. By bringing an actual glider aircraft to school campuses the seed gets planted. Read on to see what big thing happens next.
Flight SchoolOur Flight School
Pilots who know agree that early glider training is the best way to begin any serious flying career.
