Testimonials

Due to their health challenges partnered by everyday life challenges, many of our veterans do not socialize, avoid crowds and self-isolate, sometimes to the point where they don’t leave their house.  The Veterans program at the Southern California Soaring Academy allows the veterans who participate a sense of freedom, along with some peace and quiet that many have not experienced since before their injuries.  Along with an increase in mood, socially this program is beneficial as it provides a safe place where they can talk about their gliding experience with other veterans and socialize with the volunteers who are also active duty, reservists or veterans themselves. As a recreation therapist I often see the link between recreation and leisure activities and the direct positive effect it has on social life and mental health.  The veterans program at the Southern California Soaring Academy is a quality program that makes a positive difference in the lives of the veterans who participate.

Louisa Mendelsohn, MS, CTRS
West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center

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I have witnessed transformations in their self-confidence after facing the challenge of soaring. One of the major focuses of recreation therapy is to bring our blind veterans out of isolation and “back into the world” by enhancing and promoting social interaction. Another enhancement the Soaring Academy program provides is the chance for our veterans to meet and socialize with veterans from other VA hospitals during the BBQ time. Hearing the veterans share their experiences and express resurrected feelings of control and witnessing their bravery is thrilling. Our veterans are fully aware of the support offered by the general public. Members of the local community bake desserts for these events. The veterans also appreciate that this is an educational opportunity as they learn about the aircraft, aerodynamics and the thrill of soaring. Back at the VA hospital our instructors report that the spark received during the soaring experience ignites something in the veteran that they retain and carry forward through the remainder of their rehabilitation program and back home. 

Veterans are affected in ways that are more profound than initially meets the eye.  Thank you for your fine program. 

Elizabeth Greco, M.A., RTC, CTRS
Recreation Therapist, Blind Rehabilitation Center
Long Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center

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