Honoring a Veteran Biography

WAVES Project Veteran Jeff Houser This September 11th marks the 20th anniversary of a day that changed so many lives. In an effort to raise funds for the WAVES Project, a non-profit organization, I’m running the Surf City Half Marathon in remembrance of all those that lost their lives that day and the many years…

March is Women’s History Month and WAVES Project is honored to spotlight one of our “Women of WAVES” trailblazers.  Bonnie Casler, MSG, (Ret) joined the Army in 1977 after graduating from college with a degree in Education.  She was the last graduating class of WAC (Women Army Corps), which was dissolved as the Army became…

One of the people who began working with the WAVES Project in the early days is Waco Merchant – US Marine Corps veteran and an SSI Assistant Instructor. Waco is also a veteran who received injuries to his body while serving, including cracked vertebrae and injuries to his knee and shoulder resulting in several surgeries.…

Sergio Velasquez enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1997 where he met his wife Mirlein who also served. They are both retired and have built a beautiful life together. He says the WAVES Project gave him hope that there were other forms of help than therapy and taking medication.

SSG Jeffrey Pickard served 15 1/2 years in military service between the Navy and the Army. He received the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in Iraq.

Kristopher Moorehead joined the US Coast Guard in 2006 – his grandfather served in Vietnam and was a big influence on him, Kris says he is the main reason he wanted to serve. He served for 7 1/2 years defending our coast and was stationed all around the United States and US territories . He…

In 2000 at the age of 28, Richard approached his wife about his need to change up life a little. “I had a great deal of pride and a deep sense of patriotism and knew it was time for a change”.

Patrick served in the Marine Corp for 4 years completing several deployments to Afghanistan. Many members of his family have served, including his grandfather who served during WWII. Now an active diver and WAVES Project Volunteer.

Sid Siez joins the volunteer staff of veterans with the WAVES Project. In addition to offering a friendly ear, Sid writes a monthly column for the WAVES Website Blog offering practical tips on subjects like resolving conflict and setting meaningful goals.

Danny served in the U.S. Army, as a 19K Armor Crewman where he was a tank driver, loader, gunner, tank commander and designated marksman.

Michael Atkins joined the US Coast Guard in 1992 out of a desire to serve our country. He says he chose the Coast Guard because of their mission. After serving 20 years and 2 months he was medically retired.

Juan Ramirez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in two tours of duty in Iraq. He is the first in his family to serve our country in the military. Juan was a quality assurance evaluator and chef, as well as a prison guard and provided security detail for convoys. “My disabilities make it…

Matty McCasland is a U.S. ARMY OIF veteran who served in Iraq in 2007-2008. He followed the honored tradition of serving our country that his family members exemplified. His Father was in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, his Grandfather was in the U.S. Army in World War II and his brother served in Afghanistan. Due…

When Brenton was first introduced to our group he made quite a first impression, he is a guy that is about the size of a small mountain. He sports a bandana, multiple tattoos, and a resting countenance that is to some; off setting. Over the several days of classes, pool dives, and ocean dives we…