“We tend to be adrenaline junkies.”
That was the consensus echoing around the conference table at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary when the team first sat down with the crew from Warfighter Scuba . While this incredible non-profit typically conducts its missions in warm Caribbean waters, during their 2025 expedition they traded palm trees for freshwater waves—upping the adrenaline and diving straight into the cool, historic depths of Lake Huron.
A Mission of Healing and Purpose
Warfighter Scuba works with combat-wounded, Purple Heart recipients veterans, using scuba diving as a powerful therapeutic tool that heals body, mind, and soul. Diving offers veterans a unique environment of weightlessness, focus, and quiet strength—a space to process trauma, rebuild camaraderie, and regain confidence.
Out of nearly 50 veteran applicants nationwide, three Purple Heart recipients—Ray, Jonathan, and Brian—were selected for the 2025 trip to Alpena, Michigan. Their journey began with introductory training in the Marine Technology Training Tank before moving into open water, where they completed a series of demanding dives across Lake Huron’s legendary “shipwreck alley” to earn their certifications.
From the Depths to the Big Screen 🎬
Throughout their time in Alpena, a film crew documented every milestone, challenge, and underwater victory. Those powerful moments were crafted into short documentary films capturing the beauty of Lake Huron and the resilience of our nation’s heroes.
We were honored to officially premiere these inspiring films at the 14th Annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival in 2026!
🍿 Watch the Films Below
The Sanctuary: Beneath the Surface
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Warfighter Scuba highlights the profound healing power of our public waters. By preserving maritime history, we also create spaces where veterans can discover new purpose, deep connection, and peace beneath the surface. The sanctuary is also welcoming them back in 2026.
Want to learn more or support their work?
Visit Warfighter Scuba to learn about adaptive diving for veterans, and check out Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for upcoming film festival dates and citizen science programs!
