Finding Freedom with the Whale Sharks

Yesterday in the midst of extremely stormy weather outside, more than 30 Wounded Warriors from Ft. Bragg got to experience a relative calm in the beautiful waters of the Georgia Aquarium’s largest tank, the Ocean Voyager.  In groups of eight, Wounded Warriors and their family members got an once-in-a-lifetime experience, the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks - an opportunity to let go of the pain and the emotion that they’ve been suffering from – freedom of body and mind. 

Joe McFarland, Western Division President for The Home Depot and Gulf War Veteran, greeted the Wounded Warriors as they finished their swims. “There is a sense of pure happiness on their faces. These are experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives and I am so glad that we are able to provide this program to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

This special day was just one of many that will be available to Wounded Warriors from around the area.  As part of our commitment to veterans and their families, the Foundation has partnered with the Georgia Aquarium to make this opportunity available to hundreds of veterans and their families who could benefit from this type of therapeutic experience. 

For more information on The Home Depot Foundation's commitment to veterans, visit our website.