<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/force-blue-veterans-ocean-conservation/>
"When Rodolfo “Rudy” Reyes went diving in the Cayman Islands in 2015, the
experience changed his life. The highly decorated veteran had logged thousands
of dives as a Special Ops Force Recon Marine in 18 years of service. But, as
Reyes recalls, “As combat divers we operate at night, pushing 200 pounds of
equipment, carrying massive weapons. It’s very stressful and we focus on the
mission — taking on the enemy.”
In the Caribbean, Reyes dove for the first time during daytime at his own pace,
guided by his friend Jim Ritterhoff, who worked with the Central Caribbean
Marine Institute. Ritterhoff remembers the moment vividly: “Here’s this trained
combat diver, one of the best, most highly skilled individuals you’ll ever
encounter underwater — yet he’s never seen a fish.”
At the time, Reyes was struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress and
substance abuse. “I had a really hard drug habit after all these intense combat
tours,” he admits, but diving in the Caymans, surrounded by vibrant marine
life, reignited a sense of wonder. “It brought me back to life.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
