{"id":8193,"date":"2024-06-30T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-30T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8193"},"modified":"2024-06-30T20:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-30T20:30:00","slug":"swimming-with-stingrays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8193","title":{"rendered":"Swimming with stingrays"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-06-30T20:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

A unique program at Ripley\u2019s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is offering Veterans a chance to de-stress and reconnect with nature in a way they might not have expected\u2026 by swimming with stingrays.<\/p>\n

Led by Lou Krieger, an Army Vietnam Veteran, the program has been running for six years and is recommended by the Ralph H. Johnson VA<\/a> as part of a whole health approach to health care.<\/p>\n

Krieger (pictured above) started the program after reading a news article about a similar initiative. He contacted Ripley\u2019s Aquarium and, a month later, the first swim was held. The program has grown and he now offers the experience at no cost to Veterans, especially those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.<\/p>\n

A key component of whole health<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Aquarium staff answer any questions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cIt just puts them in a different place. A place they\u2019ve never been before. They say it\u2019s very calming and relaxing and something they carry with them for a few weeks after they do the swims,\u201d Krieger said. This tranquility directly supports Veterans\u2019 mental health, a key component of whole health.<\/p>\n

The stingrays\u2019 barbs have been removed ensuring a safe and positive experience for all participants. Aquarium staff provide educational information about the different ray species and answer any questions Veterans may have. Veterans are even welcome to return for multiple swims.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe faces, the expressions, everyone really loves getting in with the rays. It\u2019s such a treat to see everyone\u2019s faces just light up,\u201d said Cethlynn Weatherly, a Ripley\u2019s Aquarium aquarist who has been involved with the program for over three years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy way of paying it forward.\u201d<\/h2>\n

Art Dickerman, a Veteran who participated in the program with his wife Renee, echoed these sentiments. \u201cThey\u2019re such gentle animals. When you\u2019re petting them, it\u2019s very calming. It\u2019s just you, floating around and watching them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love to see Veterans happy and this program has been my way of paying it forward,\u201d said Cethlynn. \u201cMy dad served in the military for 23 years, so the idea that someone could be doing something like this for my dad somewhere else really makes me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System website also offers a helpful resource for Veterans seeking additional whole health opportunities outside VA. See lists of volunteer opportunities, social events and other activities<\/a> that can help Veterans connect with their community and improve their overall well-being.<\/p>\n

For Veterans interested in learning more about VA\u2019s Whole Health approach and exploring a wider range of whole health opportunities, Ralph H. Johnson VA offers a wealth of information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This program is just one way Veterans can take charge of their well-being and live a healthier, happier life.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Veterans reconnect with nature in a way they might not have expected\u2026swimming with gentle stingrays.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":318,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nSwimming with stingrays - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Veterans reconnect with nature in a way they might not have expected\u2026swimming with gentle stingrays.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8193\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Swimming with stingrays - 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