With Certified therapy dog, Surf Dog Ricochet, Army
Veteran Jose Martinez shares his experiences in an effort to heal, change and save
the lives of wounded warriors, veterans with PTSD, kids with special needs and others
who face physical, emotional or cognitive challenges. Sadly, every 65 minutes, a veteran
takes their life by suicide.
Jose became a triple amputee after stepping on a bomb in Afghanistan. The doctors
told his unit he wasn't going to make it. But he woke up from a coma ten days later.
His road to recovery wasn't easy, in fact, odds were against him. He spent 2 years
in the hospital after the explosion and was told he would never walk again.
But this is Jose today! Catching a wave with Ricochet to inspire other wounded
warriors, as well as anyone else struggling through life.
After jumping out of my coma I was told the wheelchair was going to be my new set
of legs! I cried for about a year thinking about it. I was told I wouldn't be able
to do a lot of things I used to do, and would be limited to things I can do now.
I told my self I would never let anyone tell me what's possible and what's
impossible", says Jose.
Jose is the first triple amputee hip disarticulate that surfs. Not only that, he
surfs competitively in adaptive surfing competitions!
He has won several contests including Stoke For Life's US Open of Adaptive Surfing.
His goal is to make Team USA Adaptive Surfing Team and represent in the 2028
paralympics.
Ricochet sponsors Jose at competitions to cover expenses such as entry fees,
accessible lodging and transportation. Here, they are having a heart-to-heart
before his heat begins.
Jose also walks, fishes, swims, rock climbs and everything else he takes on.
He's also a motivational speaker who is showing the world the path to true
happiness and self fulfillment. "But remember, the only way to win the battle
on earth is to first defeat the battlefield inside ourselves.", says Jose.
NOTE: If you have PTSD, Please Visit Here:PTSD to
discover how a pet dog, emotional support dog or service dog can help you.
For those of you who Want More FUN - Visit The Shangy Fun List! Variety is the
spice of life! The Shangy Fun List is an ezine packed full of Poems, Inspirational and
Heart Warming Stories. Jokes from G to slightly R, and Anything else that just
might make you SMILE! Join In The Free FUN!! ... :)
-To SHANGRALA-
