Our Fellowship Program Manager and Employment Services Specialist Tyler Warren was one of the eight veterans who participated in the Veteran Immersion program at the Georgia Aquarium with our Outdoor Adventure Program. Read about and watch his experience below:

On March 6, 2019, my family and I were invited to participate in the Georgia Aquarium Immersion Program. Joined by my wife Rachel and 10-month-old son Charlie, we spent the day, touring the aquarium, viewing the live animal shows, and swimming in the largest salt-water aquarium in the United States. Six other veterans and their families joined us for the day, which culminated in an hour-long swim with Black Tip Reef sharks, Whale sharks, and a variety of Manta Rays and Sting Rays. Every branch of the military was represented, and both pre-9/11 and post-9/11 veterans participated, which created a unique dynamic and lively atmosphere for everyone involved. It was my family’s first official getaway to a destination location, which left us with memories to share for a long time. The facility was gorgeous and awe-inspiring, but it was the staff and volunteers who made the experience truly incredible; they were fantastic and made us all feel really special. Thank you to Upstate Warrior Solution and its Outdoor Adventure Program, The Marcus Foundation, The Georgia Aquarium, and everyone involved who scheduled, coordinated, and paid for this amazing experience.

Are you a veteran who’s interested in participating in something like this? Consider calling 864-520-2073 to complete an intake at one of our offices, if you haven’t already, and checking out the events on our Facebook page and website calendar. For additional information about the events, email our Outdoor Adventure Coordinator Sid Eargle at seargle@upstatewarriorsolution.org. Thank you. We hope to see you soon!