At the end of the day, we always come back to the water. 

From June 3-9, 2019, the Bomber Eyewear team joined Amazing Surf Adventures in Huntington Beach, California, as part of the third annual Operation Surf event. 

Operation Surf connects wounded veterans and active-duty military service members with the ocean, often for the first time since leaving the hospital. To aid in their recovery, Operation Surf volunteers pair up with service members to set goals for the week, teach the basics of surfing, and adapt techniques to accommodate for healing bodies. Over the course of the week-long Operation Surf event, participants conquer their goals, ride the waves, and enjoy incredible evenings filled with delicious food, story sharing, and camaraderie. 

"Through results-driven, nature-based programs advocating the restorative power of the ocean and surfing as a form of wellness for injured bodies, minds, and souls - Operation Surf aims to inspire wounded veterans and active-duty military to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives," wrote MacKenzie Rana, Director of Communications for Operation Surf. "[The program] provides them with the necessary resources and tools to continue this mindset indefinitely." 

As a way of giving thanks to veterans and wounded service members, the event is completely free for participants. All the surfers need to bring is "a determination to succeed and a willingness to be supported," (along with everything you'd pack for a typical beach trip, of course). Amazing Surf Adventures and donations from the annual sponsors provide all the equipment, food, and housing needed to celebrate. 

This year, Bomber Eyewear was proud to be the official sunglasses sponsor for the Huntington Beach event. 

"When asked if Bomber would sponsor this event, it was a no-brainer," said founder Tommy Bonacci. "We get to sponsor heroes!"

All 15 participants of 2019's Operation Surf received a free pair of Bomber floating sunglasses, to add to the ease and accessibility of the experience. 

"Giving these heroes our shades is our way of giving just a little bit of something back to these brave individuals who have given everything to us and our country," said Tommy. "We cannot thank Operation Surf enough for this wonderful opportunity to say thank you for all of their sacrifice and service." 

Tommy attended the event alongside a team of volunteers from the Huntington Beach area. Together, the surf instructors and volunteers created an incredible week of adventure and appreciation for the participating veterans. 

"What an honor it is to watch these guys catching waves and sharing the stoke with us and each other," said Tommy. "Such an ultra rewarding and inspiring event!" 

The impact of the program, now in its third year, has been incredible. 

"I was unsure about my capabilities with a broken body and freshly amputated leg," wrote one participant. "I’d have full-blown anxiety attacks every morning and right before I went to sleep. I suffered from pain, depression, anxiety, survivors guilt, night terrors, and a command that had no idea how to deal with severely wounded troops. I truly lived again at Operation Surf, and catching my first wave
was life changing. I still struggle sometimes, but not as much. Operation Surf truly is saving and changing lives for the better.”

To learn more about Amazing Surf Adventures, Operation Surf, and their upcoming events, visit their website at www.amazingsurfadventures.org. 

Check out ESPN's coverage of the 2016 event below!