Monday, January 23, 2012

Charles Evans Day for the Wounded Warrior Project

January 13th was a very special day indeed at Dolphin Research Center. The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride visited DRC during their Florida Keys event and upwards of 30 soldiers enjoyed a complimentary Dolphin Encounter, made possible by the generous donation of the Charles Evans Foundation.

It wouldn't be possible to capture all of the smiles from that day, but here are a few photographs from the hundreds taken.

The soldiers and their support team receive a hero's welcome from DRC staff, volunteers and visitors!

The soldier was all smiles during the dorsal pull from A.J.  Jax tagged along to be part of the fun!


This group of soldiers were all smiles, interacting with Tanner and trainer Catherine Dunn (front) with assistance from Bette Zirkelbach (standing in back).


Who wouldn't love a kiss from Aleta?




DRC President & CEO Rita Irwin (right) and Director of Special Needs Joan Mehew proudly display the certificate presented to DRC from the Wounded Warrior Project

We're grateful to the Charles Evans Foundaton for providing this wonderful opportunity for some of our nation's heroes.  Thank you to Tilden's Dive Shop for loaning wetsuits to the soldiers, the Stuffed Pig, for the delicious lunch, Publix for utensils, paper goods and sodas, and the DRC volunteers for home-baked desserts.  We also appreciate Monroe County Mayor Dave Rice, Marathon Vice-Mayer Dick Ramsay, Marathon Councilman Mike Cinque and the numerous other local dignatiaries and visitors who came out to DRC on that day.