Alive Day 2025 was a great day for the veterans, their families, and the community. It was such a wonderful day that we’re going to share an abundance of photos that speak volumes. This event is also a testament to the friendship we at Wounded Heroes of America have developed with Chris Kelly at Dive N Surf and Dylan Sohngen at Aquasurf.
Right from the beginning, it was crystal clear to us that if we send our sons and daughters to war and they come back with life-changing injuries, it’s not just the VA that has an obligation to care for them—it’s also the responsibility of our communities to step up and help. I can’t think of a better example of the community stepping up than Chris and Dylan.
Our combat-wounded veterans are going to need a lifetime of assistance to cope with the physical and emotional wounds of war. Chris and Dylan have made this a special day for them, their families, and their friends. They have dedicated their time and resources to create a wonderful day of surfing, boogie boarding, making memories, and building friendships.
This year, just like previous years, we had veterans who came from all over the Southland and as far as the Navajo Nation to enjoy this day. The many photos tell the story much better than anything we could say. The only thing we can add is that it has always been our goal to give people the opportunity to say “thank you for your service” and recognize their sacrifice. It was truly a great time, and something we’re going to continue to build on.
