Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for Veteran Therapy Program

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - On the fifth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted Underwater Soldiers, a Montana nonprofit that provides therapeutic scuba diving to veterans while cleaning the state's waterways.

"Montana veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms and serve our communities," Gov. Gianforte said. "Underwater Soldiers gives veterans a place to heal, build connections, and regain confidence after their service. Programs like this honor their sacrifices and help them thrive, and I encourage all Montanans to support their work this holiday season."

Veterans diving in a pool in Kalispell as part of the Underwater Soldiers program in June 2021. Photo credit: Hunter D'Antuono, Flathead Beacon

Underwater Soldiers was founded in 2019 to help veterans and active-duty service members of all abilities access scuba diving therapy to benefit their physical and mental health, including improved cardiovascular health, pain relief, stress reduction, and emotional healing. With operations in the Flathead Valley and in Great Falls, veterans and volunteers meet every other week for pool therapy dives.

The program is designed specifically for veterans, many of whom face challenges like post-traumatic stress, injuries, or difficulty reintegrating into civilian life. Underwater Soldiers says scuba diving therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where veterans can regain confidence, build camaraderie, and focus on their well-being. Since its founding, Underwater Soldiers has worked with over 300 individuals, with many attending regular monthly dives.

In addition to therapy, Underwater Soldiers organizes volunteer dives to clean lakes, rivers, and springs across Montana. These dives allow veterans to serve their communities in a meaningful way while restoring Montana's waterways. From May to September, certified divers from the program and shore personnel organize and perform the dives. To date, over 16,500 pounds of trash has been removed.

"Our mission is to help veterans reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with their communities," said Shawn Weisz, president and co-founder of Underwater Soldiers. "Every dive brings healing, purpose, and a chance to give back to Montana's beautiful waters. The support of local communities makes all of this possible."

Underwater Soldiers relies on the generosity of its donors to provide the therapy at no cost to veterans. Montanans can learn more about Underwater Soldiers or make a donation by visiting UnderwaterSoldiers.org.

In the month of December, the governor's fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.
• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.
• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support their mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.
  

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