Bonaire Set to Host Injured U.S. Troops

Once again, Bonaire will host a special group of people during the week of Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, when seven severely injured troops from the Special Operations Forces Divisions of the U.S. military along with their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their scuba diving certifications. Representatives of DEMA/Be a Diver, and the North American office of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire will also be joining this group.

All accommodations and diving will be provided, complimentary, by Captain Dons Habitat Bonaire. Each year Bonaire welcomes a new group of U.S. troops who suffer life-changing physical injuries they received in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This group of individuals represents the Special Forces Divisions of the U.S. Army, and Air Force. This year will be no different as the U.S. contingent will be kept busy with a variety of activities.

First and foremost will be the completion of their PADI and HSA dive certifications, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday. After they’re certified, they will continue diving throughout the week, both from the dock of Captain Dons Habitat and via boat dives to Klein Bonaire and other famous dive sites.

During the week, the group will enjoy a shopping trip to Jewel of Bonaire in Kralendijk, lunches and dinners at an assortment of Bonaire’s restaurants, sightseeing, and even a Texas-style barbecue. The highlight of the week will be when the Bonaire community gathers to meet these men at the annual reception held in their honor at the home of Lt. Gov. Glenn Thode.

The sponsors who have pledged their contributions to make this event happen on Bonaire include 9Line, Adams Unlimited, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Car Rental, Buenos Aires Caf, Captain Dons Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Chammyz, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Jack Chalk & Family, Jewel Of Bonaire, N.E.K. Advanced Securities Group, Oceanic, PADI, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Do Rags, Sport Diver/Caribbean Travel & Life/Destination Weddings & Honeymoons/Islands Magazines, Tourism Corporation Bonaire and XS Scuba.