Oris supports veterans and vulnerable people through its recent collaboration
Oris provides support for veterans and vulnerable people through its third collaboration with the Carl Brashear Foundation, in honour of the late US Navy master diver - one of modern history’s most stout-hearted figures
BORN INTO A poor farming community in Kentucky, US, 1931, Carl Brashear overcame racism, a lack of education and, following an accident while on active duty, leg amputation to become the US Navy’s first African-American diver and first amputee Master Diver. Brashear would go on to serve for 10 more years before retiring in 1979 as master chief petty officer, the ninth, and highest, enlisted rank in the US Navy. In spite of his retirement from the Navy and disability, Brashear continued to serve his country as a civilian employee at
Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, right up to 1993. In 2000, for his 42 years of combined military and federal civilian service, Brashear was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for
Outstanding Public Service. His story was made into the film Men of Honor, starring the Oscarwinning actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro.
Brashear’s legacy of courage, resilience and perseverance lives on in the Carl Brashear Foundation and all those touched by his life story. The Carl Brashear Foundation uses Carl’s story to inspire people never to give up. If you ever feel like giving up, remember Brashear and his enduring words, “It’s not a sin to get knocked down. It’s a sin to stay down.”
Since 2015, as part of its mission to bring change for the better, Oris has partnered with the Carl Brashear Foundation, led by Carl’s son Phillip and his family. Today, Oris presents the third collaboration bearing Brashear’s name, the Oris Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition, the first watch powered by the new Oris Calibre 401, a high-performance automatic movement.
Funds raised from the sales of Oris Carl Brashear watches have supported countless battle-scarred and vulnerable people, giving them hope and helping them achieve their goals. The foundation has donated thousands of dollars to veterans’ hospitals in the hope of rehabilitating the lives of wounded service members across the country.
“We hope that every time someone wearing this new watch looks at it, they will be reminded to never give up, and to press on, no matter how insurmountable the challenges ahead appear,” says Rolf Studer, Oris Co-CEO.
In the following interview, Phillip speaks with Oris on continuing his father’s legacy and inspiring generations of people to overcome their challenges.
Phillip, please tell us about yourself.
I’m a government employee with the Defense Logistics Agency. I’m also a Command Chief Warrant Officer with the 80th Training Command and a helicopter pilot in the United States Army Reserve at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. I also serve as the president of the Carl Brashear Foundation in honour of my late father, BMCM and master diver Carl Brashear.
How did he lose his leg?
In 1966, he suffered the loss of the lower portion of his left leg during a critical mission off the coast of Spain. The Navy wanted to retire him because of his disability, but he fought to remain on active duty and became the first amputee diver to continue service, an unprecedented feat at the time. He retired in 1979.
How did he come to be known as a “Man of Honour”?
He endured “Five Great Hurdles” during his life. He overcame racism, poverty, illiteracy, physical disability, and before he retired, he committed himself to the Navy’s alcohol abuse course for help with alcoholism. Today, he is one of the most celebrated American military heroes.
How is the Carl Brashear Foundation bringing change for the be er?
Through the foundation, we’ve been able to share my dad’s example to never give up. His impact on our society has forced many establishments to abandon their ways of the past when it comes to racism and other social barriers. More minorities have excelled in all kinds of career fields because of him. America is better because of Carl Brashear.
How has Oris helped the foundation?
It’s exposed my father’s legacy to people who may have never heard of him. Not everyone saw the movie Men of Honor. Because of Oris, people from all over the world have got in touch to help the foundation and its cause, and to learn more about my dad. With the new Carl Brashear watch, my father’s legacy will again be in the spotlight. Hopefully, many will see that despite our various backgrounds we are all part of the human race and we must find ways to live together with respect and dignity.
What challenges does the foundation face in these unce ain times?
There are always monetary struggles. And there are so many people out there that have been affected by wars and armed conflicts. So many people suffer at the hands of others. It is almost impossible to reach out to everyone, but we will continue to push my dad’s message of hope.
How can people get involved in the foundation’s activities?
Please visit the website carlbrashear.org and read all about this incredible man and the life he lived. First and foremost, remember that all things in life can be achieved with hard work and a belief in yourself. There are no mountains that cannot be conquered!