Justgoforit!
War veteran Jose is now up for anything, thanks to his amazing pal
OUR STATESIDE correspondent updates us on how the dog that surfs the ocean waves continues to revolutionise disabled people’s lives.
THERAPY dog Ricochet became the world’s first-ever “canineassisted surfing dog” when she jumped on the board of a teenager with a spinal cord injury.
In the 12 years since, she’s been helping wounded warriors and veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome ever since.
Her latest student is US war veteran Jose Martinez, who lost three limbs after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
Ricochet and the charity set up to help disabled surfers – One More Wave – have handed Jose a custom adaptive board, which he hopes will get him to the Paralympics.
"I can't thank Ricochet enough for her continued support,” says Jose, who was awarded a purple heart for his bravery. “We have changed people's minds and hearts, showing them anything is possible.”
Jose was on a foot patrol with members of the 2/3 Infantry Division in Kandahar when he stepped on a 60-pound IED meant for a vehicle.
The force of the blast threw him in the air and instantly amputated both his legs, right arm, a finger on his left hand and some internal organs. His unit worked feverishly to get him ready for an airlift to hospital.
Ten days later, against all odds, he woke up from a coma. Jose was in the hospital for two years, enduring 21 invasive surgeries and months of aggressive therapies.
In 2014, he was introduced to surfing as part of his rehabilitation with the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He didn’t surf prior to his accident, but now he says he can’t imagine life without it. He has become a dynamic competitor and has won medals at national and international tournaments.
About 22 US veterans take their life by suicide every day.
“I’m still here for a reason, and that reason is my brothers and sisters in arms thinking their lives are over, because they aren’t. I thought mine was, but it was honestly just getting started. Thankfully, I was able to save myself, and now I’m here trying to save everyone else.”
Now medically retired, Jose is married to Liseth, who has been by his side throughout his recovery. Jose walks on prosthetic legs, drives, rock climbs, surfs and anything else he wants to take on.
“The only way to win the battle on earth is to first defeat the battlefield inside ourselves,” he says.
■ www.onemorewave.com/