Soldier Spotlight • March 19, 2013

Soldier Spotlight:
SSG (Ret) Eric Cowin

How SUDS scuba diving helped a US Army Infantry veteran find healing, purpose and a lifelong passion.

SSG (Ret) Eric Cowin

  • 📍 Phoenix, AZ
  • 🪖 US Army Infantry
  • 🏥 Arrived at BAMC San Antonio, TX – June 2009

I arrived at BAMC in San Antonio, TX in June 2009. While doing rehab one of the therapists talked to me about trying SCUBA diving. I did a class that was put on right there on the base, and soon discovered the rehabilitative qualities that SCUBA diving has that are very difficult to find anywhere else.

I became involved with SUDS and started expanding my diving abilities with the help and supervision of their very experienced instructors.

"Diving with SUDS has taught me many things; it has improved my well-being, and has helped me get through the rough patches that many of us face after returning. The dive instructors for SUDS are more than instructors; they are mentors and have played a big role in my life."

— SSG (Ret) Eric Cowin, US Army Infantry

Diving is something I still enjoy and will do for the rest of my life.

What happened next?

Eric's SUDS journey didn't stop there. Read the follow-up story of how he went from SUDS participant to professional diver.

Read: Eric Cowin Revisited →