Therapy Program Allows Wounded Soldiers to Swim at Ga. Aquarium

ATLANTA - The Georgia Aquarium teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project to give war vets a unique opportunity.  More than 50 soldiers got to swim in the world's largest aquatic exhibit as part of a therapy program on Friday.

Ironman and double-leg amputee Scott Rigsby shared his story with the soldiers and their families at the Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit. Rigsby lost his legs more than 20 years ago in a truck accident. The fear, depression and anxiety he battled are something the troops coming home wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan are only starting to face.

"You are going to have to move out of your comfort zone," said Rigsby.

Swimming with the aquatic life in the Ocean Voyager exhibit was an incredible way to do it.

"I have a lot of limitations but the water is a big thing for me," said wounded soldier Justin Horton. "It's a weightless environment. My body doesn't hurt as much."

Along with their families, the wounded warriors took part in a confidence building swim therapy program, swimming with manta rays and whale sharks.

"It was a very pivotal moment for me. It really allowed me to kind of gather myself. This is my first time that I realized that it is ok not to be in charge of everything," said wounded warrior Jarrad Turner.

Turner went on to say that despite experiencing the horrors of war, swimming in the exhibit also allowed him to see the beauty in the world.

The participating men and women say the motivation and confidence built at the session have the power to change post-war lives, not only for themselves, but for their families as well.

Friday's event was part of an ongoing partnership between the Georgia Aquarium and the Wounded Warrior Project. So far, more than 200 servicemen and women have participated in the therapy.