JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A Johnson City combat veteran described participating in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, a five-day event featuring adaptive sports for injured veterans, as a “life-changing experience,” particularly while surfing.

Chris Tritico, who served as a Marine in the 36th Infantry Unit, was deployed to Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his service, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury.

Tritico said many members of his unit were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after encountering improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.

Joining nearly 150 other veterans from nationwide, the 45-year-old traveled to San Diego for the clinic. Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the event aims to enhance rehabilitation and improve life quality for veterans with disabilities.

Activities include adaptive cycling, surfing, sailing, kayaking, and fitness.

Tritico rode the waves.

According to Tritico, “It was an amazing adrenaline rush.” He described surfing as a mix of excitement and peace, akin to meditating while maintaining physical activity.

Supported by recreational therapists, Tritico mastered standing and balancing on a surfboard amid cheers from supporters. The experience, he noted, helped him clear his mind of stress and anxiety.

He mentioned, “The training from the rec therapist and the coaches enabled me to pop up without overthinking,” and added that being able to stand up effortlessly was “emotionally exhilarating.”

Tritico said he is thankful for the recreational therapists back home at the Mountain Home VA and encourages other veterans to explore adaptive sports and recreational therapy.

“You know, you go from some dark times to just feeling exhilaration, and your confidence level just skyrockets because you feel like you can accomplish anything,” he said. “If you accomplish something you never thought was possible, then everything else seems doable.”

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with the Wounded Warrior Project and Soldier Ride program.