Veterans Swim With The Fish

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Aquarium will expand its Fish Wish program for both Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and The Shepherd Center.

On Tuesday, a group of injured military veterans experienced a new freedom as they took a journey with the gentle giants.

Bound on earth by wheelchairs, this group of divers suited up and got into the swim of things at the Georgia Aquarium. An outreach program of their therapy at Shepherd Center, this immersion helps the veterans re-engage and re-connect.

"When you take off your brace, get out of the chair and you get in the water?it's great. Water is the great equalizer," said James Shepherd, founder of The Shepherd Center.

Accompanied by safety divers, the group snorkeled alongside the giant whale sharks, groupers, tarpon and thousands of other fish. Gary Linfoot, of Clarkesville, Tenn., suffered a spinal cord injury in a helicopter crash in Iraq. He says this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was eye-opening.

"It's pretty awesome it's nice being down there with the fish -- you get a real sense of freedom -- especially when the big fish come up to you and gives you a tap," said Linfoot.

Georgia Aquarium benefactor Bernie Marcus stopped by, watching the divers as they maneuvered around the world's largest exhibit. Marcus also underwrites the Share program which provides rehabilitation care and services that may fall outside military health plans.

"And we're working in cooperation with the VA Hospital and the Defense Department and we're trying to take this Share program and move it around the country, and we want to make sure that the men and women that the thousands of men and women who are hurt fighting for their country they deserve the best care," said Marcus.

The swim experience enjoyed by the veterans who swam Tuesday, and the entire Fish Wish program is made possible through donations by individual and corporate sponsors.