Pictures: Injured Veterans Surf at New Smyrna Beach
By Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel The Tribune Content Agency
Army veteran Jeff Palenske enjoys riding a wave at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Stephen M. Dowell
TNS
Volunteers cheer as they listen to instructions at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Army veteran Jeff Palenske enjoys riding a wave at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Veteran Virginia White and her dog "Reese" surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Volunteers help Navy veteran Rick Rettinger (bottom) onto a surfboard at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Colorful tents are set up at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Army veteran Richard Ottum (middle) shows his approval after a surf ride at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Volunteers receive instructions at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Children enjoy the waves as they watch wounded veterans surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Navy veteran Rick Rettinger surfs at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Army veteran Richard Ottum rides a rough wave at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veterans and volunteers walk toward the beach to surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Veteran Virginia White enjoys the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Veteran Virginia White and her dog "Reese" surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran jumps off his board in the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Volunteers help Navy veteran Rick Rettinger (bottom) onto a surfboard at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A wounded veteran takes a spill in the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Volunteers keep watch at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Tents and American flags are set up in the sand at New Smyrna Beach on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The group Oceans of Hope brought dozens of injured veterans to surf the waves with the help of nearly 100 volunteers. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
