In the 30A community, we thrive when we support each other, and that’s exactly what Surf Brigade is all about. This organization, founded by Kevin Laliberte, is dedicated to helping our local veterans find a renewed sense of purpose and belonging after their service. Kevin, a veteran himself, understands the unique challenges that come with transitioning back to civilian life. He’s got a knack for helping people untangle complex issues, a skill honed during his 23 years in the Air Force, where he specialized in helping service members overcome obstacles to ensure they were ready for deployment.
Kevin’s background equipped him with an extraordinary ability to cut through the noise and get to the heart of a problem. He’s a natural leader and problem-solver, someone who can sit down with you, whiteboard in hand, and help you map out the real root cause of your challenges, rather than just the symptoms. This approach, which he developed within the structured environment of the military, has translated beautifully into his work with Surf Brigade. He creates a safe space where individuals feel empowered to explore their struggles and discover practical solutions, fostering a sense of trust and genuine connection.
The journey to creating Surf Brigade began with Kevin noticing a significant need among fellow veterans. He observed that many service members hold in their experiences and emotions during their careers, only for these issues to surface forcefully upon retirement. Witnessing this common pattern, Kevin felt compelled to act. His initial, informal gatherings on Grayton Beach, where he simply invited veterans to come together, share stories, and enjoy the ocean, laid the foundation for something much larger. These early sessions revealed the profound impact of shared experience and open dialogue in a supportive setting.
These initial gatherings quickly grew, and Kevin realized the need for a more structured approach. He saw firsthand how veterans grappled with finding purpose, crafting a personal narrative beyond their military roles, and establishing meaningful community connections. This led to the development of Surf Brigade’s formal program. It’s a unique blend of surf therapy and counseling, designed to provide veterans with the tools and support they need to navigate their post-service lives with confidence and a clear sense of direction.
Surf Brigade offers a structured five-week course that brings together a small group of veterans. Each week, participants engage in surf therapy sessions, learning to ride the waves while building resilience and trust. Complementing this are weekly Zoom sessions with professional counselors who guide them through identifying personal purpose, redefining their life narrative, and discovering supportive communities. This dual approach fosters not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional healing, creating a powerful pathway toward renewed self-discovery and connection.
The impact of Surf Brigade is truly inspiring, with veterans consistently reporting a significant increase in their sense of purpose and belonging. Kevin and his team are eager to expand their reach, aiming to offer these transformative programs more frequently to serve the large veteran population in our region and beyond. They are also exploring ways to support other individuals navigating life transitions. To help make this vision a reality, Surf Brigade relies on community support through donations and partnerships, allowing it to continue offering these life-changing services free of charge to veterans.
Header Image Source: AI-generated image
