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"Dana served for six years in the Marine Corps, including tours of duty in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Dana is well known for his devotion and resolve in assisting veterans in need. As many of you know, Dana is the co-founder and executive director of the Association of Amputee Surfers also known as AmpSurf. AmpSurf supports people with disabilities through adaptive surfing and other enjoyable outdoor activities. Their mission is to teach people of all abilities how to stay active, build self-confidence and live life to the fullest. AmpSurf focuses on serving Veterans, with approximately 70 percent of the organization’s participants having either once served or is actively serving our nation. Dana’s passion and dedication to both serve and encourage our local veteran community is inspiring. I am proud to honor Dana Cummings as the 2011 Veteran of the Year."
Dana receiving his resolution on the floor of the California State Senate on June 9, 2010 from Senator Sam Blakeslee. Dana's proud family is behind him. Sam mentioned in his presentation that Dana had also been selected by CNN as one of 25 Heroes of 2010...out of 27,000 nominees. AmpSurf has gone from having 8 "students" in 2003 to over 500 today.
AMPSURF CHANGES LIVES WITH 2011 LEARN-TO-SURF SERIES Pismo Beach, CA — AmpSurf, a non-profit organization improving the quality of life for disabled persons and veterans through adaptive surf programs, kicks-off the 2011 Learn-to-Surf series of clinics on April 9th in Pismo Beach. The 2011 series sees thrilling growth for AmpSurf with the addition of clinics offered on the east and west coasts, bringing surfing and rehabilitation to more participants across the United States. “The 2011 season brings very exciting expansion to AmpSurf,” says Dana Cummings, Executive Director (and active member of MCL 680). “Taking our program to the east coast means we have the opportunity to motivate and share the rehabilitating power of what we do with so many more people. It’s very exciting.” For 9 years, our Learn to Surf clinics have offered adaptive surfing lessons to disabled veterans, children and adults with the mission to promote, inspire, educate and rehabilitate its participants. The 2011 series begins in April with clinics and events each month through October. To participate, volunteer, support or get more information, visit AmpSurf at; www.ampsurf.org
SEMPER FI TO CAPT JOHN WOLCOTT
VETERAN RECOGNITION LUNCHEON, MAY 20, 2011---OTHER
HONOREES:
MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL, NOVEMBER 6, 2010
Some Prior Awards:
MEMORIAL DAY @
LOS OSOS VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK
MEMORIAL DAY @
ATASCADERO VETERANS MEMORIAL
Capturing the Memories of America’s Veterans Eighty-three year old Wilbern “Bud” Oliver shifted in his chair and gazed through us as he recounted memories of his World War II service in Okinawa at age 17. He spoke of common annoyances such as trying to break blocks of freeze-dried K-ration cheese and not being able to shave. “I don’t think we ever changed our clothes—we just went into the ocean.” He then shared details about one of their worst days. While sheltered behind a collapsed silo, they watched a typhoon snap a concrete ship in two and wash ashore an entire destroyer. Finally, he told about his discharge: the enormous lines of servicemen crowding the San Pedro food lines; surprising his parents upon his return and going to a party that evening where he met Shirley, the girl he married and with whom he eventually raised five children. It was one of those times you wished you had on DVD. Better yet, it was on DVD. One copy went home with Bud and the other was forwarded to the Library of Congress. Joanne Cargill, a volunteer for the Veterans History Project, has been conducting these interviews since 2003, and Bud was her 87th interviewee. “They feel a little better after they’ve talked about it. Not only did we get their story and get it to the National Archives, but it helps them. It’s cathartic,” says Cargill. Every veteran has a story. But many of them have never fully shared it with anyone—not even their family. The Veterans History
Project—preserving memories Started by the United States Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project collects and preserves first-hand accounts and stories of wartime service, from veterans nationwide. War industry workers, United Service Organizations (USO) workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers and others actively involved with war efforts are also invited to share their stories. To read some of these stories, visit www.loc.gov/vets/.
Although all veteran histories are welcomed, priority is given to WWII veterans and those involved with the WWII war effort. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 per day. This project ensures that valuable pieces of our nation’s history and family histories aren’t lost. If you know a family member, neighbor or friend who is a veteran, urge them to call the San Luis Obispo Veterans Museum now to participate in the Veterans History Project. Because many veterans are living alone or are somewhat isolated due to disabilities, your encouragement could be just the incentive it takes for them to share their story. A visit to the museum might also enhance their emotional well being and provide them with a social network. If you would like to arrange for an interview please call the Veterans Museum at 543.1763. We need your story. There are currently a number of video interviews available
for viewing at the museum by prior arrangement, please call 805-543-1763 for
information. 
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