On Wednesday, Sarasota County gathered to honor military service members as U.S. Army Sgt. Chad Rozanski and Sgt. Chris Sanders entered the massive shark habitat at Mote SEA Aquarium. The 400,000‑gallon tank, home to native sharks and other sea life, served as a unique backdrop for a healing‑focused event that underscored resilience, marine conservation, and community support for veterans.
Veterans take the plunge
Rozanski and Sanders, both decorated Army veterans, suited up in full diving gear and descended into the tank alongside the American flag and the flags of Mote Marine Laboratory and Operation No Person Left Behind Outdoors. A packed viewing room cheered as the two divers swam among the sharks, demonstrating that even the most challenging environments can become arenas for personal growth.
Free admission for veterans and their families was made possible by a private donation, ensuring that all who served could experience the event without cost.
Long‑standing partnership with veteran groups
Mote Marine Laboratory has partnered for 15 years with the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, a division of Operation No Person Left Behind Outdoors, and other veteran organizations. Through this collaboration, veterans have planted more than 300,000 coral fragments and helped build and maintain offshore nurseries along Florida’s reefs, contributing to the health of the state’s marine ecosystems.
Personal stories of healing
For Sgt. Rozanski, the dive represented a vital step in rebuilding confidence after severe service‑related injuries. “When I first got injured, all I could see were limitations,” he said. “Veteran‑sponsored programs like this get you out of your comfort zone, let you test those limits, and provide a support group to pick you back up when you fall.”
Sgt. Sanders, who works with State College of Florida Veteran Services, highlighted the significance of offering veterans unique experiences. “The fact that they’re bringing veterans in is amazing,” he noted. “Many veterans love to dive, and getting the chance to dive with sharks at Mote is truly awesome.”
Leadership’s commitment to service members
Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and chief executive officer of Mote Marine Laboratory, emphasized that supporting service members is a shared national responsibility. “It’s something that is near and dear to me, but it should be near and dear to every single American,” he said. “Our veterans have put their lives on the line for us, and this is a way to say thanks.”
Dr. Crosby also created the Col. Richard D. Crosby Jr. Memorial Fund in honor of his father, providing ongoing financing for therapeutic programs and community activities that benefit military personnel.
Community impact and future outlook
The event reflects a broader effort to integrate veterans into community initiatives that promote both personal healing and environmental stewardship. By combining therapeutic experiences with tangible conservation work, programs like those at Mote SEA help veterans find purpose while contributing to the preservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Organizers hope the dive will inspire additional partnerships between local nonprofits, veteran groups, and environmental organizations, creating more opportunities for service members to engage in meaningful, restorative activities.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
