SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KSNW) — A Navy combat veteran from Hays is making waves at a national event for veterans with disabilities.

Brian Dechant, 56, served as a Navy hospital corpsman from 1988 to 2000, including during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He developed PTSD after his deployment and now receives care at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.

This week, Dechant surfed for the first time at the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego. Nearly 150 veterans from across the country are taking part in the event, which features adaptive sports like surfing, cycling, sailing, and kayaking. Organizers say the clinic is designed to boost rehabilitation, independence, and quality of life.

For Dechant, stepping on a surfboard was more than a new challenge.

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