Courtesy Photo Next up in the Sanctuary Lecture Series is Warfighter Scuba: Decompress the Stress on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena.

ALPENA — Next up in the Sanctuary Lecture Series is Warfighter Scuba: Decompress the Stress, a free program at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The program will be presented by Kevin Sheard, Warfighter Scuba board member and technical diver.

The public is invited to come learn about Warfighter Scuba, a nonprofit dedicated to helping combat-wounded veterans heal through the transformative power of scuba diving.

This month, a group of Purple Heart recipients are coming to Alpena to work with Warfighter Scuba. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore maritime history while engaging in meaningful, hands-on conservation work.

Sheard will share how scuba diving not only supports physical and mental rehabilitation for veterans, but also empowers them to become citizen scientists — helping TBNMS with documenting historic shipwrecks, monitoring aquatic life, and collecting data.

Expect a fascinating blend of personal stories, underwater exploration, and cutting-edge therapy that’s changing lives. Learn how the serenity of diving and the strength of community are helping veterans rediscover purpose and connection — all while contributing to the preservation of sanctuary resources.