OS6 Veteran Leader
Neil Hancox is a U.S. Army veteran and resides in Pismo Beach, CA, with his wife and children. Neil came to Operation Surf with little to no expectations and had no idea how much this experience would change his life and shape his future.
Neil was a participant in OS6, a six-month program serving coastal veterans in 2019, and commuted from Fresno, CA, to participate weekly. After recognizing the impact surfing and community had in his life, he and his family relocated to Pismo Beach to continue his journey with ocean therapy. Neil continued his participation in 2020 as a participant in Operation Surf’s week-long program and within veteran support roles.
Neil received his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and brings his care and safety expertise throughout our programs. In addition to his medical background, his military experience and ability to connect with veterans are vital to serving his peers dealing with veteran-related challenges.
“I have gained a community and quality of life that I never thought was possible. I am excited to be a major part of OS6 and the leadership team here at Operation Surf. I have grown to love the therapy the ocean provides.”
Program Testimonials
"Operation Surf was refreshing and fun! Of course, it was really great to learn to surf, but OS is so much more than just surfing. Never having surfed before and not being very comfortable in the ocean, I was forced to get out of my own way and trust the process. Being able to accomplish something I thought I wouldn't be able to do was very rewarding, and it ignited a fire in me that I had let go dim. I feel rejuvenated and self-confident again. I look forward to trying new things, going on more adventures, and enjoying the sport of surfing for many years to come."
"The fact that I was able to completely disconnect from work and fully submerge myself in the experience without any obligations opened up many doors for relaxation, resetting, refocusing, rebuilding, bonding, and both personal and relational healing. We were both struggling individually and as a couple prior to this trip. The professionalism, relatability, enthusiasm, excitement, openness, and care that every single member of Operation Surf displayed towards us and one another was contagious. They helped us find our individual selves again and helped save our marriage."
"Operation Surf was hands-down the greatest trip that I have ever been on. We travel the world for our jobs and get to see and do things that most people can only dream of, but that’s often filled with guilt while my wife is left juggling her own work, the kids, and everything else life throws at her. We spend a substantial amount of time away from each other with all of the trips, training, and deployments. Getting to share this experience with my wife by my side and finding a new, exciting activity that we both immediately fell in love with truly made this a trip of a lifetime."