Letter from a Wounded Warrior

Close your eyes. Imagine yourself floating weightlessly in 6.3 million gallons of water, surrounded by giant whale sharks and manta rays. For thirty minutes you leave all your worries behind as you swim through Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager exhibit, your only thought being “WOW!” as you experience something larger than you.

Now, try to imagine what that experience is like for wounded military personnel returning from war. The experience can be monumentally life changing. As one soldier described it, “life altering.” The emotions that occur while encountering hundreds of aquatic species from three oceans, from the smallest organism to the largest fish in the world, allows these men and women to forget their lives for just a brief moment. It allows them to see the beauty in the world, despite having experienced the horrors of war.

For this reason, Georgia Aquarium has established a Veteran Immersion Program as part of their 4R Program – because they believe it is their Responsibility to help wounded soldiers on the road to recovery.

In a typical deployment, soldiers are given weeks, if not months, to prepare and train for life at war. They are given every tool necessary to defend our great country and ensure their safety. However, once the battle is over they return, without training or tools, to lives that continued in their absence, with both visible and invisible scars and they are expected to readjust to civilian life.

Having experienced a dive in Ocean Voyager myself, I can tell you the inspiration drawn from those thirty minutes does not fade once you return to reality; rather, it becomes a guiding force and continuous source of enjoyment.

Today you can make a difference in the lives of these service men and women by joining with Georgia Aquarium and supporting the Veteran Immersion Program. For every $3,000 raised Georgia Aquarium is able to provide a swim or dive experience through their Journey with Gentle Giants Program for up-to 8 participants, allowing soldiers to share this experience with family, friends and care-givers.

Your contribution, of any amount, allows Georgia Aquarium to provide my fellow veterans with a positive experience that helps them adapt to life after their return from war. From my personal experience with the program, it inspires a positive connection with family and friends and allows these men and women to encounter something larger than life, drawing the comparison between swimming in the exhibit and overcoming obstacles in their daily lives.

Georgia Aquarium has committed to thanking these men and women, to standing alongside them and ensuring that they have the access to life-improving experiences and opportunities. Now, it is your chance to say thank you and celebrate their dedication and service.

Please take a moment to support Georgia Aquarium with these great efforts. Simply complete the attached form and return it to their development office, or call 404-581-4136.

With my greatest gratitude,

Sergeant First Class, Scott A. Gunther
Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion, B Co, 5th Platoon
Veteran Immersion Program Participant

Donate Now!

Georgia Aquarium’s 4R Program encompasses rescue, research, rehabilitation and responsibility. Your contributions allow this program to make a global impact through programming, research and conservation. Click here to make a donation now.

For every $3,000 donated to Georgia Aquarium’s 4R Program between now and December 31, 2012, we are able to provide a swim of dive experience for up to 8 veterans in our 2013 Veteran Immersion Program.



Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Annual Imagination Pass - Get Yours Today!

Georgia Aquarium’s Annual Imagination Pass gives you year-round access to Georgia Aquarium, plus it supports vital programs like the Veteran Immersion Program. Annual passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so you can enjoy 365 days of adventure. Click here to join today!

Annual Imagination Pass Includes:

• Exclusive opportunity to purchase Georgia Aquarium Guest Passes:
- Guest Passes allow you, as an Annual Pass Member, to bring a guest with you each time you visit
- Guest must be accompanied by an Annual Pass holder
- Guest Pass is valid for one guest per card per day


• SAVE during your visits
- 50% discount on Behind the Scenes Tours (a $25 savings!)
- 20% discount on Georgia Aquarium parking deck parking
- 10% Gift Shop discount
- 10% Café Aquaria discount
- 10% discount on Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow tickets for your guests
- 10% discount on Georgia Aquarium commemorative photos


• Visit any time with no reservation


• Bring your friends and purchase their tickets at a 10% discount


• FREE admission to AT&T Dolphin Tales show


• FREE admission to Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow for yourself


• Member discount on Aquarium’s Journey with Gentle Giants swim/dive program and Beluga & Friends Interactive Program


• Member pricing for Aquarium programs and events (Children’s Parties, Camp H2O, Jazz Journeys, Family Sleepovers, etc.)


• Discounts at Zoo Atlanta - Georgia Aquarium Annual Imagination Pass Members receive discounts at Zoo Atlanta. Simply present your membership card at Zoo Atlanta to receive $3 off on admission tickets and $10 off a Zoo Atlanta membership.


• Georgia Aquarium monthly e-Newsletter


• Annual Imagination Pass Membership card with photo


• PLUS, with all of your member benefits, your pass is paid for in just two visits!

Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Society is a unique group, comprised of individuals that support our mission. As an Oceans Society Member you are supporting all of Georgia Aquarium’s efforts in research, conservation and education.

As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, Georgia Aquarium replies on the contributions of individuals and corporations to continue our important initiatives.

To join today please click here

Oceans Society - Ambassador $250 ($150 is tax-deductible)

• Two Annual Passes
• Behind the Scenes Tour access
• And More!

Preserver $750 ($506 is tax-deductible) - Ambassador-level benefits plus:

• Four Annual Passes
• Complimentary parking card for the Aquarium parking deck, good for year of membership
• And More!

Researcher $1,500 ($1,109 is tax-deductible)- Preserver-level benefits plus:

• Six Annual Passes
• And More!

Champion $2,500 ($2,017 is tax-deductible) - Researcher-level benefits plus:

• Eight Annual Passes
• Two parking cards for the Aquarium parking deck, good for year of membership
• And More!

Diplomat $5,000 ($4,367 is tax-deductible) - Champion-level benefits plus:

• Patron-level recognition at Aqua Vino, Georgia Aquarium’s annual wine-tasting fundraiser
• And More!

Steward $10,000 ($8,567 is tax-deductible) - Diplomat-level benefits plus:

• Invitation for two to a private breakfast or lunch with Georgia Aquarium’s President
• And More!