Deb Greenhalgh of Jamestown in Rhode Island in the US has been given the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She was recognized for teaching scuba diving, particularly to disabled people, wounded veterans and terminally ill children.

Greenhalgh’s interest in all things aquatic began at an early age. She has vivid memories of watching Jacques Costeau’s undersea specials, and seeing reruns of the 1950’s “Sea Hunt” series that starred Lloyd Bridges. Seeing below the water on TV made her want to realize it in person.

Greenhalgh was a self-described Navy brat whose father later worked for General Dynamics. His job eventually took the family to New England. She enjoyed swimming as a child, and when she was in her early twenties, she scuba dived for the first time. It was in Jamestown, even though she was not living on the island at the time. It remains her favourite place to go diving.

“We have so many parks here that are open to people to enjoy the water,” Greenhalgh said. “Just walk in the water and go diving.”

It was an instant attraction for Greenhalgh. She found herself particularly drawn to the schools of brightly colored fish that she encountered on her dives. Fifteen years ago Greenhalgh decided that she wanted to share the experience with others, particularly families. She didn’t want anyone to miss out on the beauty she was seeing underwater, and thought it would be a wonderful thing for family members to experience together.

Another factor was Greenhalgh’s concern with the environment. If people became familiar with the sea, they’d begin to appreciate it, she thought.

“I felt that the more people I could affect with the beauty of the water, that they would understand and respect it,” she said. “When you see what’s living underwater, you really respect it. It’s somebody’s home.”

After becoming certified as an instructor, Greenhalgh bought a video camera with an underwater housing. She began making videos below the sea’s surface, and presented them at conferences across New England. The goal was to teach people with adaptive needs how they could enjoy the sport. Not only was scuba diving adventurous, many people found themselves in less pain after diving. Moving around in a weightless environment helps, she said.

Greenhalgh’s interest in people with special needs began when her son John was diagnosed with brain cancer at 3 years old. For four years he went through surgery and chemotherapy. Fortunately John learned to walk and talk again through rehabilitation, and today he’s an occupational welder who scuba dives in his free time.

“He’s enjoying a normal life now,” she said. “We’re grateful for that.”

Based on personal experiences, Greenhalgh decided to do what she could to help. She said some people have obstacles that the rest of us don’t have, and that their self-esteem and confidence is often affected as a result. When they are given something fun and exploratory to do, like scuba diving, their confidence grows.

Greenhalgh also works with wounded veterans. As an instructor with the Handicapped Scuba Association, she heard about inwater events that the organization holds for injured soldiers. She takes vacation days from her job as an engineer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center to volunteer.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award, established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, recognizes citizens for their commitment to ongoing volunteerism. It’s administered by the Points of Light, a nonpartisan charitable organization in the US. Colleagues at the Naval War College nominated Greenhalgh for the award. She was told by a vice admiral that she’d won, and although there was no ceremony, she received a letter of acknowledgment.

“You don’t do these things for trophies,” she said.

While Greenhalgh was recognized for her volunteer work, she also offers scuba lessons to the public. Her company, Scuba Made Easy, draws students from all over the Northeast who travel to Jamestown to take lessons.

For more information visit www.scubamadeeasy.org.

Source: www.jamestownpress.com