On Thursday nights, Lake Lewisville is more than just a gathering spot for surfers—it’s a place of healing, laughter and camaraderie for veterans rediscovering a sense of belonging. At the center of it all is Tyler Cooper ‘89, who turned his lifelong love of surfing into an unexpected source of community for wounded warriors.
“Ever since high school, I’ve been out on the lake with my ski boat,” Cooper said. “About 15 years ago, I met a Navy SEAL who became a great friend. Through him, I met other veterans, including guys like David Vobora, who was an NFL linebacker for the Rams. That really opened my eyes to this world.”
The ATF, based in Dallas, helps veterans with severe injuries train like the elite athletes they were before their lives changed. Inspired by their work, Cooper began inviting veterans to join his Thursday night surf sessions. What started casually has evolved into a tightly knit group where no injury is seen as a limitation.
“These guys are incredible,” Cooper said. “One Marine who’s been coming for years is fully blind, has a leg amputation and yet, he’s out on the water surfing on his stomach. The courage that takes is unbelievable.”
While some programs aim to help veterans rebuild their lives, Cooper’s approach is simpler: give them a space to feel normal again.
“What I’ve learned is that these guys don’t want to be treated as wounded. They just want to be one of the guys—like they were before everything changed,” Cooper said.
Surf Day isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about forging connections. After their time on the water, the group gathers for tacos or burgers, joking and swapping stories like old friends.
“We tease each other, talk trash and have a blast,” Cooper said. “We even host an end-of-season awards night called ‘The Surfies.’ It’s completely silly, but it’s about celebrating the fun we have together.”
The camaraderie is life-changing for veterans who often struggle with PTSD, pain and isolation.
“When you’re in the military, you have this brotherhood, this tribe,” Cooper said. “When they come back, they lose that. Surf Day gives them a tribe again.”
The group has faced its share of heartbreak. Cooper recalls losing a beloved member who battled addiction after returning from war. To honor him, they performed a traditional Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony on the lake, a testament to the bond they shared.
Despite the challenges, Cooper sees the impact of Surf Day in both small and profound ways.
“You can see their emotional and spiritual growth over time,” Cooper said. “We’re Christians, so faith naturally comes up and seeing God work in their lives has been amazing.”
For Cooper, this isn’t a formal program or a charity. It’s a way of life.
“I never set out to start a wounded warrior project,” Cooper said. “This is just how God led my life. These guys are my friends. The artificial legs, the wheelchairs—they don’t even register anymore. They’re just part of the crew.”
Through Surf Day, Cooper has created more than a weekly tradition—he’s built a community where veterans feel seen, supported and valued.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about their injuries,” Cooper says. “It’s about giving them a space to laugh, surf and just live life again. And honestly, they give as much to me as I give to them.”
