It can be the most challenging transition, returning from war to everyday life, but for some veterans, the weight of a new world, lifted off their shoulders thanks to a program at Bakersfield College. 

Monday night, a group of 9 disabled veterans continued their training to be certified scuba divers by Aqua-Nut Divers instructors as part of its second annual charity project- Veterans Empowered through Scuba (VETS). 

A program that has helped Army Veteran, Jorge Partida, escape a world weighing on him as he deals with PTSD. 

"When I'm in the water none of that bothers me, I am just in the ocean looking at fish trying to catch a shark and it just takes me away from all of my problems up here in the surface,” said Partida.

Assistant instructor Martha Schimon says she sees the joy and the relief veterans get from scuba diving and hopes it can impact more veterans in Kern County.

All of the trainers volunteer their time for these classes and thanks to the support from the community can make a difference in the life of those who served our country.
 
"Our hope is that we bring that joy so some who may not think they can do something like scuba," said Schimon.

If you are a veteran and you are interested in the scab diving classes click HERE.