Low Key Watersports

Low Key Watersports in Wharfside Village is providing the veterans with free equipment for their dives and SUDS is covering the cost of fuel and labor. SUDS president John Thompson is a former Low Key Watersports employee, and he made the call to owner Ann Marie Estes about three months ago asking if there was anything she could do for them. Estes says she was happy to oblige, and hopes to be able to accommodate more SUDS groups in the future. "We are really creating an environment that's really safe and fun down here. It's a real positive environment for the divers to have a real positive experience. I mean - St. John - look at what we have to offer down here," Estes said. On Tuesday, Estes said a man on vacation on St. John who did not want to be identified saw the veterans heading out to dive while hanging out at The Beach Bar that adjoins Low Key Watersports. He spoke with Estes about their trip and decided to donate $1,000 toward their diving expenses. When another vacationing couple, Eric and Stephanie Zawacki, both police officers from the Boston, heard about the donation and decided to pay the remaining balance of $925. And the generosity isn't limited just to tourists. While in town, the veterans and SUDS instructors are staying at donated accommodations courtesy of the Westin Resort and the Florian Villa owned by Deborah Bernstein and former Marine Scott Wahlen. Local restaurants including The Beach Bar, High Tide and Shipwreck Landing also are helping out by providing dinners for the veterans each night of their stay. Virgin Islands residents and visitors who are interested in meeting the veterans can meet them at 5 p.m. tonight at Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay. On Thursday, a pig roast to honor the veterans will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. at The Beach Bar in Wharfside Village. The event is open to the public and dinner costs $20 per plate. Ehrenberg will have SUDS bag tags available for a $5 donation to help support future SUDS excursions. On Thursday, the Virgin Islands Coast Guard will be taking the veterans on a private tour aboard one of their vessels. Stories on the SUDS trip to St. John will be aired on upcoming episodes of Good Morning America and World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson. For information, or to make donations, visit SUDS at www.sudsdiving.org.