In response to the 9/11 attacks, Josh Johnson was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After 4.5 years of dedicated service and confronting the harsh realities of combat, he returned home to settle down near the beaches of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Over the course of the next 12 years, he found himself grappling with the subtle signs of undiagnosed PTSD. Through extreme sports like surfing and diving Josh instinctively knew that the expanse of the ocean and open water offered a reprieve.
By chance, Josh received an invitation to learn how to sail, reviving his sense of belonging within a crew where roles were clear and teamwork was essential. Over the years of honing his passion and skills for sailing, Josh naturally gravitated towards the rush of racing sailboats.
It wasn’t until he extended a similar invitation to his friend and fellow veteran to join him on the water that Josh was able to witness the tranquility it can bring others who faced similar struggles. In that moment, a realization clicked- perhaps this peace was meant to be shared.
In 2018, Josh established Freedom Sailing with the motto, “Together we are strong,” inviting fellow veterans and first responders to embark on their own sailing adventures. Beyond just sailing, Freedom Sailing has become a community where members support each other through life changes and hardships.
Based in the pristine sailing waters of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Freedom Sailing operates its very own boat, ‘Sail Shocked,’ a 24 ft Corsair Trimaran racing boat. Here, veterans and first responders alike find solace and healing from physical, mental, and emotional trauma through the therapeutic power of sailing and community.
