Saturday, September 29, 2007

2007 Wheelchair Regatta

Oakland Firefighters participated in the Annual Wheelchair Regatta at the Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda. Boat owners donate their time and vessels to take hospitalized war Veterans out on a cruise around the Bay. Vets are bussed in from Veteran Hospitals from around the Bay Area and get the opportunity to spend a day away from institutionalized life. Oakland Firefighters, along with Coast Guard and Sheriff Department volunteers, help to carry the Veterans in their wheelchairs on and off the boats. After the boat ride around the Bay, the Veterans enjoy a BBQ lunch and share a few war stories.