Combat Diver Foundation: Preserving the heritage of combat divers

The Combat Diver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to preserving the history of the Combat Diver community. Though the foundation’s story began with a recognition that the class plaques at the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West were under threat by the ravages of time and salt air, CDF’s vision does not stop there. The men depicted on those plaques — from every service and from many allied nations — represent a tremendous contribution to the heroic history of the United States and its partners. Those stories should be preserved and told. With that in mind, CDF’s ultimate goal is the construction of the Combat Diver Museum that will serve as a home for that history.

Deep Dive 2020

Since its establishment in 2018, CDF has worked with an array of Special Operations Forces units and private donors to raise awareness for the CDF cause. This year, the foundation is growing its board of directors and will again host an annual fundraiser they call the “Deep Dive.” Last year’s Deep Dive 2019 event included a charity dive, a static display of all the latest Combat Diver gear, a silent auction, and a raffle, all to the soundtrack of live music on the beach. This year’s event, Deep Dive 2020, will take place at the Flora-Bama Lounge in Pensacola on 29 August. Mark your calendars!

A Call to Action

Remember! CDF is funded entirely by individual contributions. In order to accomplish their mission, the CDF needs your help getting the word out to donors and sponsors. Although CDF is not a membership organization, it is seeking volunteers to serve as official “Advisors” that can organize fundraisers, answer questions about the organization and its mission, and find ways to help interested people contribute. If you’re interested in getting involved please contact the Combat Diver Foundation through the website.

Preserving SOF History

CDF is not just for Combat Divers. It’s about an important part of Special Operations history so whether you’re a Combat Diver, Water Infiltration Course Graduate, Dive Medical Officer, Dive Medical Technician, or just a history or scuba enthusiast, please support CDF. Visit the CDF website at www.combatdiver.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn for all the latest.

This article was written by John Friberg, the Editor and Publisher of SOF News. He is a retired Command Chief Warrant Officer (CW5 180A) with 40 years of service in the U.S. Army Special Forces with active duty and reserve components.