Injured veterans learn to surf to find peace and friendship

Caleb Brewer, left, of the U.S. Army, prepares to go out in the surf with assistance from volunteers Pops, center, and Jeff Porhaska, right, during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

Kisha Makerney, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army, surfs to the excitement of a volunteer during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

Surf instructor Alana Hendrickson, left, gives Kisha Makerney, an active-duty U.S. Army member, some tips during the 2nd annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

A volunteer greets Marcus Cole of the U.S. Army during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

Stephen Peterson, U.S. Army, who lost his leg to an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2011, practices standing on a board during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

Van Curaza, founder of Amazing Surf Adventures, welcomes Marcus Cole during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday , June 4.

Stephen Peterson, in background, and Ramesh Haytasingh observe the presentation of colors at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday, June 4.

Van Curaza, founder of Amazing Surf Adventures, instructs Jose Rivera, an active-duty U.S. Marine, during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday, June 4.

Jose Rivera, an active-duty U.S. Marine, catches a wave during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday, June 4.

Jason Boggs, left, and Colin Lewis, right, help soldier Stephen Peterson, who lost his leg to an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2011, out of the water during the 2nd Annual Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Monday, June 4.