Local singer supports soldier rehab program

By CAROLE ROBINSON, Staff Writer
crobinson@williamsonherald.com

Williamson County singer/songwriter Deborah Allen is taking advantage of the popularity of this week’s CMA Music Festival to raise money for her favorite cause, the Underwater Warriors.

The charitable and educational non-profit organization is located at Fort Campbell and was created to provide free scuba diving as therapeutic recreation for injured servicemen and women.

While Allen is hosting autograph sessions and a couple concerts, in her biggest performance, she will take on a different role.

On Saturday, June 9 during breakfast hours (9 – 11 a.m.) at Monell’s Dining & Catering on Sixth Avenue North in Nashville, Allen and members of the military will serve breakfast to patrons. A portion of the proceeds will go to Underwater Warriors, Allen said.

“I have a special place in my heart for soldiers,” said Allen, who comes from a military family. “Anytime young people serve in a war, there are scars physical and mental they learn to deal with. I realized Underwater Warriors was a great program providing a great experience.”

In September 2006, after learning about the program, Allen joined a group of wounded soldiers, including Army Specialist Robert Shrode, on a trip to the Cayman Islands where the wounded received therapy for their injuries through scuba diving and Allen learned a lesson about miracles and the human spirit.

“Their courage doesn’t stop, they have to be courageous all their life,” she said.

Ask Shrode, who served for three years with the 101st Airborne and was wounded only three months into his tour in Iraq, what Underwater Warriors has meant and he doesn’t hesitate.

“Freedom.”

Shrode was seriously wounded on June 5, 2003, in Fallujah when a rocket propelled grenade hit the Humvee in which he was riding. His injuries included an amputated arm, hearing loss in both ears and shrapnel wounds throughout his body.

After the attack, Shrode said he was “in a funk,” unsure as to what he could do with his life considering all the injuries and without his right arm. In September 2006 he joined the Underwater Warriors program.

“They have given me a chance to see there is a whole new world,” he said. “They gave me a future. Underwater Warriors has given me a sense of normalcy that I have not felt since before my injury.”

Now he has a dream and possibilities. He wants to run a live aboard diving boat for people who are handicapped. He wants to help others like he has been helped.

“My dream has always been to live on a boat and travel the world,” he said. “It was doubtful that was going to happen, but now I know I have a chance.”

Allen dedicated a song she wrote to the program. “Deeper Waters” has become the organization’s theme song.

“I have felt such deep fulfillment knowing the song might help the organization,” she said. 

Posted on: 6/7/2007