We talk with Army combat veteran, and former Special Forces Public Affairs specialist, Aaron Knowles about “Shred the Stress” an organization he founded to bring the therapeutic benefits of the “Onewheel” electric skateboard, to veterans everywhere.

We begin by tracking his days in Iraq and the events that nearly cost him his life.

After surviving IED explosions and multiple life-changing moments, Knowles shared his transition from heavy vehicle operator to managing public affairs for units within the Special Operations community. But the joy of sharing our warfighter’s stories, was complicated by his own war wounds.

Knowles reveals the after-effects of traumatic brain injuries and describes living with PTSD. After trying to manage his mental health with the usual recommendations, he discovered an alternative tool that delivered powerful results- the Onewheel, electric skateboard.

Knowles described how surfing the earth on this unique board made him stoked in ways medication could not. Realizing his immediate improvement, he founded a riding group for all veterans, “Shred the Stress”.

Now based in Brooklyn, NY. we learn more about the group, its future, and how veterans across the country can get involved.

For more, check out Shred the Stress:

https://www.shredthestress.org/

Discover the Onewheel here:

https://onewheel.com/

For more military news and veteran stories see Connecting Vets here:

https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow:

@philbriggsVet

@connectingvets

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