What happens when the skills built in military diving are redirected toward protecting the ocean? John and Victor sit down with Jim Ritterhoff and filmmaker Bob Whitney to discuss Force Blue, a veteran organization that connects former combat and special operations divers with marine scientists for hands-on conservation missions.
Force Blue’s work includes coral restoration, coral nurseries, sea turtle research, shark and kelp projects, shipwreck surveys, and marine-debris removal. Jim explains the organization’s “mission therapy” model: creating a meaningful team environment where veterans can continue serving while contributing to scientific diving and conservation work. The conversation includes Force Blue’s coral work in Okinawa and a coral rescue effort after Hurricane Irma.
John and Victor also cover veteran buddy checks and crisis-support resources, then shift into practical transition questions about Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E), housing allowance requirements, VR&E denials and appeals, the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and education options. The episode also highlights the Ocean Conservation School for Gold Star children and military families, PGA HOPE, Wallace J. Nichols’ Blue Mind, and the Frog Fathers documentaries.
Episode Timestamps
00:03:30 Veteran mental health and buddy checks
00:06:01 How Force Blue began
00:08:36 Combat divers in marine conservation
00:13:05 Restoring coral reefs in Okinawa
00:18:21 Force Blue’s mission therapy model
00:32:12 Rescuing damaged coral
00:35:44 Sea turtle research in the Florida Keys
00:38:06 Kelp, shipwreck, and debris projects
00:41:29 Coral nurseries and reef restoration
00:43:02 How veterans join Force Blue
00:46:55 Ocean Conservation School
00:50:37 National Marine Sanctuary Tour
00:55:49 Frog Fathers and Blue Mind
01:05:31 PGA HOPE for veterans
01:13:40 Transition book and SBP discussion
01:19:48 Upcoming VR&E process guide
01:20:50 VR&E and housing allowance discussion
01:22:01 Appealing a VR&E denial
01:23:35 Closing remarks
Key Topics
• Force Blue and veteran marine conservation
• Scientific diving and dive-training pathways
• Coral reef restoration in Okinawa and Florida
• Sea turtle research, shipwreck surveys, kelp, and debris removal
• Veteran connection, purpose, and water-based activities
• Ocean Conservation School for military families
• National Marine Sanctuaries and community engagement
• VR&E, GI Bill and VA education-benefit discussions
• SBP election questions and DD Form 2656
Resources Mentioned
• Force Blue: forceblueteam.org
• Force Blue on Facebook and Instagram: @forceblueteam
• 988 and local VA clinics
• Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
• GI Bill and VA education benefits
• Ocean Conservation School
• Frog Fathers and Frog Fathers 2
• Blue Mind
• PGA HOPE
• Green Logbook: greenlogbook.com
• DD Form 2656
If you are a veteran looking for a new mission, a military family interested in ocean education, or a service member navigating the transition to civilian life, this episode offers practical leads and a grounded look at continued service beyond the uniform.