NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) entry level employee Mario Haddad works hard to support the warfighter.

As an employee, Haddad is a logistics management specialist in NAVAIR’s Logistics and Industrial Operations’ (AIR 6.0) Naval Acquisition Development Program (NADP). But during his time off, he volunteers with wounded warriors through Operation Float a Soldier (OFAS) — a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 that supports wounded warriors and their families by providing outdoor activities and hosting events throughout the summer and winter that they can participate in.

And who better to help wounded warriors than Haddad, a wounded warrior himself. The former Army supply specialist was injured while deployed in Germany in 2011. In 2013, Haddad was assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion — specifically for wounded warriors — at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

While there, Haddad signed up to participate in an OFAS event at Canyon Lake in San Antonio. The outing gives injured warriors the opportunity to relax and participate in 5K fun runs and walks; water activities, such as boating, fishing and jet skiing; and even hunting.

Haddad ended up establishing a close friendship with the organization’s leaders: Seth Warnick and Wes Garnett. After his retirement from the Army later in 2013, Haddad asked if he could volunteer with the organization during the summer of 2014 events.

“Of course they said, ‘absolutely.’ And that summer I participated in all six events and activities held at Canyon Lake.”

A few months later, Haddad accepted his current position with NAVAIR and moved to Maryland, bringing with him a strong passion for the work he did with OFAS.

That same passion led Haddad back to Texas in the summer of 2015 to volunteer with OFAS’ first event in July. While there, he assisted with set-up and manned the Jet Ski station, assisting wounded warriors and their friends and families with using the watercraft.

“As a wounded warrior, I was very grateful for everything I received while I was stationed in Fort Sam,” he said. “This is one of the most amazing ways that I can give back.”

Now, Haddad’s hopes of giving back have grown even bigger. He and OFAS' leadership are discussing the idea of expanding the organization to Maryland.

“OFAS is a group of patriotic and dedicated people who are on a mission to honor and empower wounded service members and their families. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to participate in their events. My hope is to contribute in the same manner, one day, to the wounded warriors in Maryland.”

For more information about OFAS, visit their website at http://floatasoldier.org.