Florida Soldier Lost Foot In Afghanistan, But Keeps On Surfing

Fla. Soldier Loses Foot In Afghanistan, But Keeps On Surfing

Local Surfboard Maker Designs Board For Thomas Counihan

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. -- A soldier from Loxahatchee is home after losing part of his leg in Afghanistan, and thanks to a local man, he can continue his love of surfing.

Thomas Counihan, 21, told WPBF 25 News' Jason Newton on Thursday that thoughts of peaceful moments on the beach back home kept him going during his first tour of duty.

"In the bad times in Afghanistan, I (would) sit there and think back to 'Oh, I'm going to go home and sit on the beach with my girlfriend and my family. I'm going to go out and catch that perfect wave and just have a good day,'" Counihan said.

But in May, his foot was amputated after an improvised explosive device blew up.

So when Tom Salinsky, who works at Turtle Surf Boards, heard about Counihan's story, he built a surfboard for the soldier for free.
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