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Wounded Warriors Arrive In Ft. Lauderdale For Fishing Trip

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- Eight retired and active duty wounded Marines arrived to a hero's welcome at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Thursday.

"It's breathtaking," said Corporal Scott Casimiro. "I couldn't be more thankful."

Corporal Casimiro served in the Marines in Afghanistan, where he got hit with an IED and lost an eye. He says this trip is a blessing.

"We come together as brothers to celebrate just how short life is," Casimiro said.

Casimiro and his fellow Marines are in South Florida for some much needed rest and relaxation on a fishing trip in the Everglades. The trip is sponsored by Project Healing Waters.

On a YouTube video, an official with the organization said, "It's all about the physical and emotional recovery of our wounded soldiers veterans through fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing outings throughout the country."

For Marine Steven Diaz, who was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, it's about camaraderie, bonding and helping those in need.

"The most important thing is not necessarily our injuries but the ability to take those blows and get back up and continue serving our veterans who are having a hard time readjusting to civilian life," Diaz said.

Marine Corporal Shawn Lopez is originally from Coral Springs and now lives in Virginia, working for the Department of Defense. He was injured in Afghanistan by an IED and travels with a service animal, Luna, who helps him during tough times. He's grateful for the getaway.

"It's always a good time when Marines get together," he said.

Despite their physical and emotional injuries, these Marines are excited about a chance to be united again in healing.

"I wake up every day and I've got something to celebrate," said Casimiro. "It wasn't always easy but long story short, I couldn't do it by myself."

And this trip shows that he doesn't have to.

The Marines expressed their gratitude to JetBlue, which is providing free airfare for their trip.

The Wounded Warriors will be have two long days of fishing and bonding then they'll return to the airport to head back home. Organizers of the event hope they create lasting friendships on this trip that help them on their journey.

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