Service has always been a part of Airman Cody Hendrick's story. As a fourth-generation Veteran, his family's legacy of service spans every major military conflict from World War I to the present. In January 2007, Hendrick answered his own call to serve by joining the United States Air Force and graduated basic training with an Honor Graduate Ribbon. Following an injury during special tactics training, he transitioned to munitions systems and was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany before deploying to Iraq in January of 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He separated from the military in 2009. 

Hendrick, like many Veterans, found taking off his uniform uncovered new and different battles than what his military training had prepared him for. For more than a decade following his military service, Hendrick struggled to reconcile his combat experiences with civilian life. He wrestled with questions of identity and purpose alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use challenges. 

Joining the military builds camaraderie, bonds, friendship, and forces near constant companionship and community. However, Hendrick struggled to find those connections in the civilian world and attempted to take his own life. A random encounter with a stranger created a shift. This interaction would ultimately save Hendrick's life and lead him to seek and accept help through the VA.

Hendrick's life did not change overnight, but this small shift turned into momentum that grew over the course of six years. Hendrick found sobriety in 2022 along with the realization that healing and purpose are closely related.

Encouraged by his wife, Megan, Hendrick attended Warrior Surf Foundation's surf therapy program. There, he found healing for himself as well as a new way to serve others. Through surf therapy, wellness practices and faith, Hendrick discovered a passion for helping others find their purpose.

Today, Hendrick has transformed his pain into purpose and dedicates his life to serving and assisting other Veterans, first responders and people in recovery throughout South Carolina. His service extends across numerous organizations and initiatives. He serves as a Palmetto Pathfinder through the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs. He is an active member of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Coalition, a Veterans Specialist with the South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences, and a Community Chief Ambassador and Surf Coach with Warrior Surf Foundation. He also serves as the Tide Turners Director at WakeUp Carolina. 

Through Tide Turners, Hendrick developed and now leads an innovative surf therapy and wellness program designed to serve Veterans, first responders, individuals in recovery, family members, and community members navigating trauma, grief and substance use disorders. His work creates safe spaces for healing while helping others rediscover connections, resilience, and purpose.

Hendricks continues to elevate the value and service he brings to the Veteran community by earning numerous professional credentials, including Recovery Coach Professional, Veteran Peer Support Specialist, Certified Breathwork and Meditation Coach, and Surf Therapy Facilitator.

Every Veteran's story and journey is different. Today, Cody and Megan live in Charleston, South Carolina with their three children. Hendrick has changed and will continue to change lives here in the Palmetto State because he chose to seek help and continue living. Hendrick exemplifies what it means to continue serving long after military service ends. He has transformed his greatest struggle into his greatest strength and uses those experiences to create hope, connection and healing for Veterans and his community. His life serves as a powerful reminder that service does not end when we remove the uniform.

We are proud to recognize Airman Cody Hendrick as the September 2026 Veteran of the Month!