Salvage Life

Salvage Life is a nonprofit organization founded by Andrew Hairston, a Marine and native of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization aims to inspire individuals, regardless of their circumstances, to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, with a focus on veteran and disabled communities in the Camp Lejeune area and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Founding and Mission

Andrew Hairston established Salvage Life following a life-altering accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. Despite this, he continued to engage in sports and adaptive activities, which he credits with restoring his mental and psychological well-being during his recovery. Recognizing the limited opportunities for adaptive sports in the Virgin Islands, Hairston founded Salvage Life to address this gap and raise awareness about various disabilities.

The mission of Salvage Life is to inspire persons with or without disabilities to live a healthy life, regardless of their circumstances. The organization emphasizes the importance of adaptive sports in recovery and personal development, drawing from Hairston's experiences in the military and his participation in events like the DoD Warrior Games.

Programs and Activities

Salvage Life offers various adaptive sports programs designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals of all skill and activity levels. One of the activities includes wheelchair basketball, which is organized in collaboration with community centers to ensure that everyone can participate.

Name and Significance

The name "Salvage Life" is derived from the common gym phrase "Savage Life," but uses "Salvage" to highlight awareness about limb salvage and related disabilities. This reflects Hairston's personal experience and advocacy for adaptive athletes, particularly in transitioning military personnel.

Tax Identification

Salvage Life operates with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 871932431.