HAMPTON — When Ralph Fatello left the U.S. Marines after serving in the Vietnam War, he was in “a very bad place.” Surfing, he said, “literally saved my life.”

Now, Fatello, a long-time commander of American Legion Post 35, hosts Hit the Beach , an annual event at North Beach that connects veterans with one another and the ocean. Celebrating its 17th consecutive year, Hit the Beach brings together local surfers and volunteers to teach veterans how to surf.

The event, held on Aug. 29, was organized by the American Legion Post 35, the Wounded Warrior Project, NE Disabled Sports and the Manchester VA.

“When I was in a dark place, I went surfing again and I realized, ‘OK, I’m back. I’m back in the world,’ you know? And surfing has always been that healing agent for me,” Fatello said.

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