SAN DIEGO -- Disabled veterans from around San Diego Country will be surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling and competing in track and field around San Diego this week as part of the second annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. The event is a chance for the veterans to compete, learn and talk with other people who understand what they've been through.

Bill Johnston, a Vietnam War veteran who lost both legs to a land mine, went surfing for the first time Monday.

"In tune with the ocean and all the support you've got here to make sure everything goes well," Johnston said. "It doesn't get any better than this."

Jason McKean of the 82nd Airborne was badly injured by an IED in Iraq, and he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a knee injury, and a traumatic brain injury.

"This week means a lot," McKean said. "Just means I can get back out, do stuff I used to do before my disabilities."

Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki came from Washington D.C. to observe. He said the clinic helps the veterans physically and mentally.

"You can see the physical problems. The mental ones are there as well, and so this is healing and rehabilitation in a total context," said Shinseki.

The veterans will be at the clinic all week. There are teams, and friendly competition and a feeling of camaraderie.

Air Force Veteran Dallas Edge went surfing for the first time and already had the lingo down, saying, "I'm positively stoked."