SEA WAVES began as a ripple of hope and has grown into a powerful wave of change for service members, veterans, and military families impacted by eating disorders.

Founded by Navy Senior Chief (Ret.) Leah Stiles, SEA WAVES was born from lived experience, leadership, and a deeply felt need to fill a critical gap in military mental health support. Today, SEA WAVES is the nation’s first and only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting service members, veterans, and military families affected by eating disorders.

Eating disorders do not discriminate, yet too often they go unseen, untreated, and misunderstood within military culture.

The pressures of readiness, trauma, transition, weight standards, stigma, and silence can create an environment where disordered eating thrives beneath the surface. SEA WAVES exists to change that.

Our name stands for Support, Education, Awareness, Wellness, and Validation for Eating Disorders and Suicide Prevention. Through programs like MEDAL™ training and The Lighthouse Project, we provide education, advocacy, connection, and resources that help military communities recognize eating disorders earlier, respond with compassion, and connect individuals to support.

This work is deeply personal and urgently needed. Every donation helps us expand access to education, outreach, resources, and community-based support for those who may be struggling in silence.

Learn more about SEA WAVES and our mission here:
Watch Our Story

Your gift helps us shine a light where it is needed most.

Together, we can create a military community where eating disorders are recognized as serious health concerns, prevention is proactive, and no service member, veteran, or family member has to face this storm alone.

Need a light; Be a light.

Join us in making waves of change, one life at a time.🌊

Need a Sister; Be a Sister 80s Pajama Pizza Party !

Join us for an evening of sisterhood, self-care, laughter, and connection as we gather to celebrate National Women Veterans Day and kick off the nationwide Need a Sister; Be a Sister buddy check movement.