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Work Vessels for Veterans “Feelin’ Alright” with Dave Mason
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Work Vessels for Veterans welcomes Rock n’ Roll hall of famer, Dave Mason as its spokesman in voicing the need for helping our veterans’ transition back into civilian life from their call of duty. |
CT, Noank, June 6, 2009 --
Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV) welcomes Rock n’ Roll hall of famer, Dave Mason as its spokesman in voicing the need for helping our veterans’ transition back into civilian life from their call of duty.
“The price of freedom is constant vigilance. These are the people who protect our way of life,” says Mason.
Dave Mason's involvement has made a huge impact in promoting the organization's efforts nationally at his concerts. Mason's genuine pride and commitment to their cause has been affective and powerful in creating a productive awareness to the needs of our returning vets.
Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV) is a non-profit organization started in 2008 when its founder, John Niekrash, a lifelong lobsterman and businessman learned of the overwhelming need for assistance in helping our veterans’ transition into civilian careers and/or educational pursuits.
Laptop Presentation (left to right) Ted Knapp, David Perrotti (USAF), Dave Mason & John Niekrash
WVFV has since joined forces with Noank Shipyard and Mr. Ted Knapp, Vice President of Green Technology Recycling to further the support the “vessels” that has brought so much hope and fortitude to our returning vets.
To “set sail” the spirit of WVFV, John Niekrash personally donated a fishing boat which has now enabled an Iraq vet to fulfill his dream as a lobster fisherman while according him the means to support his family.
Today, captaining the 26’ Krasher III, Lance Cpl Richard Giguere is a successful fisherman as he proudly provides for his family and wife, Ashley, while living a dream facilitated by generosity and gratitude.
After precedence was set by that first donation, “people from other walks of life told me they'd like to help too,” Niekrash remarks.
With help from the Farmer’s Veterans Coalition and Project Evergreen, both non-profit organizations like WVFV, Purple Heart recipient, Adam Burke, who is ninety percent disabled, has started a small blueberry farm in the Pensacola, Florida area.
WVFV has commenced “Project Blueberry Farm” to further aid Burke in acquiring the tools needed such as small tractors, trucks, carts and other farming equipment.
Adam is not only looking to transition himself into his new career but to also help others. A place where other wounded veterans can go to work, exercise a “horticulture therapy” to help in their rehabilitation. He would like to expand his efforts to provide veteran employment providing bush-hogging services for the rural properties surrounding his farm. His disability has not hampered his desire or efforts to assist his fellow soldiers.
Collectively, “Project Blueberry Farm” has truly demonstrated the inspiring concept of “paying it forward”.
In conjunction with WVFV, Mr. Ted Knapp has established LAPTOPS FOR VETS along with Kimberly Crew of Computer Systems and Solutions and Green Technology Recycling, of Philadelphia, PA whose firms specialize in purchasing and refurbishing the devices. Knapp continually collects, refurbishes and distributes laptop computers, which he accordingly refers to as “vessels for learning”. “These are necessary tools to support our vets’ ambition towards a positive and productive realignment back into civilian life.”
“As more and more troops are coming home, the need for laptops and other requested items has exceeded our financial capabilities. We want to do more, we just can't without public and corporate support,” said Knapp.
The success of Work Vessels for Veterans is due to the unstoppable drive and passion of its members, which go far above and beyond the “non-profit” norm. The success and productivity of the organization is managed solely on volunteer work. Members are so passionate about the cause that they even pay their own travel expenses. Dave Mason’s presence has greatly contributed to the success of the organization, as he too performs solely on a volunteer basis.
John and Ted have been traveling the US promoting public awareness for the foundation for the last year. Dave Mason has made WVFV a part of every concert and interview he does. Their ongoing efforts are continually generating public awareness and involvement for constant growth in aiding our veterans with viable prospects for a productive future.
Work Vessels for Veterans is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, in which all contributions and donations are fully deductible under section 170 of the code.
Those wishing to apply for assistance or to contribute, please go to workvesselsforvets.org:
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§ Refer returning veterans
§ Become a local business mentor
§ Donate your skills to Work Vessels for Vets
§ Donate materials and equipment
§ Monetary donation
§ Corporate sponsorship/matching donations
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“Sadly, the needs of our Veterans far outweigh the resources that are currently available. Many of our vets are returning home to financial hardships and struggles - undue and unjust. Perhaps the state of the world is not a result of aggression and greed, but a result of apathy which has given aggression and greed the room to grow. The state of the world can be shifted with a willingness to act with gratitude, concern and selfless intent. It can only work with mutual concern for each other. The vets have done their part, serving us with selfless acts of sacrifice. We can only validate the magnitude of their efforts by reaching out and giving back upon their return from their call of duty.”
See the Dave Mason in the inspiring video: 'Thank You...'
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. -Mahatma Gandhi
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