Vets On Board Network creates water-based pathways to healing, connection, and purpose for veterans throughout South Florida. We support veteran mental health and well-being through guided experiences, outdoor education, and peer community.
WHY IT MATTERS
Many veterans face ongoing challenges after service, including stress, isolation, and difficulty reconnecting to civilian life. While traditional support systems are important, healing also happens through connection, environment, and shared experiences.
Water has a unique ability to calm the mind, reduce stress, and create space for reflection. Combined with community, it becomes a powerful pathway toward healing.
OUR APPROACH
Vets On Board Network is more than a program—we are a coordinated network of experiences, resources, and community support designed to improve the mental health and well-being of veterans.
Through water-based activities, wellness education, and meaningful connection, we create opportunities for veterans to decompress, reconnect, and rediscover a sense of purpose.
We provide boat excursions and water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, and shoreline gatherings that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and foster connection.
We offer educational resources and guided activities that support emotional well-being, stress management, and long-term recovery.
We collaborate with veteran organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups to expand access and reach more veterans in need.
We build a supportive community through shared experiences, peer connection, and ongoing engagement that reduces isolation and strengthens belonging.
This vessel, Hooligan, appeared as broken as I felt! It was a bit of a wreck, but the hull was still intact. Much of the other structures and instruments were salvageable, and I had the mad idea that a bit of elbow grease, spit and polish was all that was needed to restore it to its former glory.
That is where the idea formed, to use this vessel to help not only heal me, but other Veterans who were hurting as well.
After years of hard work, I’ve put my plan into action, and my dream of forming Vets On Board, has become a reality.
FOUNDER’S STORY
The Backstory
In October 2015, I came down with severe pancreatitis. As a result of this, I went into a coma for nearly six months. When I finally woke up, I was legally blind.
My left eye is pretty much dead; my right eye sees shadows. Although this seems a grim outcome, I have much for which to be thankful.
While I was in rehab at the West Palm Beach VA Hospital, I had a crazy idea: maybe I could use my situation to benefit other veterans. The idea grew, and grew, and I couldn’t let it go. I wracked my brain to come up with a way to help others. My time in the VA put me in contact with many other vets, and a lot of them remembered happier times during our long discussion. Often, this centered on exciting memories about fishing the pristine ocean waters off of Palm Beach, and cruising the Gulf Stream.
One day, my crazy idea formed into a crazier one: What if I found a way to allow these veterans to find a renewed enjoyment of the simpler things of life? Like maybe fishing? Many of these people had been abandoned or left by the wayside by a seemingly callous society. They often struggled with feelings of despair, or disappointment. Some suffered PTSD, or substance abuse problems. Maybe I could help them get back into the world, using a shared love of fishing as the catalyst?
So, I purchased a 40 foot 1949 Coast Guard cutter.
WHY WE STARTED
Our programs are designed to create meaningful outcomes for veterans by:
As we grow, we remain committed to delivering measurable impact and expanding access to those who need it most.
Join Our First Wave
We are launching Vets On Board Network with a mission to serve veterans through water-based experiences that promote healing, connection, and well-being.
Our First Wave Campaign is focused on building the foundation—equipment, program support, and community resources—needed to deliver these experiences safely and effectively.
Your support at this stage helps us reach more veterans, faster.
Explore insights, tools, and information on how water, environment, and community support mental well-being and recovery for veterans.
Vets On Board Network is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 41-5336663. All donations are tax-deductible. Your information is never sold or shared.
