Is Boats for Veterans Legit?
Direct Answer
Yes, Boats for Veterans is a legitimate organization that aims to provide recreational boating and fishing opportunities to wounded warriors and their families.
Boats for Veterans (B4V) is a non-profit organization based in the United States, established in 2010 with a primary goal of honoring the courage and sacrifices of the world’s bravest military service members and their families.
History
Founded by a group of experienced watermen, boatbuilders, and outdoor enthusiasts, Boats for Veterans has a mission to put the fun back in adventure for our nation’s military heroes. Their idea started with a single vessel and has grown to now possess a fleet of nearly a dozen boats and access to numerous waterways nationwide.
Services and Activities
Boats for Veterans offers a wide range of recreational activities to benefit the wounded, their family members, and military community. These activities include but are not limited to:
• Recreational Boating and Fishing: Providing the opportunity to escape the daily struggles and stresses of living with physical injuries. Boats are stocked with fishing gear and provide accommodations for passengers, guides, and safety gear.
• Therapy: Research has shown that exposure to nature and the soothing sensations of boating and fishing can be beneficial in aiding emotional and mental rehabilitation for returning veterans.
• Empowerment: Helping combat veterans develop skills and knowledge in boat maintenance and repairs, which builds self-sufficiency, pride, and confidence.
• Community: Facilitating bonds and friendships between combat veterans, allowing them to relate to and support each other.
• Recognition and Appreciation: Saluting the service and sacrifice of our military members with heartwarming stories of thankfulness and patriotism.
Programs
Some key programs that Boats for Veterans operates or participates in:
- Wounded Warrior Projects: Collaborates with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), one of the largest and most trusted combat veteran organizations in the USA, to serve its supporters.
- Battle Brew: Provides veteran-driven peer support groups through local meeting spaces and recreational events like fishing and camping.
• Annual Veterans Event : Hosts events showcasing the boating lifestyle to veterans and their families in a unique way. Live music, games, awards, and boating equipment demonstrations.
• Fish for Vets: Supporting the efforts of fellow service organizations and individuals nationwide dedicated to serving military service personnel and their families, aiming to increase boating exposure and provide financial aid whenever possible.
Key Players
- Rick Brink: President & Executive Director
- Cindy Brink: Managing Director and Boat Restoration Captain
- James Harris: Program Coordinator, Communications, and Development Director
