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Westport, MA
A Massachusetts's Lobsterman will make a dream come true for an Iraq war veteran Chris Pinto this Thanksgiving weekend with the donation of his 47' lobster boat coordinated through Connecticut based Work Vessels for Vets. A ceremony marking the transfer will be held at the Town Wharf in Westport, MA this Friday, November 27th at 11:00 am.
The vessel donation being made by Tim Field of Revolution Lobster of Westport marks the third commercial fishing vessel transferred to a returning veteran through Work Vessels for Vets, a non-profit organization founded to assist returning veterans jump start their civilian careers. Mr. Field contacted WVFV after hearing of founder John Niekrash's similar donation in 2008, inaugurating the non-profit organization.
"I was thrilled when Tim contacted us," said Niekrash. "This is just the kind of thing we envisioned when we started this whole effort, that others would carry the torch and recognize the need that these young soldiers face upon their return. This is just the way to spend a Thanksgiving weekend and we applaud Tim's generosity. We're here to support and help them both. People need to know of the sacrifice of these guys and more importantly of their generosity."
Within the same month that Mr. Field notified the Charity of his intent to donate the boat, the organization received the application from Plymouth, MA Veteran, Chris Pinto. Mr. Pinto, a United States Army E-4 Specialist, 23, has served two tours in Iraq, is married to wife Rachael, and is father to a ten-month old child with a second baby due in February. He may again deploy to Afghanistan this spring. The story of these two gentlemen is but a snapshot of the danger and sacrifices made at both war and sea. Chris's father Paul who had seen the story of Work Vessels for Vets in the Fisherman Magazine urged his son to apply and helped him with his application. Tragically, Mr. Pinto lost his life on June 11th while out at sea scalloping. And just recently the sacrifice of war hit home for Mr. Field when his cousin died tragically in a paratroop accident in Afghanistan. He was laid to rest earlier this month.
"These are tales of such sadness but we hope that this heroic donation to this young man will help mend these two families," noted Niekrash, "we all need to do what we can". Even in sadness, this new opportunity for Mr. Pinto left him with but a few words, "this is the best Thanksgiving ever". Background John Niekrash, a life long lobster and businessman started this effort with the donation of "Krasher III" to Rhode Island veteran and fisherman, Richard Giguere in 2008. Working with his local marina, Noank Shipyard, the team readied the vessel and hosted the ceremony where Mr. Niekrash received the "Joe's Hero Award" from Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman. Noank Shipyard became a founding member of the organization and Managers Dan and Massachusetts native, Kathleen Burns together with John will be in attendance at Friday's ceremony.
In just two years since the Noank, CT-based charity launched its organization, the volunteer group continues to assist America's military personnel transition back to civilian careers and educational pursuits. Since the first boat donation, the organization has expanded the scope of "vessel" to include computers, tools, vehicles and services and its geographic reach into other parts of New England, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida and more. Board member Ted Knapp's Green Recycling Technology of New Jersey has been providing laptops throughout the country.
"We will go to where Veterans need us and try to find the tools they need to succeed", said Kathleen Burns. "But we never forget our roots here with our love of the water and its commercial endeavors." said Burns.
Other WVFV Activities:
- In March, the group donated 20 laptop computers to a group of veterans organized through Connecticut's Department of Labor.
- In April, a boat was donated to the Wounded Warriors Association in Ohio. The boat was used this summer by veterans to help other comrades enjoy the joys of fishing.
- In July, as part of Groton, CT-based Grossmans' Seafood's "Operation Lobster Dinner", WVFV donated a van to Eric Spader a veteran starting his own chimney sweeping business and a computer to a Gaylen Spicer looking to improve his performance at work with computer training.
- Throughout the summer laptop computers were sent to veterans throughout the country as requests were received.
- In September a vehicle was donated to a returning veteran as a means to establish transportation back and forth to his job.
- The group will be part of another presentation in Webster, Florida in January where Adam Burke, a Purple Heart Recipient will receive a truck, compressors and tools for his Blueberry Farm Project. This farm project will also enable other veterans to work through their own transitions through horticultural therapy.
"WVFV is continually looking for vessels, vehicles, tools and other equipment and even money to purchase the things that could prove useful in launching the civilian careers of our returning soldiers", said Niekrash.
Event Information: Friday, November 27th * 11:00 am (rain or shine)
Town Wharf, Westport MA
Red Hull Vessel in First Slip
From 195 East take the Route 88 south Horseneck beach exit. Follow route 88 until 5th set of lights which will be Drift Road, approx 12 miles. Set of lights before the bridge. (If you go over a bridge you have gone too far) Take a right at the lights and then a left at the stop sign at the top of the hill. Follow this road to the end at the town wharf. The boat is the first one you see, red hull.
Work Vessels for Vets is an IRS recognized 501(c) (3) public charity based at 145 Pearl Street, Noank, Connecticut.
For More Information on WVFV please visit the Website: www.workvesselsforvets.org |
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Receives Another Coveted Industry Recognition
HOLLYWOOD, CA- June 11, 2009: With the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) gearing up for their distinguished industry event this fall, it was announced today by the event producers that legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will receive his Outstanding Career Achievement Honor at the HMMA produced Music In Media Interactive Conference (MIMICON) on Saturday, November 21st.
“Dave Mason has a distinguished career in the Music Industry, one so diverse and meaningful to a generation of listeners; we are honored to recognize his accomplishments.” HMMA Co-Executive Producer Brent Harvey remarks. “Mason is worthy of this honor on many levels, including his philanthropic service over the years. We are delighted we have the opportunity to identify his career achievements, relevance and longevity in the music industry”
Mason has enjoyed a career that has spanned over 37 years, performing to sold-out audiences with memorable bands Traffic and Fleetwood Mac, as well as recording with some of music’s legendary icons, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and the Rolling Stones. He has penned and recorded memorable gold and platinum songs, including ‘Feeling Alright’, ‘Let It Flow’ and his smash-hit single, ‘We Just Disagree’. In 2004 Dave Mason and the band Traffic received one of the highest honors of their careers when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Adding to his impressive discography, Mason just released his 2009 solo LP, "26 Letters ~ 12 Notes" and is touring through the summer.
Mason has gone beyond reaching out to be heard beyond his career in music, by becoming an influential figure as an advocate for the foundation Working Vessels for Vets. His dedication to raising awareness and funding through his shows and his work in the media, will continue to have an impact on our returning heroes. You can visit their website for more information on how you can help. http://www.workvesselsforvets.org
The HMM Awards will take place on Thursday, November 19th at The Highlands in the Hollywood & Highlands / Kodak Theater Complex featuring live music performances, award presentations, celebrities appearances and a exclusive VIP reception and dinner banquet catered by Wolfgang Puck, Inc. The Miusic In Media Interactive Conference will occur November 20th, 21st and 22nd at the landmark Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, also located in the Hollywood & Highlands complex.
The most renown music composers, music artists and music supervisors will be honored for their outstanding contributions to music in film, TV and video games. In addition, independent music artists from around the world will be recognized for individual music accomplishments. The call for entries submission information can be found at the newly launched web site at www.hmmawards.com. |
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Thank you!
We appreciate your continued support of Work Vessels for Vets!
We received the following letter today from a vet here in Connecticut and thought you'd like to read it as the letter sums up why we are all doing what we do for these American heroes.
My name is Mario Cruz and I am a returning OIF combat veteran.
I was in the Army for four years. Two of them I served in Darmstadt Germany under the 92nd MP Company, 709th MP Battalion, 18th MP Brigade. I was deployed to Iraq for 9 months serving under the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division Fort Campbell, KY. Upon return I finish my duties in Fort Campbell, KY.
During the war it was very difficult mentally and physically. There are many reasons why I say this, but only people who have been to war and been in combat can truly understand what I am saying. From having close friends taken away, and loosing my mother during this process, I can say it has been a difficult time. After the war, my wife, three children, and myself have really been struggling to get by. P.T.S.D. has taken its toll on all of us.
Four years later, I can now say that things are looking better. My family and myself have recently moved from Desert Hot Springs, CA to Groton, CT. It has been a significant change for all of us. I have enrolled in college, I have a steady job, and my children are in a great school system. The only thing that was missing was a vehicle to get to all these places!
I found a program on the internet called WORK VESSELS FOR VETS. www.workvesselsforvets.org I submitted an application explaining a little about myself, my military service, and my situation, and they replied. Now when I say they replied, they donated my family a car! A really nice car too. I'm crying right now. They donated a car to my family and thanked me for my service. They genuinely are a true passionate group of people who really helped me in a time of need. It was a true miracle for myself and my family.
I personally would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Niekrash and Mr. Brown for putting this all together for me. This program has made me see that there are people out there who really care about veterans. I'm sorry I'm very emotional when I'm writing this. I've just felt so alone in the world since I came back from the war and have had such difficulties but you guys really made me feel special, and I haven't felt that way in a long time. Thank you so, so much... because of WORK VESSELS FOR VETS, I can go to college, I can really go to college now, and not have to struggle. Thank you guys so much, it is truly a miracle from God.
Love is Life and Life is Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
John Niekrash
Work Vessels for Vets |
On March 17, 2009, John Niekrash, Ted Knapp and Dave Mason met outside of Hartford, Ct at the Department of Labor. The meeting was set up through the Veterans Administration. 11 returning veterans had heard about Work Vessels for Vets and the programs they offered. Soldiers wrote letters explaing their needs and their situation and based on the letters, recipient were selected.
They were going to use the laptops to further their education or meet the needs of their current job. Work Vessels for Veterans had previously set up a returning US Marine with his own lobster fishing boat and he is now currently working the waters in Rhode Island. Two additional boats are on the schedule for donation, a Sea Tow boat in New England and a charter fishing boat in Ohio. With the support of Dave Mason, awareness for the cause is now able to be spread nationwide.
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DAVE MASON TO RECEIVE OUTSTANDING CAREER ACHIEVEMENT HONOR THIS YEAR AT THE MUSIC IN MEDIA INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE
