In a ceremony described as “unbelievably moving,” John Niekrash, founder, Work Vessels for Vets donated laptop computers to eleven veterans. The presentation was held at the CT Department of Labor.  The presentation was part of the on-going efforts of Work Vessels for Vets (WVFV) to recognize and meet the needs of veterans embarking on civilian careers.

“We knew that the first boat was just the start last year,” said John, who began this effort with the donation of his lobster boat to returning Marine Richard Giguere in April 2008 in a ceremony attended by Senator Joseph Lieberman.  “We realized that people from all walks of life wanted to be a part and provide other ‘vessels’ or methods of assistance to our returning veterans.”

Ted Knapp, president, Green Technology Recycling, (GTR), Essington, PA, and Kimberly Crew, Computer Systems and Solutions, Philadelphia, PA donated all of the laptop computers.  GTR, a firm specializing in buying back and refurbishing computers, donated a portion of each of their projects to WVFV.  Ted presented each of the veterans with their computer package.  Novartis Pharmaceuticals also donated the mice and headphones to the package

The foundation requested that interested veterans send a letter outlining their needs and plans for the computer.  Participating in the search were members of the CT Department of Labor Office for Veterans’ Workforce Development, who themselves are veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the letters poured in, requests came from veterans who often served on multiple-deployments, who were injured and prohibited from returning to pre-service careers and many who were enrolling in college.   At the event, each of the recipients spoke of their service, their country and of their appreciation for those willing to help them adjust to civilian life.

The veterans who received the laptop computers were: Glenwood Anderson, Oxford, Carla M. Arroyo Vega, New Britain, David Castro, Jr. Wolcott, James Charles, Waterbury, Jennifer Delgado, Plainville, Tyeona Fletcher, Waterbury, Patrick Hackett, Torrington, David Perrotti, Torrington, Edwin Rivera, New Britain, Matthew T. Rossi, Prospect, and Juan Manual Sanchez, New Britain.

“Listening to these dedicated young men and women, just inspires you to do as much as you can to help,” reflected John.

Also lending his voice to the effort is Dave Mason, a founding member of “Traffic” and a Hall of Famer. Dave signed onto the Foundation’s Board and he promotes the organizations’ efforts nationally at each of his concerts.  Dave coordinated his performance schedule to participate in the ceremony.

The next project for Work Vessels for Vets is dubbed the “Blueberry Project.” For nine years, Adam Burke served his country in the United States Army.  During a patrol in the Iraqi city of In Balad, a mortar destroyed the humvee in which he was riding.  Adam was left ninety percent disabled.  A Purple Heart recipient, he returned from Iraq suddenly thrust into the reality of creating a new life with new challenges – challenges for which his military career did not, nor could not, prepare him.

With help from the Farmer’s Veterans Coalition and Project Evergreen, both non-profit organizations like WFVF, Adam started a small blueberry farm in the Pensacola area, FL.

In Adam’s words, “this farm will be a sanctuary and a place to work for veterans like myself.”

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 – bush-hogging services for the rural properties surrounding his farm.  His disability did not hampered his desire or efforts to assist his fellow soldiers.

Adam’s Veteran’s Administration patient advocate suggested him to contact WVFV for assistance. The presentation of the donated truck and tools to Adam’s blueberry farm will take place in August.

For more information on Work Vessels for Vets, please visit www.workvesselsforvets.com.

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