story by Alexis Ann
photos by Tom Bombria
Work Vessels for Vets (WVFV) rallied to serve the immediate and urgent needs of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan returning from theaters of war as they seek to establish their own business or further their education. And, last Saturday night’s annual event held at Groton Long Point casino was a perfect example of neighbors rallying to support Robert Mailhoit, a veteran of Afghanistan & Iraq who was given the keys to a 2009 Toyota Camry made available through Valenti Auto Group from a trade in by Vietnam Veteran Robert Macher. It certainly was a touching moment when Robert thanked WVFV for providing him transportation allowing him to start a new job.
Founded in 2008 by John Neikrash, “Krasher,” WVFV’s first donation was a commercial lobster boat to USMC Lance Corporal Richard Giguere. A veteran of multiple deployments, Corporal Giguere was wounded in Afghanistan and is now home, supporting his family as a commercial fisherman on Narragansett Bay, RI. “We provide the “vessel” that can start a career or enhance a life of our returning service men and women,” states Krasher.
The mission of WVFV is to serve as a conduit through which corporations and individuals can make donations. Already, WVFV has given over $1M worth of commercial boats, vans, trucks, trailers, farm equipment, construction and tools, tractors, farm buildings and refurbished laptops to veterans in 47 states since 2008.
Thank you for your service and if you’d like to apply go to www.workvesselsforvets.org.