July 27, 2016

Boat school a 'supportive' place for veterans

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock – long a magnet for military veterans because of its strong sense of camaraderie and hands-on learning style – has been designated a Veteran Supportive Campus by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veteran Supportive Campus certificate was signed July 18 at an event at the boat school’s waterfront campus. At the event, the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County presented the school with a Rotary District Community Grant of $7,000 to help fund Veteran Supportive Campus initiatives at the boat school.

“We proudly support this project and wish you every success in this important endeavor,” said John Erickson, president of the East Jefferson Rotary Club, who acknowledged the role of boat board member and fellow Rotarian John Barrett in securing the grant.

In a written statement, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, 6th District, described the boat school’s accomplishment as a “shining example” of how we can make the transition to civilian life a successful one for military personnel, according to a press release.

“If you served this country, we should have your back,” said Kilmer. “I am incredibly proud of the commitment that the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding has undertaken to ensure that our veterans receive a quality educational experience. I am glad that the state Department of Veteran Affairs is recognizing this school for stepping up to help ensure veterans in our region thrive.”

“We are proud to be a Veteran Supportive Campus and grateful to all the students, teachers, staff, alums, community organizations and government resources that contribute to this ongoing effort,” said Betsy Davis, boat school executive director.

Program speakers at the event included Gary Condra, deputy director of the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs; Eric Williams, district representative for Congressman Kilmer; John Erickson, president of the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County; Rita Frangione, outreach coordinator for Vet Connect and boat school veteran support specialist; and Jon Ferguson, military veteran, Class of 2015 boat school alum and incoming Vet Corps member.


Source: PT Leader