Boat4Vets gives back to veterans providing a day on Lake St. Clair

In 2009, the late Navy Vietnam Veteran Michael Shawl of Port Huron was boating with some friends when he began brainstorming ways to help his fellow veterans. He loved being out on the water and knew it could provide a source of relaxation and healing to combat veterans. It could also provide fellowship for veterans of each branch and all generations -  young and old.

George Stafford, current Commander for the Blue Water Chapter of Boat4Vets says Shawl began making calls to friends and gathered several fellow boating enthusiasts from the area and some donations and prizes. Boat4Vets was quickly founded, and Shawl and his friends began taking veterans out for a day on the water yearly.
George Stafford, Commander of the Blue Water chapter for Boat4Vets.
Stafford is a US Army Field Artillery Combat Veteran who recalls becoming involved when invited to participate in one of the yearly events. He and his co-worker Dave Bertram, current President of Boat4Vets, decided it was an organization worth supporting, and eventually, the two decided to start the Blue Water Chapter. 

“We understand that the freedom of being able to boat is because of active duty military and veterans. We want to give back to veterans in our community who have given their time to defend our country,” Stafford says.

In their first year, the non-profit took out only 30 people around Harson’s Island. The organization has expanded to include three chapters across Michigan, serving hundreds of veterans.

“There is something very healing and relaxing about being out on the water, which can help make a difficult adjustment to civilian life a little easier,” Stafford says.

Boat4Vets is 100% non-profit, and sponsored by local organizations to fund the yearly event for each chapter where local boaters show their appreciation and volunteer their time and boat decks to provide a day on the water for veterans as a way of thanking them. Among those volunteers are local boating enthusiasts, law enforcement, the Coast Guard, and the Saint Clair Sheriff’s Dive Team. 

“It’s really impressive to see the city and local government agencies partner with us,” says Bertram, who believes strongly in giving back to the veteran community. “One year, the dive team modified their dive boat to accommodate a veteran in a wheelchair and even hoisted her into the water for a short swim."

Signage stating "Welcome Veterans" from last year's Boat4Vets event.

Veterans enjoy a two-hour cruise and an opportunity to fellowship with other veterans. The yearly event includes activities that differ from year to year, and in 2023 included the Michigan Memorial Wall. 

“We have some veterans who suffer from PTSD and don’t feel safe leaving their home or being in public,” Stafford says. “They look forward to the event because it’s comforting. There is something very peaceful and calming about seeing the beauty of the land from a different  perspective out on the water, without the distractions of the world’s chaos.”


Editors Note: The previous version of this article stated an event that was expected to happen on August 17, 2024. The event has been canceled due to weather conditions.