Noank group works to expand program creating jobs for vets

A local nonprofit organization that first helped veterans break into the commercial fishing business is expanding into other industries to better meet the needs of veterans looking for work.

The organization recently purchased land in Florida to lease to a disabled Army veteran who wanted to start a blueberry farm and market his "Red, White and Blueberry Jam."

"There is so much need and we just found that there are not a lot of opportunities to get into the commercial fishing business," says John Niekrash, president of Work Vessels for Veterans.

"It's difficult to make a living fishing and the expansion of Work Vessels for Veterans came as a result. We envision factories, other farms, anything that would employ veterans and be run by veterans."

The Noank-based Work Vessels for Veterans started in 2008 after Niekrash donated his lobster boat to Marine reservist and Iraq veteran Richard Giguere as a way to thank him for his service. Today, Giguere uses the boat in Narragansett Bay, R.I.

The organization became a way to connect veterans transitioning to civilian careers with people who wanted to donate their boats or other vessels.

They have since given away boats, vans, cars, tractors, tools and hundreds of laptops. A local veteran used a van to start a chimney sweep business, while others have used laptops to start businesses or return to school.

"Word got out around the country and people wanted to donate money or other vessels," Niekrash says.

"People recognize that America doesn't do enough for returning veterans. If the government won't do it, or can't do it, Work Vessels for Veterans fills that void."

To help further the cause, they are planning a benefit concert on June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Garde Arts Center in New London.

Guitarist Dave Mason, a founder of the English rock band Traffic who later toured with Fleetwood Mac, is the headliner.

Kal David and the Real Deal will also perform. David is a blues and jazz guitarist. New York singer Natalie Gelman will sing the National Anthem.

Proceeds benefit Work Vessels for Veterans.

Many veterans and current service members will be in attendance.

Tickets were given to the Naval Submarine Base so officers and sailors could go. Several veterans will receive laptops during the event and there are other potential presentations in the works.

"We're focusing the concert on veterans and the military and then Kal David will crank it up," says Rick Crolius, a member of the organization's board of directors.