Groton — Jacksonville, Fla., Army veteran Jeffrey Taylor received an unusual "vessel" from Noank-based charity Work Vessels for Vets, which donates equipment to veterans making the transition from combat to civilian careers. 

Taylor was one of the early casualties of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 when he sustained critical injuries from a mortar attack that killed his comrades and left him trapped beneath his vehicle in a canal near Baghdad Airport. 

Now recovered from severe leg and nerve injuries that compromise his mobility, along with post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury and loss of hearing, Taylor has been pursuing marine science studies at Jacksonville University. 

The Purple Heart Homes renovated a home for him, his wife and three children, but he needed some assistance in getting around campus, as well as reaching the beaches to collect specimens and perform other maritime duties.

Work Vessels For Vets matched designated funds from the Myers Family Fund of the Manatee Foundation and approached Tom Cannon, CEO of Mid Florida Golf Cars and a fellow veteran, who agreed to find the adaptive golf car Taylor needed at a discounted price to Work Vessels For Vets.  

Last week, Taylor picked up the street-ready golf car and trailer he needed to conduct specimen collection and beach cleanups while completing his graduate degree in marine sciences.

Learn more about Work Vessels for Vets at www.WVFV.org.