Today we’d like to introduce you to Branson Rector.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2008, as Mr. Rector prepared for retirement after a distinguished career as an officer in the U.S. Army, he decided to do establish an organization to support the many disabled military Veterans throughout the South Florida community. Through discussions with the Miami Veterans Affairs (VA) Center, he realized the Center faced many challenges in reaching out to those Veterans that are most in need of services. As an avid sailor, Mr. Rector thought he would put his sailing skills to use as a way to reach out and give back to his fellow military veterans. After working with a local volunteer organization, he decided to form Veterans Ocean Adventures (VOA), a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit organization to support the many local military veterans that have suffered injuries resulting from their military service. VOA provides veterans the opportunity to experience the healing power of water to mend their bodies and spirits.
In the past year, Mr. Rector and VOA have served over 400 military veterans and their family members providing free sailing lessons, ocean dives, kayak outings and couples post-deployment “reunion sunset sails. Through his dedicated efforts, VOA was awarded a $48,000 grant through the VA Adaptive Sports Program as well as numerous grants and donations totaling over $65,000 which pays for the costs associated with putting on events (boat rental, fuel, supplies, etc.). Through the success of VOA, he has developed partnerships with a number of other governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as providing an opportunity for US Southern Command employees to meet and provide support through volunteering to veterans in the Miami area. VOA is specifically designed to target veterans of all conflicts that suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and/or other physical injuries. As a veteran himself, Branson recognized the fact that it is often difficult for veterans that need assistance to participate in programs that are specifically targeted on issues such as PTSD or TBI, so he designed VOA as a way to overcome those obstacles.
Through day-long sailing, kayaking or SCUBA diving adventures in the waters of South Florida, VOA provides safe, outdoor activities that integrate professional counselors in a manner that leads to respect, trust, and camaraderie between the counselors and the veterans. In addition, select veterans are also given the opportunity to participate in advanced training as a way to continue the healing and reintegration process, as well as to learn healthy, lifelong recreational skills. Many originally seeking help have become volunteers themselves, continuing their service – to other veterans and the community. The “Learn to Sail” program is taught by U.S. Sail certified volunteer sailing instructors, also veterans themselves, and assisted by therapists from the VA Hospital. One of the most remarkable aspects of Mr. Rector’s work with VOA is how he has been able to collaborate with and leverage the resources of other organizations. The list includes the Miami and Broward Veterans Centers, the Florida State Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, and South Florida based Department of Defense organizations including US Southern Command, US Army Garrison-Miami, Special Operations Command-South, Marine Forces-South, the local Army Recruiting Battalion as well as US Coast Guard District Seven Headquarters. These organizations all provide various levels of support, from financial and personnel resources to referring veterans to Veterans Ocean Adventures. As a way of gaining more volunteers, Mr. Rector routinely encourages his colleagues from US Southern Command to participate in VOA outings which has led to the development of lasting friendships between the veterans and the volunteers.
Has it been a smooth road?
Funding is always a challenge but we make every dollar go a long way. As demand grows we struggle to keep up with demand and are looking to grow the organization to serve veterans across Florida and beyond in the future. We get calls daily from veterans around the country wanting to participate in our programs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Veterans Ocean Adventures – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
South Florida supports year-round water-based outdoor recreation. Veterans Ocean Adventures (VOA) encourages participation in sailing, SCUBA diving and paddling water-sports activities to address the lack or deficit in comprehensive programming accessible to the veteran community by increasing access to training and ongoing community-based water-sports activities. Veterans Ocean Adventures provides veterans the opportunity to experience the healing power of water, and thereby provides them a safe and comfortable environment in which to build trust and self-confidence, as well as the skills necessary to reintegrate and readjust back into the community-at-large through structured sailing, adaptive SCUBA and paddle water sports programming, VOA’s programming encourages involvement in physically and mentally challenging sports/activities in small group settings, fostering health & wellness and re-connections with the community. But it is unique in that it encourages participants to be active in the outdoors by providing them the accessibility to Southern Florida’s most abundant natural resource: the ocean. VOA has a 10-year history of conducting safe water-sports programming supporting veterans. As VOA celebrates its 10th anniversary of serving veterans, its reputation for putting on quality programming for veterans continues to drive demand. VOA’s carefully selected and trained staff understands veterans as most have served or come from military families. Our staff carries nationally recognized certifications in sailing and diving. Partnered with recreational therapy or mental health professionals from the Miami VA, veterans receive patient and positive support which promotes physical and mental well-being through water sports activities.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
VOA could not do its mission without support from its partners, donors and volunteers. Water-sports vendors from across South Florida include Deco Divers, Austin’s Dive Shop, Pompano Dive Center, Rainbow Reef in Key Largo, Virginia Key Outdoor Center, Morningside Kayak Center, Florida Bay Outfitters in Key Largo and Nautical Ventures in Fort Lauderdale. Partner organizations include Veterans Adaptive Sports, Miami Yacht Club, Angler House Marina, Team Paradise, The Woody Foundation, UM Veterans Student Organization, the Miami VA Medical Center, the Miami Veteran Center and Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation. Finally, without financial support from our generous donors and the countless hours our volunteers give, none of this would be possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VeteransOceanAdventures.org
- Phone: 3053896328
- Email: info@VeteransOceanAdventures.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VetsSail/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VetsSail
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
