Veterans Ocean Adventures, Inc

09/23/2026

Great opportunity for veterans to get out on the water to experience the Harvest Moon.

VOA in collaboration with Miami Yacht Club is conducting an evening kayak paddle on September 26th, from 6:00-9:00 PM.

08/28/2026

VOA Full Moon Paddle

08/28/2026

Tonight we closed out an incredible chapter of Veterans Ocean Adventures in South Florida, out on the water, the way it all began. We paddled under the Sturgeon Moon around Star Island, and the ocean showed up for us. Dolphins cutting through the water, a sunset that stopped everyone mid-stroke, and then that moon rising huge and orange over the bay. Back on shore, we watched our own VOA episode of Making Good together over hors d’oeuvres, surrounded by the volunteers and crew who make this mission what it is.

But this isn’t a farewell to VOA South Florida, it’s a new chapter. Jeff is stepping up to lead the dive program, Frank is taking paddling further than ever, and sailing is coming soon. I can’t help but think of James Paddon tonight too. Before his untimely passing, he used to talk about what a West Coast chapter might mean, for VOA and for me. Some part of this next chapter carries his voice in it.

As for me, I’m headed to Port Townsend, Washington, with retirement on the horizon and a new mission in mind, launching a West Coast edition of VOA that can serve veterans nationwide alongside our East Coast crew. South Florida, thank you for fifteen years. This isn’t goodbye, it’s change and growth.

08/21/2026

One last dive before I head west. Tonight was a night dive at Neptune Memorial Reef — my favorite dive site in South Florida — plus the Belcher Barge, with an incredible crew of veterans.

Went out with Captain Ani, who’s been a huge supporter of VOA since I met her at Grove Scuba years ago. She’s worked with us to stretch our shoestring budget and helped us keep getting veterans out on the water all summer.

Grateful for everyone who came out tonight — some VOA regulars, some new divers. I hope you all keep the mission going here in South Florida, getting veterans out to experience the healing power of the water.

07/31/2026

It’s going to be an awesome full moon paddle this month, join us on August 28th at Miami Yacht Club. Watch for the Eventbrite registration mid month.

07/30/2026

Eight of us — six veterans and two family members — paddled calm waters and a light breeze around Star Island tonight for a gorgeous sunset paddle, timed perfectly to watch the Buck Moon rise as we wrapped up with hors d’oeuvres.

Two new paddlers tried stand-up paddleboard for the first time — didn’t do the full trek, but got a great primer and are already itching for round two.

Big thanks to Miami Yacht Club for their support, and to everyone who helped pull this one together.

James’s spirit was with us out there, as it always is.

A new leadership team is forming, with one of the paddlers already stepping up — VOA’s next chapter is in great hands. Onward to more adventures! 🛶🌊

07/28/2026

Come out and paddle under the Full Moon tomorrow with VOA. FREE For Vets. Click the picture to be taken to EVENTBRITE for Registration. Please complete registration fully. Hope to see you tomorrow evening.

VOA in collaboration with Miami Yacht Club is conducting an evening paddle (kayak or SUP) on July 29th, from 6:00-8:00 PM.

07/24/2026

Today VOA got back on the water at Matheson Hammock Park for our first kayak outing there since we lost James — and it was everything we needed it to be.

Ten veterans and two family members paddled the canals of Coral Gables under a gorgeous sky, with Frank leading the group for the first time — and he led it just like James would have. I handled ground logistics today, but watching this crew come together on the water again told me everything I needed to know: VOA’s mission is alive and well.

It made me think back to January, when I actually managed to get a work day off to paddle alongside James — turns out that was his last VOA event. I’m grateful beyond words that I got that time with him on the water. Today felt like the next chapter of something he helped build, and it’s only getting stronger from here.

A huge thank you to Frank for stepping up and leading with the same heart James always brought to the water. This program is in good hands.

Excited for what’s ahead. More paddles, more vets on the water, more days like today.

07/12/2026

Huge thanks to Julio Gonzalez for being my “crash test dummy” this morning! 🤿 As I prep for my Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) certification next weekend, Julio volunteered to run through key skills with me — helping refresh his own diving ahead of summer while giving me the chance to sharpen my teaching and make sure I’ve got every element locked in for a successful cert.

This matters to me beyond the exam. Becoming an OWSI means I can keep serving Veterans Ocean Adventures as a certified instructor — continuing the ocean therapy work that means so much to our veterans, and carrying forward James’s legacy in the water.

Thank you, Julio. Couldn’t have done this rehearsal without you. 🌊

04/11/2026

A PLANK, A PARTNERSHIP, AND A PROMISE 🌊
Saturday afternoon, Veterans Ocean Adventures had the honor of presenting a commemorative plank to the Miami Yacht Club’s new Board of Directors during their installation ceremony. VOA supporter and dive boat captain Ani Gonzales represented VOA and our founder, Branson Rector, in sharing what this partnership means to our veteran community.
This plank isn’t just a piece of wood—it’s a symbol. Just as each plank in a boat deck supports the whole vessel, Miami Yacht Club has been an essential foundation for VOA’s mission.
For years, MYC has provided more than a venue for our Sunset Sails, Learn to Sail classes and monthly Full Moon Paddles. They’ve created a safe haven on the water where veterans feel welcomed, supported, and part of a community. That’s not easy to find after service—and it’s priceless when you do.
As we celebrate VOA’s 17th Anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to deepen this partnership. Together, we’re building a future where Miami Yacht Club is recognized as a center for veteran ocean therapy in South Florida—a place where healing happens through sailing, kayaking, and connection with the water.
Thank you, Miami Yacht Club, for standing with those who served. Your new board received this plank with enthusiasm, and we’re grateful for the partnership ahead.
Fair winds and following seas! ⚓️