Mississippi Riverboat Veteran

25/10/2019

We have taken a bit of a break since Howard docked "He Opens Doors" It was a long journey but it was completely worth it in the eyes of The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran. This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tn. The following link is a tribute to everyone along the Mississippi River who took the time to listen, help, feed, and house Howard Jenkins and his partner Eric Hilemon. This trip was made so that the public would start talking about Veterans Treatment Court and the value it has for putting Veterans back into society and being productive. A program that also helps the Veteran cope with the invisible wounds of war. Through news media, word of mouth and through Facebook Howard was able to reach thousands about this incredible program and the culmination of his efforts is pretty well summed up by News Anchor John Becker of WBIR NBC here in East Tennessee. I ask everyone who has followed this page to take the time to listen to the interview Mr. Becker did with Howard, and if you never got the opportunity to speak with Howard personally, the interview will make Howards passion for Veterans very clear. I am not certain what the future holds for my amazing friend and Brother Howard Jenkins, but I can promise it will involve helping Veterans, and Howard will probably be dragging his Paratrooper buddy along for the ride (Only on the computer though, because I am not getting on a boat … LOL) Once again, Thank You to everyone who helped make this amazing journey a success.

An East Tennessee veteran uses a trip down one of America's great rivers to raise awareness about mentor programs rescuing veterans in trouble with the law.

26/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tennessee. Howard traveled from Bemidji Minnesota to New Orleans Louisiana. It was an amazing journey that covered over 1700 miles to raise awareness for Veterans Treatment Court and the benefits this program has for Vets who have landed on the wrong side of the law. This program not only works towards helping the Veteran cope with their issues (PTSD, TBI, Moral Injury, MST) but provides them with the support they need to get them back into the workforce, clean and sober, and productive members of our society. Upon arrival to New Orleans Howard had hopes that he would continue the trip into The Intercoastal waterway, to the Gulf, all the way to Mobile Bay, and from there he would then sail upstream all the way back to Knoxville, TN. After much consideration The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran made the decision not to continue the trip. Issues with "He Opens Doors" and the probability of inclement weather in the Gulf, Howard decided to end his run in New Orleans. I would Like to give a huge shout out to Pontchartrain Landing who not only allowed Howard a free nights stay at their dock, but is now storing "He Opens Doors" until Howard can get back and pick her up. What a great way to end the trip. American Legion Post 104 is so very proud of our fellow member, and pleased that he was able to complete what he initially set out to do. Howard met some great individuals on his journey and was able to speak about Veterans Treatment Court to thousands. As I type this Howard is on his way home to Knoxville and I cant wait to welcome him home, and say "Great Job" to my dear friend. Stay tuned for More posts about the Mississippi Riverboat Veteran because if I know Howard, he is not done talking about Veterans Treatment Court.

23/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tn. The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran will be docking this evening in Seabrook Marine, 5801 France Rd. New Orleans Louisiana. Howard and Eric are planning to take a break in NOLA and get some rest before they head out on the Intercoastal Waterway for the 2nd half of their trip. They have come a long way from Bemidji Minnesota where this whole thing started and have met some outstanding people along the way. Each person, news organization, and Veterans Organization along the way has learned all about the many success stories that Veterans Treatment Court has, and the value of this program. As a Senior Mentor for the Court Howard has works tirelessly to help Veterans who need a hand up. On a personal note Howards journey has inspired this old Paratrooper to attend his first Mentor Training Session on Saturday morning at 9am. I will be at Kings Library in Sevierville getting first hand knowledge about the subject that Howard Jenkins is so passionate about. It is time for this Veteran to see if he can help. I would like to encourage any Veteran who might have an interest in helping, to contact your local VSO to get more information. Please share this post to make everyone aware of this great program, by sharing you not only spread the word, but you just might help a Veteran in need.

22/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tn. The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran has left Baton Rouge but what a wonderful time he and Eric had while docked there. The first picture you see with this post is a photo of Howard Jenkins and American Legion Department of Louisiana Commander, Byron Comeaux. When Dept. HQ was contacted about this trip, the Commander dropped what he was doing (Loading up for trip to Indianapolis for a convention) and rushed to meet Howard. The Commander also arranged transportation to a facility where Howard and Eric could get cleaned up and have a nice meal. The last 2 pictures on this post are of Howard and Eric enjoying a meal with Beth Spears. I used a personal contact in the Baton Rouge area. Beth is married to SSG David Spears who was an NCO in Alpha Co. 1/325 AIR 82nd Airborne Division, when James McLaughlin was known as PVT. McLaughlin. I contacted my fellow Paratrooper and though he had to work, Him and Beth(Navy Veteran) worked it out so that she could provide Howard and Eric Dinner. I am quite certain that the dinner conversation revolved around Veterans Treatment Court and how it can help Veterans who have run afoul of the law. Please share this post so that everyone on your friends list can also learn about the Value of Veterans Treatment Court.

21/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tn. Howard Jenkins wanted me to give a special thanks to one of the employees of Camps Restaurant in Natchez Mississippi. Charmain took Howard and Erics order for dinner while they were there, and once she found out what the 2 river cruisers were up to she immediately paid for their meal. She then took the ice chests from the boat to the kitchen and filled them for the next days trip. Howard and Eric needed some supplies so she made arrangements for a cab to come pick them up and then get them back to their boat. Great things have happened on this trip, and with each interaction the value of Veterans Treatment Court has been shared with the public. Thanks Charmain for taking the time to help, and the time to listen.

18/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 n Sevierville, Tn. The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran is back on the river and heading for Vicksburg Mississippi. Repairs are done on "He Opens Doors" and Howard and Eric left Greenville at daybreak. Howard had the opportunity to speak to one of the local news stations in Greenville and I would like to Thank Deltanews.tv for helping us spread the word about Veterans Treatment Court. A few minor corrections to put out about the article. Howard is not the President of Vet to Vet, he is a member of Smoky Mtn Vet to Vet and assists Veterans through peer counseling. Howard also did not found a Non Profit Called Veterans Treatment Corp. but he is very proud of the work that he does with Veterans Treatment Court. Thanks So much Deltanews for giving Howard the chance to speak about Veterans Treatment Court, and Thanks for the Coverage.

Veteran traveling the Mississippi River in a Riverboat to bring awareness to Veteran issues.

17/08/2019

The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran is having a day of maintenance on "He Opens Doors" and they are docked in Greenville Mississippi. The pontoon is getting some minor work done by Howard and Eric. I want to Thank Greenville Yacht Club for opening their facility up to Howard and Eric. If we have learned one thing on this journey there are still great people out there who love our beautiful Country and respect their Veterans who have sacrificed so much. Also great Thanks to Trop Casino in Greenville. When Howard docked they were very low on supplies, Howard walked up to the casino/hotel and explained who he was and what they were doing. The Trop Casino helped arrange transportation for Howard to get the much needed supplies. A short time after Howard introduced himself a vehicle pulled up and took Howard to the grocery and to get items needed to work on the boat. This is just another example of the caring that has been displayed by everyone encountered along the Mississippi River, and you can bet that everyone that Howard has met is a lot more knowledgeable on the subject of Veterans Treatment Court. Please share this to help us make everyone aware of the Court and how it can help those Veterans who suffer the wounds of war.

14/08/2019

I just want to post this picture of The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran on his journey, his journey to make everyone aware of the importance of Veterans Treatment Court. This is a program that assists Veterans who have crossed the line of the law. Howard Jenkins is a Senior Mentor with the Court and has helped quite a few Veterans get back on the right path. They are not all success stories but there is more then enough to make this Court System worth while. I want to give James Mann a special "Thanks" for snapping this shot of "He Opens Doors", it is my hope that pictures like this one will open the door for a Veteran to get the help he needs from a Court System that believes Veterans deserve a 2nd chance.

14/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville, Tn, Howard is docked safely in Memphis Tn. at Mud Island Marina (Memphis Yacht Club). I want to say a special "Thank You" to Andy Anderson of Mud Island Marina who has made The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran and Eric Hilemon feel right at home. Howard reported that he has provided a beautiful spot to park the pontoon, and of this writing Howard and Eric are ready to lay down and get some much needed rest. After a nights sleep they will stay in Memphis for a bit to take in some sights and hopefully talk to a few Veterans in the area. Hopefully at this stop we will get some pictures.

09/08/2019

This is James McLaughlin, Adjutant of American Legion Post 104 in Sevierville Tn. I want to give a huge shout out to Alton Marina in Alton Missouri. The Marina is taking great care of Howard and Eric and even waived the docking fee because they wanted to help out The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran. Alton has a population of approximately 873 people and if I know Howard, by tomorrow they will all know just exactly what Veterans Treatment Court is, and why he and Eric are making this trip. Howard is passionate about helping Veterans and talks to everyone he can about it. If everyone can share this post then you also will be helping Howard to raise awareness about Veterans Treatment Court, Thank You.

07/08/2019

Short piece on The Mississippi Riverboat Veteran, Thank You KHQA for helping us spread the message about Veterans Treatment Court.

A former veteran is making a trip down the Mississippi River. Howard Jenkins with the Veterans Service Organization wants to raise awareness to veterans treatment court. He stopped in Fort Madison Tuesday on his way to Quincy. His program helps veterans who suffer from PTSD, self-medication and have...