Four retired veterans from Fernandina Beach are planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean in December on their boat, "Courageous." Their goal is to raise $500,000 to prevent veteran suicide, help veterans with PTSD and support K-9s for Warriors dogs in training.
But before they embark on their 3,000-mile adventure, the public will have an opportunity to meet them. The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida will host a free event called Foar From Home from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum in St. Augustine. The society owns and operates the museum. The house, built in 1798, is located at 20 Aviles St.
Attendees will be able to view the 27-foot boat and see a K9s for Warriors dog. There will also be food, beverages and music, as well as children’s activities.
The team is comprised of USMC veteran Paul Lore, U.S. Army veteran Billy Cimino, U.S. Air Force veteran Cameron Hansen and U.S. Navy veteran A.M. Hupp Huppmann. Their journey is expected to take between 50 and 60 days.
The local team is one of 39 rowing teams participating in the 2021 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. They will set out from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and row to Antigua.
Saturday’s event is a collaboration with the West Palm Beach Salvation Army and many local businesses.
Organizations and businesses providing resources include St. Johns County Veterans Council, Jalaram Hotels Inc., Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Columbia Restaurant, Florida National Guard, Castillo de San Marcos, Chick-Fil-A and Old Town Trolley Tours.
The Foar From Home team is hoping to raise awareness about veteran suicide and PTSD. More than 6,000 American veterans a year die by suicide.
When transitioning from military service back to civilian life, veterans — both men and women — face challenges and issues. Unfortunately, many veterans struggle with identity issues, financial problems, housing accessibility, cognitive disorders and impacts from PTSD. All of these factors can lead to suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
For further information, go to foarfromhome.com or follow Foar From Home on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FOARFROMHOME.
Information on the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum can be found at www.ximenezfatiohouse.org.
