When we started Freedom Excursions we wanted to help everyone we could. However, the vessels we have limit the type and number of Heroes we can take on an outing. And, other organizations have asked if we could assist them in doing something for the veterans.

In the Spring of 2009, we met Susan Price who also had a son, Aaron, in the military. Immediately we bonded with her for the simple reason our son was in the military as well. She and her son planned to come out with Freedom Excursions when he got to Florida on his way to Afghanistan. And what an honor that would have been, to have a Marine on board that had won “Marine of the Year” twice in his first ten years of service. Due to time constraints he chose to visit family and friends, in New York instead, which we thought was very admirable. Sadly, we never got the opportunity to meet Aaron.

Aaron was killed in Afghanistan on 08 SEP 09, and Susan told us more information about her son during the days to follow that left an even larger impression on us. She told us how, even as a child, he was concerned about others, how he joined the Marines while still in school. While on leave for the holidays he would visit comrades in the VA Hospital and tell his mom, “these are the real Heroes”. He passed up an opportunity to attend Officer’s School feeling his talents were better utilized training on the front line and volunteered to go to Afghanistan.

We were so touched by his unselfishness that we felt led to name our new vessel after him. His name is Aaron Michael Kenefick. My first thought was since Aaron gave his “all” for his country the vessel should be named “Aaron’s All”. Susan told us one day that Aaron means “warrior” and Michael means “angel”. So, given the nature of our mission to help heal Wounded Warriors and the fact that this vessel is an answer to prayer, combined with Aaron’s compassion and his continued ability to lead, we felt that the appropriate name for the vessel would be ‘WARRIOR’S ANGEL” in Honor of GYSGT Aaron Michael Kenefick, USMC.

By Bryan Custer

How can YOU help?

Our campaign to raise money for the Warriors' Angel is called "Catch the Wave'.  We are asking that anyone interested in helping donate $1.  If we can get Veteran organizations to commit their membership to donate $1 each...this project would be completed and we could start healing hearts and spirits!  More information is below:

Why Should You Donate to Freedom Excursions?

Any organization can take a veteran or active duty service member out on the water for a day. But when that veteran or soldier is a patient they come with limitations. Their limitations are determined by their injury, medication, doctor or therapist, not themselves.

Freedom Excursions can have a vessel built in 14 weeks, that will accommodate these types of individuals, with your organization's help. The builder requires 10% down to start construction, 10% more in 7 weeks and the balance upon completion. The balance can be financed or paid in full.

How can your organization help?

Challenge the other members of your organization for 100% participation to donate just $1 to Freedom Excursions. This vessel will be christened "Warriors’ Angel". You can keep up with the construction process on our web site and, better yet, when the vessel is done you can come out on an excursion and see what a difference your dollar made in a warrior's, and their family's life. I want you to see what your dollar can accomplish if you are not happy with our progress or you just want your dollar back we will refund your dollar upon your request!

We would be happy to come do a presentation of what it is we do and how much it makes a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.  You can contact us here.

You can donate online using the following button: