Contact Us
Work Vessels For Veterans
145 Pearl Street
Noank, CT 06340
admin@workvesselsforvets.org
Phone: 203.887-5642 or 860-536-9651
John Niekrash john@workvesselsforvets.com
Ted Knapp ted@workvesselsforvets.com
Kathleen Burns kathleen@workvesselsforvets.com
Dave Mason dave@workvesselsforvets.com
Christian Porter christianporter@wvfv.org
Debbie Niekrash debbie@workvesselsforvets.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Niekrash
Ted Knapp
Kathleen Burns
Dan Burns
Richmond L. Crolius
Dave Mason
Carolyn Niekrash
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Bryan Caisse
Jeffrey Walker
MILITARY ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Richard Giguere
Adam Burke
Captain Marc Denno, USN
John Niekrash
John Niekrash has been a commercial lobsterman for over 20 years and is also employed by Proximo Spirits, a New York based importer of distilled spirits and a strong supporter of WVFV. Niekrash also founded CORE-Gives, a non-profit organization which assists employees in the hospitality industry with children who have life-threatening medical conditions. To date CORE (Children Of Restaurant Employees) has raised over $400,000 and helped numerous families across the country.
Ted Knapp
Ted joined Computer Systems and Solutions in 1998 and is a veteran of the laptop computer industry. He carries with him over 25 years of technical and operational background in the laptop/desktop computer environment. He then since migrated into a sales/operational capacity. He also manages Green Technology Recycling. Ted lives in Brick, NJ surrounded by his Family. He sits on the board of directors for Work Vessels for Veterans foundation. He is also an active member in the American Legion and in his local community. He has also done multiple stints as member of the advisory board for both Plaza School of Technology and Chubb Computer Institute.
Katheen Burns
Dave Mason
At age 18, the Worcester England native teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic. At 19, Mason penned the song "Feelin' Alright". This song has since become a rock and roll anthem, having been recorded by well over 48 artists, the best known version being Joe Cocker. The group's profound influence over rock music remains unquestioned even today.
Mason departed from the group after their second album. In 1969 Dave headed for the USA to pursue a solo career. He struck gold with the album "Alone Together", which is considered a rock classic. This was followed by five albums for CBS/Sony including "Dave Mason" and "Mariposa De Oro", four of which received gold albums. "Let It Flow", which has gone well over platinum, contained the classic "We Just Disagree", a top-ten single!
In addition to performing to sold-out audiences, Mason performed on a number of albums such as The Rolling Stones' "Beggars's Banquet", George Harrison's
"All Things Must Pass", Paul McCartney's "Listen To What The Man Said" and Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland". One of the songs from the "Ladyland" album,
"All Along the Watchtower", featured Dave playing acoustic guitar. This song, written by Bob Dylan, remains a big favorite in Dave's live show!
In October of 1993, Dave Mason formally joined the legendary group Fleetwood Mac and spent two years touring with them around the world. The band completed and album for Warner Brothers called "Time", which was released in October 1995, and features Dave's lead vocals on songs including "Blow By Blow" and "I Wonder Why".
Bryan Caisse
Bryan Caisse joined the WVFV Board in March 2009. Bryan is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Huxley Capital Management in New York City. He graduated in 1985 from the United
States Naval Academy, the United States Navy Nuclear Power School in 1986, and attended New York University Graduate School of Business from 1990-94. Bryan was a Managing Director at Bear Stearns Investment Advisors from 1991 to 1997, and was the Senior Portfolio Manager of West Side Advisors in New York from 1997 until 2007.
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