For Veterans

If You Are a Returning Vet:

STEP ONE: Accept our THANKS! For your service to our Country!

STEP TWO: Review our website for all of the available programs, services and application.

STEP THREE: Fill out a short application outlining your plans and goals and the assistance you are seeking. Be sure to UPLOAD three items: 1. Copy of your DD214 (redact SSN). All DD214s are securely stored offline for privacy. 2. A Copy of YOUR BUSINESS PLAN (including financial estimates of income & expenses). 3. A STATEMENT OF NEED which includes how the equipment requested will assist your success.

Veteran Application

STEP FOUR: Each application is reviewed. While it is impossible to assist all veterans who apply, WVFV retains all applications and as resources and products become available, we assist as many applicants as possible.

THERE ARE 3 MAIN PROGRAMS AT WVFV WITH EQUIPMENT GRANTS RANGING FROM $1000 - $8000 WITH RARE EXCEPTIONS.

1. Equipping Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

This WVFV program provides critical new or used equipment (adapted to accommodate injuries if needed) to returning veterans who are starting a non-farming business.

2. Equipping Injured Veteran-Farmers

This WVFV program provides agricultural equipment (tractors, fencing, farm equipment) to America's veterans who are starting farms or ranches. Working closely with the Farmer Veteran Coalition and AgrAbility chapters around the country, Work Vessels for Vets identifies needed farm equipment and any modifications required to adapt equipment for combat injuries.

3. Equipping Nonprofit Programs that serve veterans

Knowing that “start-up” nonprofits need equipment too, WVFV awards equipment to equine therapy programs and veteran training programs, boats for therapeutic fishing programs, electronics to programs for vets with PTSD, and other “vessels” for nonprofits to help meet their missions to give back to fellow veterans.

Here are some of the many ways Work Vessels for Vets has helped returning veterans make the transition to civilian life after combat.

Laptops For Vets

Kathleen Burns, President of Work Vessels for Vets, presents laptops for their college pursuits to several Connecticut National Guard vets just returned from Afghanistan.

Tools & Equipment

Eric Des Bins - Eric was awarded the Purple Heart and other recognitions for valor in combat in Iraq; will be utilizing the tools and equipment for his new contracting business.

39 Foot Lobster Boat

Donated a 39ft Lobster Boat, refitted by Noank Shipyard to Afghanistan vet Timothy Field of Westport, MA for commercial fishing out of Plymouth, MA.

Landscaping Equipment

WVFV donated a landscaping trailer and dump truck to CT Veteran Dave Campbell for his new landscaping business.

Deep Sea Fishing Boat

Refurbished and donated a deep sea fishing boat to Todd Rohr and the New England Disabled Veterans Sports Program of Portsmouth, NH to take wounded veterans deep sea fishing.

Diesel Van

Arranged for a diesel van donated by Mystic, CT's Densmore Oil Co, and prepared by Valenti Auto Mall of Mystic to veteran owned Calvary Brewing Co of Oxford, CT enabling the Oxford, CT brewing company to double its delivery area and hire an additional veteran driver for their growing business.

Tractor & Farm Vehicles

WVFV Donated a tractor, farm vehicles, equipment and tools for Veterans Farm, Jacksonville, FL to provide horticultural therapy for combat veterans with PTSD, TBI and other war injuries.

Farm Fencing

WVFV donated farm fencing for Kyle Cooper's Veterans' Horse Farm, Jacksonville, FL with funds from an anonymous WVFV donor.

Commercial Van

WVFV donated commercial cleaning equipment and commercial van to Tim Smith for a new commercial cleaning service called Patriot Commercial Cleaning of St. Louis, MO.

FISH RITE Drift Boat

WVFV donated a FISH RITE Drift Boat for fly fishing guide, USMC veteran Justin Clenard of Utah, a veteran of three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan where he lost both legs to an IED. He recently took former Vice President Dick Cheney on a fly fishing trip.