Veterans on Deck's mission is to help those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), or any other service-related invisible wound by providing a chance for them to focus on social stress and avoidance while creating coping skills to successfully work through these challenges. We recognize that the unique and difficult demands of service to our country can make it tough to rejoin civilian life, and that trauma exposure can make that process even more difficult.
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Our goal is to raise money to update the safety equipment and make all necessary repairs on our 3 vessels. We sail 5 times a week, all year long, and that causes a lot of wear and tear on our equipment.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do https://www.veteransondeck.org/

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing traumatic events, such as combat, crime, an accident or natural disaster. People with PTSD can relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares and avoid anything that reminds them the event.

This causes decreased social functioning associated with anxious feelings that are so intense they are disruptive. When you are in the military you may see combat or see life-threatening events. These types of experiences can lead to PTSD. Other factors contributed to PTSD is Military Sexual Trauma. This is defined as any sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs when you are in the military.

MST can affect both men and women. Victims of MST are at greatly increased risk of psychological problems characterized by social withdrawal (e.g., depression, substance abuse, & post-traumatic stress disorder). Research indicates that these social withdrawal problems and impairments in social and vocational functioning go on for years after an assault.

Veterans On Deck’s MST/PTSD track provides mastery & empowerment opportunities through weekly sailing groups. These group events are specifically designed to counteract social withdrawal common in MST/PTSD victims. These experiences will include teambuilding, mastery, and empowerment training during sometimes challenging conditions found on sailing vessels.

Through sailing we are able to build resiliency through interpersonal skill building and community reintegration. We sail on average 250/365 days/year. A part of the process is learning how to overcome stress in social situations and sometimes that means our boats get banged up and need repairs on a regular basis.