Work Vessels For Veterans, Inc. Awards Tools, worth $1000, to Navy Veteran James Wright

Recently, local hero John Wright, Navy Hospital Corpsman, “Doc” to the U.S. Marines during combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and member of the U.S. Navy’s elite Search and Rescue team, received the tools he needed to start his own business, General Handyman Service LLC, from Connecticut-based nonprofit Work Vessels for Veterans, which equips veteran-entrepreneurs. Funding for the tools was made possible by Salute American Vodka, a high-quality, American-made, craft vodka company, based in Branford, Conn., and Brescome Barton, Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributor of spirits, wine and beer in the state. John Niekrash, co-founder and chairmen of Work Vessels for Vets; Mike Heins, trade development manager of Brescome Barton, Inc.; and Michael Lutz, operations manager for Salute American Vodka, and other members of each team were onsite for the award presentation. Wright’s two-year-old son, Jack Wright, was also onsite to help his father accept the award.

Veteran U.S. Navy Petty Officer James Wright, of Trumbull, Conn., served nine years as a Hospital Corpsman and a member of the Navy's elite Search and Rescue Team. He was assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps to forward divisions in Iraq and Afghanistan where he was the "Doc" for 250 combat Marines, providing aircrew and emergency medical care in support of search and rescue missions. Wright was responsible for daily medical operations and logistical support. He also conducted training that aided in the rebuilding of the communities in Afghanistan and Iraq through patrolling, securing, policing efforts and community outreach by taking care of any patient in these war-torn villages. He's earned military decoration by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Work Vessels for Vets, Inc started in 2008 with the sole mission to equip veteran-entrepreneurs. Over 1600 vets across the nation have received nearly $2 million worth of tools, trucks, tractors, electronics and equipment. Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. received the coveted TOP-RATED NONPROFIT Award from Great Nonprofits and GuideStar’s highest PLATINUM Rating for transparency and efficient use of donor funds with 94% donations used for veteran services. To learn more, go to www.WVFV.org.

A spirit with soul, Salute American Vodka is a leader of corporate social responsibility in the spirit industry. The first dollar of every bottle sold goes directly to organizations, like Work Vessels for Vets, which assist veterans and other American heroes in their transition from military to civilian life. In partnership with Brescome Barton, Inc., Salute American Vodka is sold in nearly every retailer across the state.

Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. is a 501 c-3 public charity matching veteran-entrepreneurs with the tax deductible donations of equipment. No other organization is solely dedicated to helping combat vets start a civilian business by giving the tools they need for self-employment.

There are hundreds of organizations nationwide that support the nearly 20 million active service members or retired veterans who have bravely sacrificed for our country and have transitioned from military to civilian life. Salute American Vodka partners with nonprofits, such as Work Vessels for Veterans, a national organization based in Connecticut, and retailers across the country to give thanks to veterans, awarding scholarship money, laptops, transportation vehicles, job opportunities and more. The company’s goal is to become the largest contributor to veterans and other American heroes of all spirits brands in the nation.