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Veterans at EASE program announced at BMC

In conjunction with and with the support of the Perry 200 Celebration, the Bayfront Maritime Center announced the launch of a new program, Veterans at EASE, designed to help local veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As part of this program, BMC and Veterans Administration staff will sail with veterans. Some pilot excursions will get underway this fall, and it is hoped the full program will begin in the spring of 2014. This announcement was made as part of the Perry 200 festivities this weekend commemorating Erie’s role in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812.This new initiative is modeled after the Veterans on Deck program, in Charleston, South Carolina and BMC’s Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience (EASE) program. Founded in 2010, Veterans on Deck has already achieved much success helping veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) re-adjust to civilian life by providing mentored sailing opportunities.

This new initiative is modeled after the Veterans on Deck program, in Charleston, South Carolina and BMC’s Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience (EASE) program. Founded in 2010, Veterans on Deck has already achieved much success helping veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) re-adjust to civilian life by providing mentored sailing opportunities.

Veteran Volunteer, Jerry Bien, with his 24′ Maine Lobster Boat, Mirabeau Lamar in Erie, Pennsylvania.