The Chicago Propeller Club is proud to be increasing its support for seafarer charities and veteran-led businesses as part of its wider mission to serve the maritime community.
In recent days, Club President Chris Carr and Club Vice President Ben Pinnington, of Polaris Media (a Club sponsor), visited two impressive Chicago-based organisations making a difference in the lives of U.S. military veterans.
Veteran mental health remains a serious concern in the U.S., with an estimated 17 veteran suicides every day. The Club is keen to spotlight organisations working to address this crisis through maritime-related initiatives.
One such group is No Salt Sailing, which helps veterans and their families manage PTSD by learning to sail on Lake Michigan. Club members will hear more about this initiative at the next Chicago Propeller Club event, where Captains William S. Shehan and Miguel Netto d’Almeida of No Salt Sailing will speak. The event takes place at the Chicago Yacht Club on August 13.
The Club also visited Chicago Fireboat Tours, run by U.S. Navy veterans Ray “Captain” Novak and Erich Totsch. The team is currently developing a new training programme to help fellow veterans gain skills for maritime jobs. The initiative centres around a 1970s-era yard patrol boat, recently acquired and being rechristened as the Wolverine.
Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the Wolverine will serve as a platform for practical training and education. The project is now seeking support from local shipyards and marine engineering firms to assist with its refit.
With many veterans possessing transferable skills ideal for the maritime industry, the Wolverine project presents a valuable opportunity to support both individual lives and workforce needs. There continues to be strong demand for skilled mariners across the Midwest and the wider U.S.
The Club thanks Mike McElroy of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee for helping facilitate introductions to both No Salt Sailing and the Chicago Fireboat Tours team.
About Chicago Propeller Club
The Chicago Propeller Club is part of the International Propeller Club of the United States, a global network dedicated to promoting the maritime industry, supporting seafarers, and encouraging education, safety, and innovation across all sectors of the maritime field.
The Chicago branch brings together professionals from shipping, ports, logistics, government, and marine services through networking events, advocacy work, and charitable outreach.