Some say that one person really can't make a difference...I believe that they can.

Hello, my name is Kelly and my son Spc. Corey J. Kowall was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, N.C. so I know first-hand the importance of supporting our soldiers, veterans and their families in any way possible.

First, let me say "thank you" for taking an interest in FAVE Boating Expeditions [a sanctioned 501 (c) (19) non-profit organization] that was founded after my son and the Medic were killed on September 20, 2009 while in route to aide support at a location, near their FOB in Afghanistan, where IED's had been detected.

Often due to the current rules, regulations, practices, procedures, methods and traditions that are followed by the military in dealing with the death of a soldier or veteran, things can happen that retard, halt or even destroy the grief process and journey into healing by parents, spouses, extended family members, fiancés, significant others, comrades-in-arms, caregivers and friends causing even more damage to the mental well being of those that are left behind.

To honor my son and the Army values that he stood for, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage, I was compelled to find a way to assist those who, like myself, were hindered mentally and emotionally due to some of the complex issues that arise when the one who dies has served in the military.

Because of the mutual love of boating and water activities that my son and I shared, I knew how healing being out on the water can be. So after my son's funeral services, I returned home to Florida and bought a boat. I started taking out a few Veterans and Gold Star Families for a day on the bay, just as a way of saying "thank-you" for their service and sacrifice. Friends started getting involved and volunteered their sailboats, fishing boats and kayaks. These boating expeditions ended up being so much MORE than just a ride.

They were mentally and emotionally healing to everyone on board. These boating excursions always provide a relaxed setting and a safe environment in which healing can begin through communication, mentoring, counseling and sharing of stories between those who have experienced the pain that stems from the death of a military service member and those who understand that pain. There is just something magical that happens as you head out to sea: the smell the sea air, feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, the rocking motion of the waves. Worries and cares seem to just drift away and for that moment you can find peace.

Since starting this endeavor in 2009, I had been funding every boating excursion out of my own pocket so I was limited in the number of excursions that I could provide. Due to the increasing demand for these voyages, I and a few of my family and friends decided to form a non-profit organization to help fund these boating expeditions. Thus FAVE Boating Expeditions was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in April, 2010.

Additionally, we are trying to raise the funds to purchase a larger vessel. In just one trip this houseboat will allow us to handle more Military Heroes, Gold Star Families and other individuals that have suffered the fate of a fallen soldier. It will also ensure that we never have to leave anyone behind due to a physical limitation that the smaller boats can't accommodate. It will also allow us to do some overnight expedition retreats with grief and/or PTSD counselors on board.

Although we have found a company that is willing to custom build us a boat at their cost, this vessel does not come without a price tag. We know that this endeavor is a big undertaking, but so was the sacrifice made by the fallen soldier or veteran and those we are trying to support with these boating experiences.

If you would like to make a donation, you can make one on line at our website or you can make check out to:

FAVE Boating Expeditions
Mail donation to: P.O. Box 3547 Apollo Beach, FL 33572
All donations are tax deductable.