Noteboom The Law Firm

Freedom Excursions Help Disabled Veterans Enjoy the Water

August 3, 2010 - Matt Custer is a soldier in the U.S. Army and is the son of Bryan and Marilyn Custer. Through Matt's deployments, Bryan and Marilyn were kept appraised of everything happening with U.S. soldiers around the world. Like many military families, they have seen firsthand the physical and emotional damages of war and the issues affecting returning soldiers.  

The Custers felt the urge to do anything they could to help these veterans and express their gratitude for their service. They started Freedom Excursions in April 2008, a not-for-profit entity that hit the water for the first time in September, 2008. Since that date, the Custers have run 35 excursions in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, either fishing or boating trips. There is never a charge for these trips, the Custer's only want to provide a couple of hours of stress-free enjoyment for disabled veterans.

The Custers have hosted all levels of disabled veterans on their trips, from veterans bound to wheelchairs, to those battling PTSD and substance abuse. The Custers pay most of the money out-of-pocket but they want to do more. They have recently formed partnerships with other captains so they can also offer additional fishing trips and dolphin encounters. They are looking to buy a new boat to accommodate more veterans as well as establish a base of volunteers to help with the cruises. You can learn more about Freecom Excursions by visiting their website.