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A heroic journey to help America’s veterans

Brian Brennan in his boat during his 900-mile journey along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Brian Brennan in his boat during his 900-mile journey along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

For some, a heroic adventure featuring shark attacks and close encounters with bears may sound like something from a novel. However, for Brian Brennan, this adventure was anything but fiction and provided the 67-year-old veteran the opportunity to raise awareness for DAV.

Brennan, a Navy veteran, decided to take on the challenge of his lifetime by rowing 900 miles to raise money for ill and injured veterans, a cause close to his heart. It wasn't just Brennan's own experiences that inspired him to take on the challenge. He was highly inspired by the stories of other veterans and how DAV has changed their lives.

"Before the trip, I went to talk to a lot of veterans, and I was amazed how they all said that DAV has helped them," said Brennan.

These conversations led Brennan to take on the challenge of raising $12,000 by rowing 900 miles along Florida’s Gulf Coast. But even having previous experience with kayaking and nature, Brennan encountered several challenges along his journey. 

"Once, a six-foot shark leapt out of the water and nearly bit my oar,” he said. “Another time, when I was camping out, a security guard approached me and handed me an air horn, saying it would scare off the bear that shows up every morning. Oh, and once, I accidentally ran over a manatee."

These hurdles and others he encountered didn’t discourage him from pursuing his goal. With just essential supplies and stopping only when necessary and to sleep (sometimes in his boat), Brennan completed the trip in 14 weeks and achieved his $12,000 fundraising goal to support ill and injured veterans and their families.

"Every day, I would go around 10 hours without talking to anybody. Although it was a challenge, I thought about how many veterans feel alone and that they have nobody to support them," said Brennan. "When I would stop to take breaks, I would meet veterans and hear their stories about how DAV saved their lives. I realized then how important it was to finish my journey and show them that there are people who care."

If you would like to follow in Brennan's steps and start your own DAV fundraiser to help ill and injured veterans, visit VictoriesforVeterans.com. 


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