Pancakes sizzle in the land of Charles Mears

Pentwater VFW breakfast benefits West Michigan S.A.I.L. program

By Nathan Kroon The Oceana Echo Volunteer Correspondent

At 10:36 a.m. Sunday morning, $36 bought three all-you-can-eat plates at the Pentwater VFW Memorial Day Breakfast. The dining hall of Eldon L.Chadwick Post 6017 bustled with activity from 8 a.m. to noon as local veterans and volunteers raised funds for the West Michigan S.A.I.L. program.

Recruits from the Hart football team, led by Coach Joe Tanis, formed a skirmish line on the serving side of the breakfast counter, tongs in hand. Bacon, sausage, and eggs were the order of the day. A cluster of customers ahead drained the reserve of griddle cakes, causing a brief delay. The veterans on KP (kitchen patrol), armed with spatulas and bright red aprons, did not let the heat of the breakfast rush compromise the quality of the fodder. Once resupplied, these pancakes proved to be worth their weight in gold -- golden syrup, that is.

After eating, two “Sunbird” visitors from Quartzsite, Ariz. accepted an interview. “Quartzsite is the Snowbird Capitol of the world,” Con and Carrol Smith explained. “In winter months, the population swells from 3,000 to 100,000. White RVs cover the ground as far as the eye can see.” Following their Snowbird ambassadors, the Smiths have returned to Michigan for a second year. “We like West Michigan for its Pacific Coastal feel, but with better communities. People here show such pride of ownership. Lawns are mowed and kept up, and there are no big-box stores in town. West Michigan towns are very walkable.” Take note, Oceana residents: mowed lawns inspire tourists to return.

The breakfast enjoyed by Con and Carrol was served to benefit West Michigan S.A.I.L., an acronym for Servicemembers Adapting, Interacting, and Living. Curious guests browsed the related literature while president Lee Price represented this Pentwater-based organization in a navy-blue shirt printed with the WMS acronym. He answered questions behind the check-in table as meals were purchased.

“Our mission is to bring veterans together through sailing. We ultimately want to reach the veterans who are isolated, fighting depression and PTSD, and at risk of suicide. We hope to reduce those numbers. Vets who come sailing with us spend five days earning a Basic Keelboat certification. They can then return as a unit, check out a boat, and continue building camaraderie while learning skills.”

West Michigan S.A.I.L. partners with other organizations that offer recreational resources. These partners include the Stony Lake HorseRiding Therapy program, Fly Fishing International, local sportfishing charter boats, and a yoga program based in Pentwater geared toward women veterans.

“Veterans can feel closed off, even from their own families. We hope to connect veterans with an activity they are passionate about, so they can find something to do with other veterans –something constructive. We have six veterans on our board of directors, and we try to connect with that population in every possible way.”

Lee appreciated the fundraising efforts of Pentwater VFW Post Commander Jim Carlson. “We don’t charge the veterans, [these activities are] free to them. We fund the program through events like this breakfast, thanks to Jim. We also write for grants and receive private donations. We are developing public sailing classes and charters as an income source. WMS is the only “US Sailing” accredited sailing school in the state of Michigan,” he emphasized. “This accreditation allows us to offer training certificates to members of the public.”

These certificates qualify the holder to charter boats in places like the British Virgin Islands, without needing to hire a captain. WMS offers a Basic Keelboat Certificate course, including materials and sea time, for $950. Soon, a Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, and Costal Navigation certificate will also become available.

The pride of the West Michigan S.A.I.L. fleet is a Saber 36 keelboat. This flagship, donated by two Chicago attorneys, is a champion whose history includes two second place titles spread across sixteen Chicago-to-Mackinac races. Two other donated vessels balance the fleet, captained by a staff of five instructors who hail from a variety of Great Lakes states, including Indiana and Ohio. Since its founding in Oceana in 2018, WMS has expanded beyond its goal of serving seven adjacent counties to become a statewide program. It now receives recreational therapy requests from VA clinics in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, and Traverse City. In September, West Michigan S.A.I.L. will host its second annual Women Veterans Weekend retreat in conjunction with the Motown Women Veterans group of Detroit and Women Injured in Combat of Muskegon.

Captain Lee Price extends a personal invitation to all veterans who feel isolated: “Let’s talk. We can start small, one-on-one or in a small group, even just working on the boats with us. Let’s find something you’re interested in doing.” Vets and civilians alike are encouraged to visit wmsail.com to get involved

VFW Post 6017 served 237 people that day, not only with breakfast, but also with an opportunity to give financially in support of veterans. As we remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, let us not forget those still among us who have sacrificed for our safety and freedom. Thank a veteran for his or her service, be they a relative, a neighbor, or a passerby. Members of the Hart football team are also to be commended for the community spirit they demonstrated in this act of volunteerism.

Mark your calendars – the Pentwater VFW will conduct two additional benefit breakfasts this summer July 2 and Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon. Eldon L.Chadwick Post 6017 comprises a membership of more than 70 veterans of foreign wars. The post, founded in 1946, is named for a resident of Oceana County who gave his life for his country during the Second World War. The hall is located north of Pentwater at 8440 Business Highway 31.

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