MAY 2019 • FOGHORN 21 FOGHORNFOCUS: HUMAN RESOURCES In Minneapolis, PVA Vessel operation Padelford Packet Boat Company also offers a free cruise to any active or military veterans and their families who want a cruise on Memorial Day. “We’ve been giving away free rides for over 10 years,” said Gus Gaspardo, President of Padelford Packet. “I believe we give out 1,200 tickets a year to soldiers and their families. We feel it’s the right thing to do to express our gratitude for their service.” Like BB Riverboats and Gateway Clipper Fleet, Padelford Packet is now coordinating with their regional SOS office. Other passenger vessel operators who are engaged in the SOS cruise program are Seastreak LLC. in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Riverboat Excursions, Hannibal, MO, and the Chattanooga Riverboat Company, Chattanooga, TN. There is now a goal of having a na- tionwide event for Gold Star families and military veterans. “We would like a nationwide SOS event, every June 9,” said Orange. “A single day activity using water vessels as the venue at numerous sites across the country for thousands of Gold Star family members as we offer continued Support to our ‘Survivors of American Heroes.’” On the Upper Mississippi River, Gaspardo’s crew finds their Memorial Day cruises to be special because of all the military personnel and families who come aboard for a free ride and the public recognition they receive. Padelford Packets has a long history with U.S. veterans. The operation’s founder, Capt. William “Bill” Bowell, who was inducted into the PVA Hall of Fame in 2011 and was the first president of the then-National Association of Passenger Vessel Owners, the predeces- sor of the Passenger Vessel Association, was a World War II veteran. He was a paratrooper who took part in D-Day in 1944. Currently, the vessel operation employees several military vets, including one captain who served in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts. For Terri Bernstein, the event is personal. “The SOS cruise on June 9 is very near and dear to my heart because of the loss of my husband. And, I love that I can help families of the fallen with a moving experience aboard our vessel,” she said. “For me, the loss of military personnel who fall in the line of duty deserve to be remembered, rec- ognized and celebrated.” And, BB Riverboats employees are also affected by the special cruise. According to Bernstein, “It’s always a very emotional day. Even though we pay our employees, many ask if they can donate their time because it’s such a moving experience.” If your vessel operation is interested in participating in next year’s Survivor Outreach Services June 9 event, contact David Orange at david.m.orange.ctr@ mail.mil, or call (502) 607-1099. n