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To help military veterans and first responders in the healing process of physical, mental, and emotional trauma by building camaraderie, teamwork, and unity through sailing. Freedom Sailing also helps build a supportive, safe and understanding community that is willing to help each other during the process of adjusting to life changes and hardships.
“Together We Are Strong.”
Our logo is more than just a great looking decal we put on the front page. Just like each of our military veterans, it has purpose, meaning and pride that runs deeper than words. Let me explain. The dark background represents the past while the sails are brighter and moving forward. The vessel isn’t visible in the logo to show how we can’t always see what carries us through difficult times. There are 13 stars to represent a new beginning. The star at the bottom is larger representing a sturdy foundation and that we are all stronger when we band together.
Josh Johnson is a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps with 3rd battalion 6th Marines and deployed to Afghanistan with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After his time in service Josh moved to Wilmington, NC to find work. Shortly after moving, he found a group of friends willing to show him how to sail. Once he proved that he was capable, he was invited to be a crew member on a 19 ft. lightning class sailboat with a local fleet during their regattas. Throughout the years, Josh has had the privilege of sailing on many larger sailboats and raced in many regattas. He has even sailed 650 miles across the Caribbean Sea on a 48 ft. catamaran for fun.
“I had been unknowingly dealing with the side effects of PTSD for many years. For me, sailing has been a great therapeutic outlet where I get the camaraderie and teamwork aspects I craved from being a part of the Marines. When I’m sailing, I forget about everything except my task on the boat, my teammates, and getting the boat to go as fast as we can with nothing but the wind in the sails.” Josh Johnson
