Twenty-eight years of sailboat competition and the MSR is my favorite regatta. There is great joy in seeing veterans and active duty military having their first experience of sailboat racing. The excitement begins at the skippers meeting and continues right through to the post-race party. Family and friends watching the race from the spectator boat greatly contributes to the excitement.
– Paul Jacques, US Navy 1968-72
Veterans on Deck, President/CEO
CORA is not just talking about helping active military & veterans, they are doing it!
The Military Salute Regatta is a great way to say THANKS & support the Fisher House & Veterans on Deck.
– Richard A Wing, US ARMY Veteran Sergeant
The purpose of the MSR is to acknowledge and thank the selfless individuals who have served in our armed forces. There are approximately 2.5 million Americans serving which equates to less than 1% of the population. Veterans often time disappear back into society after their service with little acknowledgement or thanks for their commitment.
Events like the MSR let veterans know that they are not forgotten and are admired for their sacrifice for our great country. The MSR provides exposure to sailing, Charleston Harbor and hundreds of supporters who simply want to say thank you and welcome home and provide a day of fun and camaraderie.
Many veterans struggle after their service and the suicide rate among veterans remains heartbreakingly high. Events like the MSR let veterans know that they can reach out at any time to new and old friends should they need to do so and that doors are always open.
Many veterans struggle after their service and the suicide rate among veterans remains heartbreakingly high. Events like the MSR let veterans know that they can reach out at any time to new and old friends should they need to do so and that doors are always open.
– Bob Muser, SV Sceptre
Staff Sergeant US Army. Paratrooper with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 173rd Airborne Brigade. Vietnam 1969-1970
Since retiring from the Navy, moving to Charleston, and joining the Charleston Ocean Racing
Association (CORA), I’ve been racing in and around Charleston twelve years. The competition on the
water and friendship continued ashore has really enriched my life!
I saw combat in several theaters, first as a carrier-based strike fighter pilot and later as a Navy physician
in a forward surgical team. Now as a physician at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, I have the
privilege of meeting and caring for veterans daily. I understand the sacrifices and challenges, along with
the strong sense of camaraderie which results from military service.
When CORA announced the plan to offer tribute to our county’s military by planning an annual regatta
inviting veterans and active duty servicemembers to race against each other in the harbor, I knew the
union of local sailors and our military community would be uniquely beneficial to each group. Teamwork
and camaraderie are shared hallmarks of both military and successful ocean racing organizations.
Finally, all proceeds directly benefit two very deserving, veteran focused organizations; Friends of the
Fisher House Charleston, and Veterans On Deck.
– William E. Cramer, M.D.
CDR, MC, USN (Ret)
When I am on or near the water, it brings me peace and I think about how fortunate I am to live where I do, and it’s not something I take for granted. There are hardly enough words and ways to acknowledge those who keep and have kept our freedom possible.
Many in my family served and the Military Salute Regatta is a fun way to give back and share a special day that fosters involvement by getting people together in friendly and spirited competition on the water.
– Kristen Buckley, SV Sayonara, CORA Treasurer 2022-23
I am 43 years a sailor, 7 years a boater, the wife of a veteran and on the Military Salute Regatta committee because in 2021, the inaugural party had more grins on happy faces than I’d ever seen at such an event. Our presenting Sponsor was so happy that he announced he would sponsor again. Now in year 3, there is an amazing group of volunteers setting the stage for yet another day of big grins on happy faces! Come be part of it as a military person, veteran, guest, sponsor or volunteer.
– Sue Wing, CORA Member and Sponsor Coordinator