We are Veterans Memorial Reef – Veterans Serving Veterans

Veterans Memorial Reef is a non-profit veteran organization that honors fallen heroes by placing them in a unique aquatic memorial so they may be laid to rest at sea. First, their remains are transferred to an aquatic urn which is sealed in a concrete memorial marker. The memorial marker is lowered to the seafloor to become an artificial reef.

Our reef is located off the coast of Carolina and Wrightsville Beach, NC. Through this commemoration, we can honor their passing while sustaining marine life and helping to ensure the integrity of our coastline.

The Commemoration Process

Non-Profit Veteran Organization in Carolina Beach, NC | Veterans Memorial Reef

Our Mission

Our mission is to honor those who have served with distinction in the US Armed Forces. We commemorate their passing through remembrance and emphasize education about the history of the US military—past, present, and future—and our marine ecosystem. This technology will aid in preserving, rehabilitating, and protecting our natural ocean reef ecosystems by integrating artificial memorial markers with reef technologies.

Our Goals

Veterans Memorial Reef is a 501(c) 3 publicly supported non-profit veteran-operated organization. We strive to honor our fallen heroes through memorial services with the following goals in mind.

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Recognize

We aim to recognize every veteran who served honorably in the United States Military.

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Commemorate

We commemorate their decorations and awards received in service.

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Educate

We work with higher education institutions to use the Veterans Memorial Reef site for monitoring marine biology areas, promoting the preservation and supporting the future growth of marine life.

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Rehabilitate

Our reef memorials provide areas for fish to breed and hide from predators. Create surfaces for reef spores to attach to and thrive. Increase reef growth to boost oxygen levels. Improve areas for recreational fishing and scuba diving.

Veteran Memorial in Carolina Beach, NC | Veterans Memorial Reef

Benefits

Veterans Memorial Reef is not VA Affiliated but we can assist to the best of our ability the surviving spouse, children, or family members with the benefits they may be eligible to receive at the below links.

Fallen Heroes

How You Can Help

History

A few years ago, while reading National Geographic, Thomas Marcinowski saw an article about the underwater city of Atlantis memorial. The concept consisted of people scattering remains while scuba diving or placing memorial stones to form reefs to honor people who recently passed away.

Seizing upon this idea, he decided this would be an excellent way to honor recently deceased veterans. And thus, the idea for Veterans Memorial Reef was born. Thomas collaborated with friends Joe Irrera and Alex Cupernall to make this idea a reality.

Leadership

Thomas E. Marcinowski, Founder/CEO

A dedicated veteran who has served our country with honor since 1987, Thomas was just 20 years old when he experienced his first war during Desert Storm. He later served in Operation Provide Comfort, helping to rebuild Kuwait and provide humanitarian aid to Kurdish refugees. After transitioning to the Air Force Reserve, he earned his degree as a Physician Assistant and joined the North Carolina Army National Guard. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Thomas was called back into action, serving as an infantry battalion aid surgeon. Thomas concluded his military career in 2012 as the Deputy State Flight Surgeon.

Today, Thomas is a proud veteran working as a Physician Assistant at the Wilmington, North Carolina, VA Health Care Center, where he continues to advocate for both fellow veterans and his colleagues. Always standing up for the little guy, he is driven by his deep belief in helping others.

Joe Irrera, Vice President of Operations

Joe Irrera has dedicated over thirty years to serving others, beginning with his distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps. As a Lieutenant, he served as an Artillery and Intelligence Officer, and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired as a Marine Colonel in 2014.

After transitioning to the civilian sector, Joe spent over 20 years in sales, operations, training, and management roles at companies like PPD, Chiltern, and Novartis. His ability to create a positive, welcoming environment makes him an asset wherever he goes.

Joe is also deeply committed to service, having served as one of the founding board members of Veterans Memorial Reef (VMR). His leadership has been key in the success of VMR’s ceremonies and launches, and he continues to make valuable contributions as Vice President.

Chris Dehart, Board Member

Chris DeHart is a man of many talents and unwavering dedication. His journey began as a wrestler at UNC Pembroke, where he honed his competitive spirit.

Chris’s military journey began when he enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq as a Specialist and Cavalry Scout. Demonstrating exceptional reconnaissance skills, Chris was selected for a special assignment on a Personal Security Detail. He was tasked with protecting the Battalion Commander, Executive Officer, VIPs, and the Battalion Aid Surgeon. It was during this critical time that he forged a strong friendship and lasting bond with Thomas Marcinowski while serving as his bodyguard.

Chris’s commitment to his friends and fellow veterans continues today as he serves on the Board of Veterans Memorial Reef. His passion for giving back is evident through his significant contributions to the board.

In 2010, Chris founded All About Energy Solutions, leading the company to consistent annual growth and establishing it as a key player in the energy savings industry. Chris is also a devoted father who is actively involved in all of his kids’ activities, from soccer to scouts, ensuring that he supports them in their pursuits.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about our services, or if you or a family member are in need of assistance, please reach out to our Veteran Services Coordinator. We are here to support and guide you through the resources available to veterans and their families.

Email us at: contact@veteransmemorialreef.org for more details or assistance.

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