A LIVING LEGACY BENEATH THE WAVES
Honor a veteran with a lasting memorial beneath the waves, where their legacy becomes part of a living reef.
A life of service. A place of remembrance.
REMEMBRANCE WITH PURPOSE
Those Who Served, Continue to Serve.
ONE MEMORIAL. TWO LASTING LEGACIES.
Honoring their lives.
Supporting new life.
A meaningful resting place for our nation’s veterans. A lasting contribution to the ocean they leave behind.
Veterans Memorial Reef honors those who have served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces. We commemorate their passing through remembrance and education about our military history, past, present, and future- and our marine ecosystem.
Off the North Carolina coast, our veterans’ memorials become part of a permanent artificial reef. We use Natrx’s proprietary materials and ExoForms™ reef structures to create lasting tributes designed to support marine habitat. Each memorial connects a veteran’s legacy of service with new life beneath the waves.
A MEANINGFUL WAY TO REMEMBER
A lasting memorial at sea.
With respect at every step, a life of service becomes a legacy beneath the waves.
01
Aquatic urn
Cremation is arranged independently by the family and may have taken place recently or many years earlier. The family retains responsibility for the veteran’s cremains until the scheduled commemoration ceremony. Our team coordinates with the family in advance regarding their transfer for placement in the memorial.
02
Memorial marker
The urn is sealed within a memorial crafted using Natrx’s proprietary materials and ExoForms™ technology, a lasting tribute to the veteran’s life and service, designed to support marine life.
03
A living legacy
The marker is lowered to the seafloor, where it becomes part of a permanent artificial reef supporting marine life.
Considering a memorial? We’re here to help.
OUR PURPOSE IN PRACTICE
Four goals. One enduring mission.
01 / RECOGNIZE
Honor every veteran.
Recognize every veteran who served honorably in the United States military.
02 / COMMEMORATE
Remember their service.
Commemorate the decorations and awards they received throughout their service.
03 / EDUCATE
Share knowledge.
Work with higher education institutions to monitor marine biology, promote preservation, and support the future of marine life.
04 / REHABILITATE
Help marine life thrive.
Create habitat for fish to breed and shelter, surfaces for reef growth, and opportunities for recreational fishing and scuba diving.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
United by a commitment to serve.
Meet our leadership, executive committee, and board of directors.
Leadership
Thomas Marcinowski
Founder/President
A retired U.S. Army Major and former State Deputy Flight Surgeon, Thomas currently serves as a certified physician assistant (PA-C) at the Wilmington VA Health Care Center. His passion for the ocean and dedication to fellow veterans inspire his work with Veterans Memorial Reef.
Terri Medlin
Chairman
Terri serves as a U.S. Coast Guard Reserve officer and an Emergency Management Assistant Director. Her background in nursing, emergency management, and military service informs her leadership at Veterans Memorial Reef.
Executive Committee
Vivian Yuditsky
Executive Assistant
Vivian is the owner of VivTech Solutions and brings years of administrative experience and technical expertise to Veterans Memorial Reef. She supports the organization’s leadership and daily operations, helping move the mission forward.
Board of Directors
Wade Coble
Board Member
Wade is a mortgage professional who brings a commitment to service and community connection to Veterans Memorial Reef. Through outreach and volunteerism, he helps raise awareness and support VMR’s mission of honoring veterans.
Troy Alphin
Board Member
Troy is a research faculty member at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, specializing in shellfish biology and coastal habitat restoration. He connects marine science with Veterans Memorial Reef’s mission, bringing expertise in reef ecology and a commitment to long-term ocean sustainability.
Chris Miller
Board Member
A retired U.S. Army Colonel and IT business leader, Chris brings more than 37 years of experience in strategic planning, technology, and resource management. His military service and leadership experience inform his work supporting Veterans Memorial Reef’s mission of honoring fellow veterans.
Chris DeHart
Board Member
Chris is a veteran and owner of All About Energy Solutions, a local business focused on home energy efficiency. He brings his perspective as a veteran and business owner to Veterans Memorial Reef, supporting its mission of honoring those who served.
LET’S TAKE THE NEXT STEP, TOGETHER
Here for veterans.
Here for their families.
Whether you’re exploring a memorial or looking for assistance, our Veteran Services Coordinator can help guide you through available resources.
CALL OUR TEAM
EMAIL US
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE · BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
7 Beauregard Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412
