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 concrete memorial markers become part of a permanent artificial reef. By integrating memorial markers with reef technologies, we aim to help preserve, rehabilitate, and protect marine habitats.
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
Following cremation, a veteran’s cremains are respectfully transferred into an aquatic urn.
02
Memorial marker
The urn is sealed within a concrete memorial marker, creating a lasting tribute to their life and service.
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.
Service doesn’t have to end.
It can become a new beginning.
Our mission brings military remembrance and marine stewardship together, creating a place where honor and habitat meet.
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 board of directors and executive support team, bringing military, community, and marine science experience to our mission.
Thomas Marcinowski
Founder/President
Chris DeHart
Board Member
Terri Medlin
Chairman
Wade Coble
Board Member
Troy Alphin
Board Member
Chris Miller
Board Member
Vivian Yuditsky
Executive Assistant
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
