Local boating club helping veterans find peace this Independence Day

CHARLOTTE, NC — On the water at Lake Norman boaters can find peace and tranquility.

For veterans like John Decoteu it’s the perfect place to relax. 

“Being able to swim and ski or fish or things like that is a wonderful exercise for them to be able to, basically kick back, relax and be able to enjoy what they fought for, which is the freedom of our country,” Decoteu. 

He’s a part of the Freedom Boat Club, a local boating community where members can rent boats and enjoy some time on the water. 

He served in the Marine Corps and said for veterans like himself the boats and open water could be a way  to clear your mind and help with mental health. 

“When you’re out in either Lake Norman or Lake Wylie or one of the other, you know, locations of Freedom Boat Clubs. It’s just quiet. It’s  just you in nature and there’s a lot of harmonious things about that,” Decoteu said. 

Decoteu is serving on a panel  on veteran’s mental health  within a non profit aimed at educating veterans. 

 “I actually put together a panel on mental health for veterans, with five folks that way smarter than me. PHD’s  from across the country that help, you know, veterans out what they’re going through,” Decoteu said. 

He said this Independence Day the boat club could be a way for those who fought for our freedom to enjoy some of their own. 

“Tranquility –  just the simple things in life.”