Veterans Helping Veterans
The Value of Sharing Experiences and Working Together
Truth Still Matters. So Do Our Veterans.
S/V Paviti Tern Preservation Trust Inc
Paviti Tern exists to preserve the real stories of veterans and civilians, build a stronger community around those who served, and protect the truth behind the First Navy Jack.
This is a place for truth, purpose, and connection. Veterans can share their stories, civilians can share how service has touched their lives, and volunteers can help bring the TERN back to life on the water.
What is S/V Paviti Tern Preservation Trust Inc?
Our Non Profit Mission
The S/V PAVITI TERN is becoming a place where veterans can gather, learn, work, sail, and rebuild purpose together. Her history, restoration, and future on the water are all part of the mission.
Veterans' After Service Civilian Stories
Every civilian veteran carries a story too. War, trauma, service, and healing do not stop with the veteran. They reach families, friends, communities, and the people who stand beside them.
Veterans' In Service True Stories
Every veteran carries a story. Some stories are about courage. Some are about loss. Some are about coming home to a country that does not fully understand what was left behind.
Sail, Volunteer, and Stand Together
The TERN is becoming a place where veterans can gather, learn, sail, volunteer, and rebuild purpose together on the water.
The TERN's Home Base
Bristol Marine is becoming an important home base for Paviti Tern. It provides the waterfront setting where the vessel can be prepared, cared for, and supported as veteran volunteers begin learning and working around the boat.
Real Stories From Those Who Carry the Weight
Every veteran carries a story, whether it be while in service of their country or life after service as a civilian. Some stories are about courage, family, loss, hardship, service, sacrifice, or coming home to a country that does not fully understand what was left behind. Each week, Paviti Tern shares one veteran in service story and one veteran story after discharge to remind us that war, trauma, and healing do not stop with the veterans' discharge from service. Their stories reach out to families, friends, communities, and the people who stand beside them, so these voices are not buried, softened, or forgotten.
Featured Veterans' Civilian Story
Stories from veterans after they have served.
THE BOAT THAT SAVED MY LIFE
By Michael |
Featured Veterans' In Service True Story
Stories from veterans while they are in service.
How Pearl Harbor and John F Kennedy Influenced My Life
By Michael |
Stand by, a blockbuster story of Military Service is coming soon!
Keep the Stories Alive
One featured story is open to everyone each week. Members help preserve the full archive of stories, organized by month and year. Your support keeps these voices available, protects the mission, and helps Paviti Tern continue sharing the truth behind service, sacrifice, and survival.
The First Navy Jack Was a Warning,
Not a Threat.
Before "Don’t Tread on Me" became a slogan, it meant leave us alone.
The First Navy Jack carried that warning across thirteen stripes and a rattlesnake stretched in unity. It was not a call to dominate. It was a message of restraint, freedom, and truth. Paviti Tern protects that original meaning.
Raising Awareness for Veteran Suicide
"18 A Day"
Over 158,074 Veterans have died by suicide since 2001.
2,721 Veterans have died by suicide this year so far.
Another Veteran will die by suicide in 68 minutes 7 seconds
Data sourced from the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (accessed on 05/12/2026)
Veterans Affairs Press Release