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.
Civilian True Stories
Every civilian 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.
Veteran 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.
Real Stories From Those Who Carry the Weight
Every veteran and civilian carries a story. 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 story and one civilian story to remind us that war, trauma, and healing do not stop with the veteran. They reach families, friends, communities, and the people who stand beside them, so these voices are not buried, softened, or forgotten.
Civilian Story
THE BOAT THAT SAVED MY LIFE
By Michael |
Veteran Story
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.
A Place for Veterans to Volunteer
"18 A Day"
Paviti Tern is seeking veteran volunteers who want to learn, help, and spend time on the water. Current opportunities include dockside learning, sail handling, line handling, boat handling, basic navigation, light painting, varnishing, and preparation for daysailing on Mount Hope Bay.
The goal is to help veterans build confidence, connection, and purpose while preparing the TERN for future sailing. Volunteers may also have access to a motorized fishing skiff for time on the river and bay.
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.
The Flag 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.
This Week's Truth
"18 A Day"
Over 158,009 Veterans have died by suicide since 2001.
2,656 Veterans have died by suicide this year so far.
Another Veteran will die by suicide in 10 minutes 11 seconds
Data sourced from the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (accessed on 05/12/2026)
Veterans Affairs Press Release