AMU Editor's Pick Military

Afghanistan Vet Restoring Vietnam-Era PBR

Building a bridge between two generations of warfighters

Words by Wes O’Donnell, U.S. Army and USAF Veteran 1997-2007, Managing Editor InMilitary.com

When Afghanistan veteran Robert Bowyer called the VA to ask about Vietnam Veteran suicide numbers, he was shocked to discover that Veterans Affairs didn’t have any information. At the time, Sgt. Bowyer was pursuing a degree in history and this research was part of his senior thesis. The reason for no information? They told him that the government didn’t keep records of veteran suicides until the mid-eighties.

For the Vietnam generation, this was just another hit below the belt for a group of (mostly) men, that has been marginalized for the past 44 years.

Sgt. Robert Bowyer is now the CEO and Founder of Operation Black Sheep: The John McClurg Foundation for Vietnam Veterans, a non-profit organization centered around a Mark II Patrol Boat River (PBR) that will soon be in operational condition and the most historically accurate PBR in the United States.

According to Robert, an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran and infantryman with two tours to Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the treatment of the Vietnam Veterans is simultaneously disheartening and infuriating. After all, these men and women answered the call regardless of the politics behind it. It was at this point that Robert decided that he wanted to do more for them. His answer? Find a symbol; a project for the Vietnam-Era veterans to rally around.

The Boat

When Robert made the decision to get his hands on a Vietnam-Era PBR, he began making phone calls. According to Robert, “Some people laughed at me. Others wanted to sell me their boat for $100,000 or $150,000.” It was only through sheer force of will and some key mentors that he was able to secure a Mark II PBR. “There are 33 PBR boats in the US, and out of that, only 4 see water. Those 4 PBRs are privately owned,” states Robert.

Robert says that “the goal is to provide a restoration project that offers a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage, and valor of all military veterans.” In addition, he states that once completed, the boat will be open to the public and “allow people (both military and civilian) to experience firsthand the thrill of riding on an operational PBR. We will strive to preserve the legacy and history of the Brown Water Navy of Vietnam.”

When he originally pulled into town towing the PBR, he was approached by a dozen Vietnam-Era veterans who were nervous and concerned that he wouldn’t restore and maintain the boat correctly. Those fears quickly evaporated when they saw his passion and authenticity behind the project. In addition, a number of Vietnam Veterans have volunteered their time and money to help in the restoration process.

Unfortunately, some of the World War II veterans, the Greatest Generation, treated Vietnam vets with disdain. Robert wants to ensure that there is no such barrier between Vietnam Veterans and Modern Vets. “Modern post-9/11 veterans wouldn’t have half of the benefits that we have if Vietnam Veterans hadn’t paved the way at Veterans Affairs.” Robert adds, “It’s time for the Vietnam generation to hold their head high and be recognized.”

Due to some recent, extremely positive press, Operation Black Sheep is now getting help from some corporate sponsors. One company that wants to remain anonymous due to a current connection with the Department of Defense, is rebuilding the engines.

“The goal,” Robert says, “is to have this boat in the water this year.” And it is growing more likely that they will reach this goal due to all of the interest from the community.

Interestingly, there is another PBR in this small community of Muskegon, Michigan. Robert notified a local business owner and Vietnam Veteran Mark Fazakerley of the existence of another PBR, which Mr. Fazakerley quickly bought. He is restoring his as well which will make Muskegon, Michigan the only town in the United States with two fully operational, fully restored Vietnam PBRs.

In addition, the town of Muskegon, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, is home to the USS Silversides SS-236, a Gato-Class submarine from WWII and the LST 393, a landing ship with an incredible wartime record. Together this, with the manufacturing role of Muskegon as an Arsenal of Democracy during the 20th century, makes Muskegon a destination for aficionados of military history.

As for Robert’s PBR, he goes on to state that “Ultimately, we are changed because of the realities of war, and sometimes feel like the general population does not understand us. Service members can be made to feel like the black sheep of the community. It is our goal to promote a sense of belonging, respect, and brotherhood among veterans and the general public alike.”

To donate to Operation Black Sheep, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit visit HERE

Pictures below from Robert Bowyer’s collection. To meet the team at Operation Black Sheep visit HERE

Wes O'Donnell

Wes O’Donnell is an Army and Air Force veteran and writer covering military and tech topics. As a sought-after professional speaker, Wes has presented at U.S. Air Force Academy, Fortune 500 companies, and TEDx, covering trending topics from data visualization to leadership and veterans’ advocacy. As a filmmaker, he directed the award-winning short film, “Memorial Day.”

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