Support Jack Stoen's Journey to Recovery

Story

Jack's Road to Recovery As some may know, Jack Stoen was involved in a major industrial accident on April 15, 2025. While crewing up a barge and tugboat for the Western Tow Boat Company, Jack fell from a ladder used as a gangway to a barge. The fall shattered his ankle, requiring emergency surgery with 15 pins and two metal plates. His recovery will be long and grueling—six weeks non-weight bearing and at least six months of intensive physical therapy. Jack was well on his way to earning the Master of Vessels Less Than 1800 Gross Tons. He recently passed a series of Coast Guard exams on his very first try. He was well on his way to stepping into the career he dreamed of. Jack is a 24-year-old Army veteran who proudly served his country with pride and honor. His dream was to earn enough money to purchase a modest home near his brother in Iowa, rotating between the 2-4 week crew to Alaska and home. He has dedicated a large portion of his young life to service, hard work, and building a future he could be proud of. A U.S. Army veteran and trained watercraft operator (MOS 88K), Jack served with distinction, moving heavy equipment by sea for both humanitarian and military missions. His assignments took him across the globe—from a nine-month tour in Japan to a vital disaster response in South America following Hurricane Iota. While in the States, he was stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. Jack moved to Washington State to pursue a civilian maritime career. He enrolled at MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies), recently completing rigorous training and apprenticeship with Western Tow Boat Company. He has been an employee for about 2 years. His goals are simple but powerful: 1. To succeed in the job he worked so hard for; 2. To own a home; 3. To continue a life of service. This injury has shaken those dreams. The severity of his injuries now threatens his ability to continue working in the maritime field he loves. Your donation will help with: 1. Costs of recovery; 2. Support to help him stay afloat (pun intended) while determining if he can return to sea; 3. Additional certifications, retraining, and education. Jack has always put others first, whether in uniform or on the open water. Now he needs us. Let’s help him stand strong again—so he can walk, work, and chase his dreams without fear. Any amount will help. Jack is what I call the greatest generation's grandson: humble, kind, living a life of service.