The DUKW and Me
Early in 2005, I had studied for, and obtained my US Coast Guard Master’s license (commonly called a Captain’s License). My intention was to someday semi-retire as sailboat charter captain. I’ve since let that license expire, but if the opportunity for that type of semi-retirement job comes up again, I’ll renew it.
Jim Vallilee was a businessman in Grapevine that had started a tour service called Grapevine Excursions. He had 2 DUKW vessels doing tours on Lake Grapevine in Grapevine, TX. The DUKW (an ac
I had signed on with him to be one of the operators, although I had not yet taken any customers out on the lake yet. Jim and I touched base shortly after Katrina hit, and he said he was looking for a USCG licensed Captain to take one of the DUKW’s to New Orleans to help with recuse operations. He asked if I was interested, and I jumped at the opportunity.
New Orleans Bound
I was told I could bring another volunteer, and I asked Brad if he was interested. He too jumped at the opportunity, and we headed down to New Orleans with the DUKW on a high/low trailer, operated by an professional driver; and Brad, Max Miller (another volunteer heading up the trip), and I. It was an experience of a lifetime, and Brad’s words tell it so well.