The single flip lounge layout provides plenty of room for his wife Dianelly and their two children as boating has become a big part of their lives, similar to how John was raised.
“I’ve been boating my entire life and growing up it was just one of those things that were a part of our weekly routine,” recalls John. “I don’t recall a time growing up when we weren’t on the water at least weekly. Boating specifically has been a space where I feel at home, the one place that despite what may be going on in the world, I can be at peace.”
As a child Jimmy Buffett songs such as “Son of Sailor”, “Uncle John’s Band”, or “A Pirate Looks At Forty” spoke to him and today he couldn’t imagine life without boating.
“When my wife and I decided to have children, she asked me if I was planning on buying a boat,” said John. “Long story short, we did. It’s an amazing feeling that I have been able to share the experience of boating with my children. Watching the excitement they get walking down to our slip and helping me uncover the Godfrey is something that never gets old.”
John admits he was a little hesitant to jump from center console boats that he knew best to a pontoon, but has grown to really love his Sweetwater.
“This style of boat surprised me with its capability, comfort with passengers on board, layout, and ride quality,” said John. “Godfrey has been an absolutely amazing company and their customer service has been incredible.”
John appreciated the overall experience with the Godfrey brand so much that he started the Godfrey Boat Owners Group on Facebook a few years back and has grown the page to over 3,000 members. The purpose of the group is to make it easy for other Godfrey owners to jump on and get answers from other owners on questions they have about the brand or experiences they may have with their boat.
The freedom to enjoy recreational boating is something John doesn’t take for granted, especially after serving in the Marines when he was younger. John enlisted in the Marine Corps as an 0311 (Infantry Rifleman) and was assigned to a rifle platoon. He was responsible for conducting helicopter inserted and vehicle mounted patrols, counter insurgency operations, and humanitarian missions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
“I entered the Delayed Entry Program in November of 2002,” recalled John. “Back then, 9/11 was still really fresh in everyone’s minds and I had an overwhelming sense of patriotism building inside. I wanted to serve as our nation entered into two separate theaters of combat. Myself along with four or five of my closest friends – who were all 18 at the time and had just graduated high school – attended recruit training in separate branches of the military almost two years to the day after 9/11.”
John served for four years in the Marines and still has many fond memories, especially with those with whom he served.
“Marine infantry units are extremely demanding, but some of our nation’s brightest minds and best tacticians have served in them,” said John. “It’s amazing how close you become with the guys that you serve with. In four short years, I made friendships that lasted more than 20 years. Our infantry company was very close. We still stay in touch with many of the Marines we served with and have had several reunions over the years.”
Today, John sits on the board of directors for Flags Of The Fallen, a service oriented 501c3 non profit organization that donates custom wooden flags for fallen service members, first responders, and their families. It’s just one of the ways he continues to serve and honor those in the Armed Forces.