(January 31, 2025) Lake Tillery, NC- With a deep commitment to waking waves of positivity and supporting those who serve, veterans Gene Ebersole and Dave Flynn have hosted military appreciation events at Lake Tillery in North Carolina for three years, providing active-duty members, especially those in special operations, with a peaceful day on the water. Each summer, Gene and Dave, who are both recently retired after two decades of service, gather service members and their families for a day on the water that celebrates camaraderie, family connection, and relaxation away from the rigors of military life. Going into this season, the pair have launched their non-profit, Whiskey Tango, the name derived from the NATO phonetic alphabet. Although they are operating under this new name, the events and the impact they have remain the same.
Last summer, the pairs three-day event at Lake Tillery brought together 90 people from the special operations community and their families. Attendees ranged from children as young as five years old to adults, some of whom were trying water sports for the first time. With a few pontoons and five wake boats, including Gene’s Centurion Ri230, the group was immersed in a welcoming environment where they could let go of daily stress and enjoy the freedom of the water.
“These events are about connecting families, helping them live in the present moment, and giving them a break from the constant demands of military life,” shared Gene. “We know how challenging it is to transition out of the military, and we want to offer peace, purpose, and connection. The water is an equalizer—it allows people to leave everything else behind and live fully in the moment.”
The events at Lake Tillery are made possible by the support of Lilly’s Bridge Marina, which offers its docking and boating facilities, fuel, covered lifts, and on-site amenities at no cost to the group. The marina staff, including dock hands and employees, are essential to keeping the events running smoothly. The marina’s unique location provides a secluded, serene setting with full-service marina facilities, gift shops, and restaurants—adding to the memorable experience for military families.
Dave emphasized the importance of serving others in this new chapter of his life. “My wife and I believe in servant leadership, and these events allow us to stay connected to our military family while helping them find balance and peace. We’re helping people rediscover themselves, whether as soldiers or as parents.”
The event, which runs four times each summer, has a lasting impact on its attendees. Several participants have been inspired to buy boats of their own after experiencing the tranquility and joy of being on the water. Additionally, Gene and Dave’s network of volunteers includes former service members who give back by operating the boats, contributing to the shared mission of offering purpose and belonging to military families.
“After 20 years of fighting for national security, we now have the chance to fuel the lives of those who are still fighting,” said Gene. “This is our way of continuing to contribute to that fight from a new perspective.”
With sights set on expanding these events and further connecting with service members and their families, Gene, Dave and their non-profit Whiskey Tango are committed to creating lasting memories on Lake Tillery. As they continue to foster a supportive community, they look forward to building on the success of these gatherings and helping more military members and families experience the healing power of the water.
About Centurion Boats: Creating the World’s best waves, wakes and ride since 1976, Centurion is a towed water sports boat manufacturer built on innovation and commitment to excellence. As a Correct Craft Company, we are charged with “Making Lives Better”. We embody this phrase with the boats we build along with the lives we live on and off the water. Centurion Boats is the perfect ride every time. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About We Wake Waves: As a Correct Craft company, we are called to the path of “Making Life Better” and we strive to exemplify that phrase at every opportunity. We want to wake waves of positive change in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world with our boats on or near the water. It could be as simple and seemingly small as teaching your child to wake surf or showing your significant other how to trailer a boat or as big as hosting an event that honors our service men and women. What’s Your Wave? How are you using your Centurion on, near, or relating to water to wake waves of positive change? We wake waves. Do you? Share your wave with us on social media using the hashtag #WeWakeWaves and visit www.centurionboats.com/we-wake-waves.com to learn more.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.