{"id":20003,"date":"2025-07-23T17:19:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/hilo-hi-puroclean-the-big-island\/?post_type=blog&p=20003"},"modified":"2025-07-23T17:19:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:19:43","slug":"waves-warriors-and-welcome-leis-puroclean-of-the-big-island-honors-veterans-at-kraken-landing","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/hilo-hi-puroclean-the-big-island\/blog\/waves-warriors-and-welcome-leis-puroclean-of-the-big-island-honors-veterans-at-kraken-landing\/","title":{"rendered":"Waves, Warriors, and Welcome Leis: PuroClean of The Big Island Honors Veterans at Kraken Landing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Sunday, July 20, 2025<\/strong>, Hilo Bay<\/strong> became the backdrop for a moment of epic proportions as rowing duo Tim Crockett<\/strong>, a former UK Special Forces veteran, and his 18-year-old son Harrison<\/strong> completed their jaw-dropping 2,400-nautical-mile<\/strong> journey across the Pacific. Originally expected to land around 10:30 a.m., unpredictable ocean conditions kept the community on edge all day. But just before the sun dipped below the horizon<\/strong>, their vessel, The Kraken<\/strong><\/em>, glided into the bay\u2014greeted by roaring cheers, tearful embraces, and a wave of aloha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At the heart of the celebration, PuroClean of The Big Island proudly welcomed the heroes home<\/strong>, draping them with leis and heartfelt mahalo. Their arrival marked the triumphant end of a 47-day, 14-hour, 53-minute<\/strong> ocean crossing from San Francisco, driven by purpose, perseverance, and a powerful cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kimberly Arianoff, PuroClean of The Big Island’s Employee Experience Manager, welcoming Tim Crockett<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The mission? To raise awareness and funds for veteran mental health<\/strong>, under the inspiring campaign \u201cTame the Kraken,\u201d<\/strong> tied to their broader initiative, \u201cRow to Recovery.\u201d<\/strong> The Crocketts aimed to raise $220,000<\/strong> for the SHARE Military Initiative and BlazeSports America, illuminating the darkness of PTSD, TBI, and veteran mental health struggles. The Kraken\u2014far from a sea monster\u2014became a symbol of resilience and inner strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf3a A Ceremony Brimming with Aloha Spirit & PuroClean Pride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The scene at Hilo\u2019s historic landing ceremony was cinematic. As The Kraken<\/em> eased into the dock at the Grand Naniloa Hotel<\/a>, PuroClean of The Big Island’s staff and managers lined the pier, ready to greet the duo with open arms and drape them with vibrant leis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olga Lehua<\/strong>, PuroClean of The Big Island’s Administrative Services Specialist and Miss Hawaii Island’s Teen 2025, in front of a crowd of veterans and spectators, set the tone with a moving performance of the National Anthem<\/strong>, her voice rising above the breeze, sending goosebumps across the bay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olga Lehua Arianoff, Miss Hawaii Island’s Teen and Administrative Services Specialist, singing the National Anthem<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then, in a beautifully traditional moment, Khazely<\/strong>, the niece of our Lead Tech<\/strong>, Shawn<\/strong> Nobriga<\/strong>, swept in with an enchanting hula<\/strong>, a true celebration of Hawaiian culture and heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Khazely performing a hula dance for Tim, Harrison, and ohana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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And just when the day couldn\u2019t get more legendary, PuroClean of The Big Island\u2019s VP of Operations, Gregory Arianoff,<\/strong> was pulled into a moment straight out of a movie. Mike<\/strong>, co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon<\/strong>, leaned in, pressed a gleaming commemorative coin<\/strong> into Greg\u2019s hand, and whispered with a grin, \u201cYou\u2019re one of us now\u2026 welcome to the tribe.\u201d<\/strong> The coin, etched with their battle-born motto\u2014\u201cSip to Remember, Serve Honorably\u201d<\/strong>\u2014was more than a keepsake; it was a badge of brotherhood, sealed with aloha and a splash of bourbon-fueled badassery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udea3 The Journey: Waves, Wills, and Warrior Hearts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Picture this: two men on a 24\u2011foot rowboat, rowing 12+ hours a day<\/strong>, alternating in shifts across the vast, unpredictable Pacific. Battling blisters<\/strong>, salt sores<\/strong>, sleep deprivation<\/strong>, and fierce weather\u2014from overcast chills to relentless sun\u2014that was their daily rhythm. Near\u2011ship whales and curious sharks kept them company; massive 30\u201340\u2011foot waves tested their grit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physical feat was breathtaking, but the mental challenge\u2014staring down isolation and fear\u2014was the true monster. As Tim explained, the ocean forced them to \u201ccontrol what you can\u2014your breath, your attitude, your next stroke\u201d<\/strong>(Big Island Now<\/a>). For Tim, the expedition was deeply personal\u2014rekindling memories of a fallen comrade, adding urgency to their mission for awareness and change (Yahoo<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tim making land for the first time in 47 days<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Media crews await the arrival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Shawn looking for a glimpse of the vessel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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US flag hoisted in anticipation of the landing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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PuroClean of The Big Island team, spectators and media gathering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Harrison smashed records and made waves\u2014becoming the youngest person ever, and part of the first father-son duo, to conquer the mid-Pacific route in a rowboat\u2014a legendary feat now awaiting official validation from the Ocean Rowing Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd43 Four Branches Bourbon: Fueling Courage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every extraordinary mission needs solid backing\u2014and Four Branches Bourbon<\/strong> delivered as a key expedition sponsor<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When it comes to bold flavor and even bolder purpose, Four Branches Bourbon<\/a><\/strong> doesn\u2019t just raise a glass\u2014they raise the bar. Founded by four U.S. Special Operations veterans, this premium bourbon brand is built on a backbone of honor, grit, and service. Their motto, \u201cSip to Remember,\u201d<\/strong> isn\u2019t just a tagline\u2014it\u2019s a mission. Every bottle supports veteran-focused causes, blending smooth Kentucky craftsmanship with unwavering commitment to those who\u2019ve worn the uniform. Whether on the front lines or front porch, Four Branches Bourbon is for warriors, past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfe0 PuroClean: The Big Island\u2019s Restoration Authority<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At PuroClean of The Big Island, we pride ourselves on being Hawaii\u2019s go-to experts<\/strong> in property restoration\u2014handling water, fire, smoke, mold, fentanyl, and biohazard recovery across the island. Our certified professionals stand ready 24\/7, blending technical excellence with compassion. But our mission goes beyond restoration of walls and structures\u2014we\u2019re dedicated to restoring lives<\/em>, especially those of our veterans. Supporting the Crocketts’ Tame the Kraken expedition aligns directly with our values: service, strength, aloha, and aloha \u2018\u0101ina. We’re honored to sail alongside true heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf89 Aloha Forever: Ceremony Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n