No Wake Zone Morale Patch

I don’t know about y’all, but 2024’s been speed bagging me in the coin purse like I got change falling out of it. I started out wanting to make a patch that captured that end-of-summer, laid-back, carefree vibe we all knew as kids. But between life’s curveballs and all the noise, it was hard to find that inspiration.

My summer felt like I was treading water, but then I remembered you don’t really appreciate the good days until you’ve weathered the storms. I got to thinking about how we used to roll through summer as teenagers—no real worries, just sunshine and silliness. That’s when it hit me: a term I used to hear all the time in the Coast Guard—No Wake Zone. It’s where you slow down, shut out the noise, and let life drift by for a while. That’s what this patch is all about.

Here’s the lowdown:

• The Giant Pink Flamingo: It’s big, it’s pink, and it’s ridiculous. Kind of like life sometimes, right? You’ve got to laugh, take it easy, and just go with the flow.
• The WWII Vet: Cool as a cucumber, even in the chaos. What better generation to remind us to relax, than the greatest one…true hero. His uniform’s a reminder that life’s serious, but even the toughest know when to sit back, relax, and have a little fun. Why the Army? Well, consider it a little nod to my old TG Easy Company patch—which I still love.
• The Booze: Sometimes, all you can do is pour yourself a drink and ride out the waves. You can’t control every twist and turn, and that’s just fine. A drink to toast the good times, and maybe one to forget the rest.
• The Ocean: She’s wild and unpredictable—just like life. Some days you’re coasting, other days you’re just trying to keep your head above water. But those tough times? They make you stronger, and they make the calm seas feel even sweeter. You never know where the current’s taking you, but trust me, every wave you ride makes you better for when you hit dry land.

No noise, no chaos—just pure, unshakable chill. So, take a deep breath, salute the heroes who taught us the value of calm, and let the current carry you into the Cocktail Cove.