Testimonials from TRR's Participants

Do you have a Testimonial you would like to share with us? Email your story to testimonials@teamriverrunner.org. Let us know your story, what branch of the military you serve/d in and whether you are a TRR Participant, a Volunteer or a Medical Caregiver who has referred patients to TRR.

Ron Mentel

Mon, 05/20/2013 - 13:49 — christie
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

I just wanted to thank you personally for allowing me to experience this new phase in my life.

Team River Runner along with all the volunteers who gave up their free time to help us veterans enjoy a fantastic new experience. I just wanted to say thank you to them. Kayaking is challenging me to better myself, and TRR is opening doors.

Thank You Sincerely,
Ron Mentel, St Louis

Michael Bradley SSG Retired Walter Reed Chapter

Thu, 01/03/2013 - 11:51 — dana
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

I was introduced to Team River Runner in February 2012, and at the time didn't know that my life was about to change. Team River Runner has given me purpose, great friends, self confidence, and has provided me with a way to challenge myself and overcome obstacles.

Simon Jackson, US (Ret)

Sat, 12/15/2012 - 00:36 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

I was in Germany doing training out at our local grounds in the back of an M113 when the driver slammed on the brakes. The soldier behind me fell forward and hit my spine with the brim of his Kevlar helmet, a FREAK accident. After that accident in June 2001 I could do my job, walk, run, but I was in pain, had foot drop and bowel control issues.

Patrick M. USMC

Wed, 10/31/2012 - 20:15 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

"I want you guys to know that I really appreciate all the TRR folks I've met, but especially you two. The last few years have been incredibly hard. The TRR events have helped me tremendously. They have been some of the most fun I've had out here in CA. Honestly, some of my best memories out here have been through TRR.

Thank you very much."

Chris Carver - SSG U.S. Army Retired

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 12:52 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

I would just like to thank you for the opportunity to paddle the Grand Canyon that you made possible.

Ryan Major

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 11:44 — dana
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

After being severely injured in Iraq in 2006 by an improvised explosive device, I have had to learn to do many things all over again because of it. Before this occurred, I was very physically active playing multiple sports including swimming, white water rafting, football, wrestling, and basketball. TRR has helped me to begin doing some of these activities again.

Bryan J., MWR Manager, NSA Bethesda

Mon, 05/21/2012 - 21:12 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
Medical Care Provider

Brandon, All the TRR team,
You all are awesome and I can only see things getting bigger and better. A patient was so pleased you let his 2 kids play with you when his wife brought then in when he was not up to it. It was a needed break for her.
A + keep it up! His wife is a huge supporter and is pushing the program every chance she gets.

Cassie Jackson, wife of Simon Jackson, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 23:42 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

Simon Jackson sports a mohawk and a power wheelchair. In his kayak, he has become an assistant instructor and safety boater on his chapter's flat water paddles. His wife says:

Anonymous, Corporal, US Marines (Ret)

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 18:54 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

The local chapter received this email after the participant's first paddle:

"Thank you for providing an outlet for us people suffering with an invisible scar.

John Vann, US Army, Ret.

Sat, 04/14/2012 - 01:14 — Anonymous
Type of Testimonial: 
TRR Participant

On 9/11/01, I was attending Kent State University on a full ride football scholarship. After the World Trade Center fell, I decided to serve my country by giving that all up, and I joined the infantry. At the same time, my college sweetheart joined me by enlisting in the Air Force. I eventually became a sergeant in the army infantry in Iraq, supervising other soldiers.