Beach-to-Beach Power Swim

It was an honor for Virgin Islands National Park and all the participants to have three Wounded Warriors from Team River Runner, Timothy Payne, Aaron Hale and Joshua Palmer, compete in the Beach-to-Beach Power Swim. The three competitors are in the center of the photo, encircled by their three Team River Runner helpers.

Veteran Aaron Hale, who is legally blind, completed the short course (1 mile), double amputee Tim Payne finished the long course (3 1/2 miles) in the assisted (snorkel and face mask) category taking first place for his age group. Wounded vet Josh Palmer completed the long course in the unassisted category.

Congratulations Tim, Aaron and Josh!

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Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.