The Younts Family

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Clayton Younts
My name is Clayton Younts, a Navy Veteran and volunteer with TRR South Alabama.  Being involved with TRR has been an inspirational and humbling experience.  From the weekly classes to the actual river trips, I have been encouraged by the challenges my fellow veterans and non-veterans overcome.  On our recent Chickasabogue Creek Paddle I had the opportunity to bring my family along and see fellow veterans challenge themselves and allow others to help them along the way.  This is wonderful to see!  These individuals have taught me an unbelievable amount and I have built friendships that inspire me in so many ways.  TRR has provided an amazing experience for me and my family and we have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with such a wonderful organization.
Katherine  Younts
M y name is Katherine Younts and I am the wife of Navy veteran, Clayton Younts.  Being involved with TRR South Alabama has been a wonderful experience for my family.  When we first got involved, I was pleased to know this was something we could do as a family.  We have been able to go to many events even with our 19 month old son.  My husband, as a veteran, has been able to connect with others and develop friendships, all while developing kayaking and leadership skills.  It has been wonderful to see veterans helping veterans all while showing my son what team work and helping others looks like.  TRR has been a genuine group of individuals that truly want to help veterans grow and heal from their time in service.  We look forward to many more years of involvement with such a wonderful group of men and women!

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.