9/11 United We Paddle 2013

This year, Team River Runner USA, Canton Kayak Club, and The Chesapeake Paddlers Association, Inc. gathered for the 2nd Annual United We Paddle Event to remember our veterans, First Responders, and the Victims of the 9/11/01 Attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. The event was held at Under Armour World Headquarters in Baltimore on 9/11/13. We paddled into the Inner Harbor and joined the United States Coast Guard Vessels and the Baltimore City Fire Department in remembrance of that tragic day twelve years ago and solidarity with the men and women of our armed forces, both pre and post-9/11, who have served selflessly in defense of freedom.

Image

Team River Runner United We Paddle photo album on Facebook

Jonathan Forte’s Interview by Amy Aubert on ABC News for the 9/11 United We Paddle event at Baltimore Inner Harbor

 

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.