“There’s solitude on the Colorado River, and it’s being used to promote healing for military veterans. They describe the euphoric feeling of leaving their cares on the shoreline and letting
“Payette River — The July “Pay It Forward” goes to a new non-profit that’s all wet. Team River Runner is a national organization that just established a Boise chapter last
“I have three guys without legs. I’ve got guys with brain injuries and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome),” said Santhuff. “Some of them won’t leave the house – except for this.
Tonya Butler-Collins joined the Team River Runner Family in 2011 in our Atlanta chapter then in 2015 started the Mobile-Daphne chapter which is now called South Alabama. Tonya is not only
Bill Butler the chapter coordinator for our Susquehanna Valley Chapter. Bill works at Lockheed Martin and was named employee of the year by Career & Disabled Magazine! Team River Runner
“It doesn’t take the tattoo on her hip of the sergeant’s stripes and the Marine motto “Semper Fidelis” to tell that Patricia Fields has a been-there-done-that attitude.” Read the full
“I believe there is a special camaraderie that exists among paddlers. When I am with my friends or even a stranger and we are kayaking alone in a gorge, deep
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.