Fill out the form to the right to send a message to the chapter coordinator and get involved!
Chapter Coordinator
Ethan Blumhorst
Email:
ethan.blumhorst@teamriverrunner.org
Our chapter of TRR is located in Marion, IL and serves the southern Illinois area. We are actively growing and would love to have you and your family join our organization!
We have pool and river sessions throughout the year. We meet on Thursday mornings for training on kayaking basics, paddle strokes, rolling a kayak, and much more while having fun in the process. We also have weekend trips throughout the area and surrounding states, while also partnering with other regional chapters.
– If you’d like information on upcoming programming and events, please join or go to our Facebook group: Team River Runner SOIL
JOINING TRR – SOIL
Our organization is for veterans and their families, as well as volunteers in the community. Please contact Ethan Blumhorst at ethan.blumhorst@teamriverrunner.org to learn how to join. We will just need some basic paperwork completed before we have you join us.
SESSIONS:
Throughout the year, we will enjoy the myriad lakes and rivers that Southern Illinois and the surrounding areas provide.
When: Thursdays from 0900-1200
Where: Southern Illinois lakes and SIU-Carbondale Student Recreation Center Natatorium (please check our Facebook page for location and directions)
Paper work MUST be completed and brought with you if you haven’t already completed before participating.
Trips are planned throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall. These trips are typically announced on Facebook or during training sessions on Thursdays.
– Monetary donations, as well as new or used boating gear for adults and children, are gratefully accepted and fully tax-deductible: boats (kayaks – recreational, white water, and inflatable), life jackets / personal flotation devices (PFD) all sizes, paddles, oars, spray skirts, boating helmets, air bags, dry bags, straps (for boat tie down), boating cloths (i.e. neoprene, splash jackets, etc.). We also welcome donations of snacks / food / drinks for use at our programming and events.
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you on the river to recovery!
Fill out the form to the right to send a message to the chapter coordinator and get involved!
Chapter Coordinator
Email:
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.