Team River Runner : Southern Illinois (SOIL)

TRR – SOIL

Our mission is to provide healthy and healing adaptive Paddlesports programs for Veterans, Active Duty Military, Military Retirees, Military families.

Chapter Coordinator:  Rockette Jaros at trrsoil@teamriverrunner.org to learn how to join. 

 

SESSIONS:

Throughout the year, we will enjoy the myriad lakes and rivers that Southern Illinois and the surrounding areas provide. 

 

SUPPORT:
– 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.

 

Non-Military Participation:

We always welcome Family members of our participants, as well as Friends and volunteers from within the community.

 

 

Thanks, We are looking forward to seeing you on the river !

Click here to donate to TRR-SOIL

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.