James Davis, US ARMY

You couldn’t keep Joe Mornini and I out of the water, even in the rain! And to impress you even more, about how much hyperbaric therapy worked, I was able to balance, stand and surf on a SUP!
 But most importantly, I gained invaluable skills as I guided a blind kayaker, Steve Baskis and also participated as a Blind kayaker. I also learned a lot about adaptive paddling with leg amputees, and arm amputees. It was a humbling, exhilarating, and eye opening inspirational experience!
 The camaraderie with every participant and staff was awesome, we learned a lot about each other and our strengths/weaknesses/ challenges and obstacles we have all overcome and I was simply amazed at all that we were able to accomplish. We gained 22 great friends and I miss them already, can’t wait to hang out with them again, and can’t wait to see my Fredericksburg TRR again this Sunday.
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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.