Russell Davies

Grand Canyon Outtasight Guide

About Russell

Russell Davies was born in Pocatello, Idaho and joined the military at age 18. He served 5 years active with the 101st C.co 3-187th INF REGT Rakkasan’s overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Russell was awarded an Army Commendation medal with Valor and received a purple heart. 
 
At 23, Russell returned to pocatello and moved to White Salmon,Wa where he started kayaking competitively.  Russel has kayaked all over the US as well as in  Chile, New Zealand and Thailand! Russell met Lonnie at a TRR event in 2016 in Montana and has been paddling with him ever since!
 
Russell is also the Ceo/president of Professional Transformation Sports Development (PTSD) a nonprofit 501c3. PTSD hopes to educate veterans on how to overcome P.T.S.D. and/or depression through engagement in the outdoor sport of their choosing alongside other veterans who share a similar passion. 
 

Russell's thoughts on the trip!

Being a guide on this trip means a great deal to me.  When I returned home from service, I struggled from the chaos of war and trying to find what else life had in store for me. I turned my attention toward whitewater kayaking which allowed me to move on with a new found passion in life. Kayaking allowed me to travel the world and let go of my past. However, when a close friend that I grew up with took his own life after struggling with post traumatic stress disorder from his prior military service, it inspired me to act. I created a nonprofit called Professional Transformation Sports development (PTSD), which gives veterans the opportunity to take a two week, fully funded introduction course to one of the following: kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or skiing/snowboarding. We also donate all the necessary gear to veterans after completing our course so they may confidently continue their new found passion in life. Our goal is to help reduce the staggering number of veteran suicides that plague our military men and women. 
 
Team River Runner is an amazing program with a similar goal. I’ve dedicated my life to helping veterans, so when Lonnie Bedwell, a blind whitewater kayaker, approached me about helping out with grand canyon trips designed to take wounded vets through 14 days of amazing whitewater kayaking, I jumped at the opportunity. Whitewater kayaking and extreme outdoor sports helped me drastically, and I know it can help so many other veterans. I’m always 100% on board to help other veterans accomplish their own goals and dreams. This is why I volunteer to help Team River Runner with their mission. 

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.