OJT - On The Job Training

Learn more about our mentorship program that has been providing veterans in TRR chapters an opportunity to gain leadership, instruction and management experience for three years!

What is the OJT Program?
The OJT program is for wounded or disabled veterans participating in Team River Runner and is an opportunity for professional growth and skill building in many areas. The OJT veteran will be working 10 hours each week for 30 weeks on regular Team River Runner activities. These activities will include outreach, program delivery and instruction, as well as follow up data recording for each paddling session. The idea behind the program is to build chapter leadership from within the TRR. We have been successful with this as some of our former OJT participants have started their own chapters. Additionally, the OJT veteran will develop leadership skills that will be applicable to other careers such as volunteer, equipment management and adaptive sports instruction. Each OJT veteran will have one or more mentors to provide advice and support as needed. The OJT program is funded by Disabled Sports USA through an Adaptive Sports Grant from the Department of Veterans Administration.

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2025 OJT Participants (In construction)

Melanie Bowers Charlemont, MA

Team River Runner

Ryan Brandhagen
Fort Collins, CO

Team River Runner

United States Marine Corps
2012-2016
Joined TRR in 2021
Rafting Cash La Poudre

Main OJT goal is to grow the chapter and have the chapter provide safety kayakers for a local event. I would like to get professionally trained on how to teach others to roll. 

A. D.
Denver, CO

Team River Runner

Vincent Girolami
Ft Belvoir, VA

Team River Runner

Air Force from 2003 to 2023

Joined TRR in Aug 2022

Favorite River – The Gauley (in a raft!!)

Michael Halsor
Palo Alto, CA

Team River Runner

U.S. Army  2004 – 2008

CA. Army National Guard 2008 – 2014

Joined TRR in March 2023

Still to new to have a favorite river or boat.  I enjoy whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks not really experienced with types if boats.

My main goal for TRR is to be the next Dave Robey!

John Lawrence
St Louis, MO

Team River Runner

Amber Martin
Grand Junction, CO

Team River Runner

Gary Showmaker
Boise, ID

Team River Runner

USAF 1995-2012
Joined TRR May 2024
Favorite River Middle Fork of the Salmon Boat; Maravia Zeypher
River name Gary
I wanted to learn and be the most help for TRR Boise chapter. I believe that the river can reset ones mindset and can help wounded veterans heal.
OJT goal: Learn how TRR operates and run an event.

Lance Sharp
OJT Program Coordinator

fredericksburgva@teamriverrunner.org

229.507.8787

Testimonials

Jeff Allen
Former OJT Participant

“The OJT program allowed me to get more experience working with veterans who have injuries and it has made my life a lot better because I am not just stuck in the house. I really enjoyed it and I’m pretty much hooked.”

Dave Robey
TRR Program Director

“These warfighters are our force multipliers, each of them turns around and helps other veterans. It’s a part of the ongoing healing process; they are healing and the veterans they help are also healing.”

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.