TRR Johnson City Whitewater Rescue courses

“As a veteran himself, helping other veterans is an issue that’s “near and dear” to Scott Fisher, founder of the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute.

So, when the opportunity arose to partner with Team River Runner — a non-profit dedicated to providing on-river recreational therapy for veterans — to provide whitewater safety and rescue training to veterans for free, Fisher was “super excited to be involved.”

“We will always do whatever we can to help these guys out, even if it’s not in any way profitable to us,” Fisher said of veterans, “It’s important that we look out for these folks.”

 

On Saturday and Sunday, around a dozen vets from four states and about a half-dozen Team River Runner chapters will make the trip to Erwin to take part in the class, which Fisher said has the potential to have an exponential impact as the trainees disseminate the skills they learned back in their home communities.”

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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.