Our TRR family is so important. Every single veteran and volunteer who participate in our programs are what make it great! Each month, TRR will recognize a chapter coordinator, veteran and volunteer. Check out our amazing family!
Gregory Oswalt
Jasmine Jean Harvey
Eric D'Ercole
Eric was a National Guard / Army Reserve veteran who had suffered catastrophic injuries when a friend brought him to TRR. He sucked up whitewater kayak training like a sponge and it lit his spirit and motivation. TRR setup his initial gear and training but soon his family was helping him get his own. Great brother to our Southeast PA chapter, many fun times and always smiling on the river. In the photo, we teased him about having his pinky up on the paddle, “What is this, teatime?”
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Mark McWilliams
VETERAN
Richard Bloom
VOLUNTEER
Lorraine McPhee Bruteig
“I love to interact with the great TRR folks! It’s been so much fun and so inspiring getting to assist with TRR paddling trips to Mexico, Colorado, and helping with pool roll sessions. “
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Craig Esposito
VETERAN
Fred Schutz
VOLUNTEER
Bob Winston
Fred Schutz was a Vietnam vet who passed away last fall. He was a sea kayaker and whitewater boater. Fred was very active in TRR regional trips like Apostle Islands, Peshtigo River and Wausau Whitewater and attended just about every Milwaukee chapter event since the chapter formed 10 years ago. He was a great guy with a good sense of humor who is greatly missed.
“I joined up to volunteer instruct and guide whitewater kayaking with the TRR Minnesota Chapter some ten years ago to honor my father who served in the Pacific with the Army Air Force during WWII and mother who held down the home front. Since then, it has been my further honor to introduce countless vets to the sport and witness the positive transformations they make in their lives through their boundless courage, persistent mastery and irrepressible enjoyment.”
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Carlisle Landel
VETERAN
Randy Mead
VOLUNTEER
Steve Swanson
” I showed up at a winter pool session not knowing anything about TRR. I immediately felt welcome and included. Soon after I was helping others with their rolling practice, helping out with registration, and set-up/take down chores. Lately I’ve been able to raise a little money for the chapter. I am looking forward to reconnecting with the team in the next few months and finding new ways to contribute.”
“Most of my involvement with TRR has been to provide offseason instruction to a terrific group of people. hopefully lots more group river time this coming season. “
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Dale Osborn
VETERAN
Jeff Allen
VOLUNTEER
Judy Nonken
“I am the chapter coordinator for the grand junction. I have held many different roles, such as maintenance, liason between different agencies, and try to keep all things running smoothly.
“TRR has given me the opportunity to help the Fredericksburg chapter with record keeping, special events, outreach, transportation and member interaction. Meeting, paddling with, and developing friendships with extraordinary people has truly been a highlight of my life.”
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
Bob Tracy
VETERAN
Nelson McLaughlin
VOLUNTEER
Michi Dervaes
“A welcoming community is one that believes in equity to reach equality, minimal microaggressions to create inclusion and promotes looking at one’s self to achieve these values. Team River Runner introduced me to this type of community, now I do my best to welcome any Veteran or Volunteer into our programming so they may be lifted up through our community and bring these values into society. “
“I started kayaking with TRR in 2010 in San Antonio, Tx, during Marc‘s recovery, after loosing his arm. I usually join Marc in his adaptive activities because I enjoy them too. After returning from San Antonio we started kayaking with the TRR chapter in Colorado Springs, CO in 2011. As TRR has helped Marc tremendously in his recovery, I wanted to give back and became the Chapter secretary for the local chapter. I love being able to help getting active duty soldiers, veterans, and their families on the water.”
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
JENNIFER HAHN
VETERAN
JESSE KULA
VOLUNTEER
WILLARD KNEIDL
“My involvement with Trr has been truly inspiring. It is great to go out on the river with others, the TRR community is special. “
“When Bob Tracy started the chapter in Boise, he drafted Tim Russer and myself to get the charter started. We had been teaching kids to kayak through Idaho River Kids. Bob was one of my favorite people to kayak with, and I saw this as an opportunity to serve our veterians, and a good use of my time in retirement.
CHAPTER COORDINATOR
CHRIS FARRIS
VETERAN
GETTER RUPPENTHAL
VOLUNTEER
JOHN SU
“I have truly enjoyed my continued work with TRR. I have been able to meet many AMAZING and GENEROUS people. Being able to repurpose donated kayaks into hand paddles I sell, affords me the privilege to buy kayaks as well as trailers to support our chapters nationwide.”