Jason is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army whose passion for learning and teaching eventually intersected with whitewater rafting, helping lead to the formation of Veterans on the River. He became a certified guide in 2022 and continued working in the area, ultimately partnering with Independent Whitewater. Within VOTR, Jason serves as the primary facilitator of the program’s soft-skills curriculum, bringing both certification and practical experience in emotional intelligence, behavioral communication, conflict management, and DEI. When he is not teaching these subjects to Department of Defense civilians or VOTR participants, he also volunteers with several Veteran and military-related groups in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Richard is a retired United States Marine and former Scout/Sniper who served two tours in Iraq, including the historic battle of Fallujah.  He is certified as a Colorado White Water raft guide since 2015 and finds the river to be a powerful source of therapy and healing, both for himself and the Veterans he serves.  Richard is currently pursuing his MBA and broadening his leadership and strategic skills while helping his fellow service member communities and for Veterans On The River, he is the hub to all our moving parts.

John is a middle school teacher at Salida Middle School and has been rafting since the age of 10, developing a lifelong passion for whitewater and the outdoors. He holds multiple certifications, including swiftwater rescue, and is widely regarded as an expert on Brown’s Canyon, his home river. Over the years, his skills and dedication to the sport have taken him around the world, where he has explored and navigated some of the most challenging whitewater rivers. Beyond guiding, John is also committed to developing others, partnering with universities as an adjunct leadership and outdoor instructor where he helps teach outdoor skills, teamwork, and leadership through experiential learning.

Mike serves as an advisor and partner to Veterans on the River. He has co-owned and operated Independent Whitewater with Wylie Ledwith since 1999, though the company’s roots go back more than 43 years to its founder, Bill Block, who remains a familiar presence around the operation. Mike has been a raft guide for more than 30 years and still regularly jumps in the boat to teach and guide trips himself. He has built Independent Whitewater into a laid-back, family-friendly operation that reflects his passion for the river and the people who experience it. Mike chose to support VOTR after Jason became certified as a guide, driven in part by his strong appreciation for the veteran community and his personal connection through his father, who retired after 22 years in the U.S. Army.

Vince Gilbert supports Veterans on the River by helping manage logistics and ensuring the program runs smoothly behind the scenes. A retired school superintendent and teacher, he brings decades of leadership, organization, and mentorship to the team. He is an avid traveler and in 2024 joined his son on a return trip to Iraq for the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah. From 2003 to 2010 he helped moderate the Marine Parents community during the height of the Iraq War, supporting families with sons and daughters deployed overseas. Vince remains deeply committed to supporting veterans and continues to volunteer his time and experience whenever he has the opportunity.

[REDACTED] supports Veterans on the River by assisting with logistics and helping ensure the program runs smoothly behind the scenes. With a long career in the federal government, he brings a strong sense of organization, reliability, and service to the team. When he is not supporting the program, he enjoys spending time tending to his chickens and working around his property. He is always eager to support veterans whenever the opportunity arises and takes pride in contributing to efforts that give back to those who served.

Clara is a sophomore marketing major at Clemson University with a strong interest in social media and content creation. She enjoys using storytelling and creative strategy to make a real impact and grow brand awareness. With a deep respect for military servicemembers, Clara is excited to support the mission, build her leadership skills, and give back to those who serve our country. She believes marketing is a powerful way to uplift important voices, connect communities, and encourage personal growth. “I’m excited to learn along the way and help spread awareness for these important men and women.”

Cian Gilbert serves as a media intern for Veterans on the River, helping capture and share the stories and experiences that take place throughout the program. He is currently in his final year at Tarleton State University studying Construction Management and is an active member of the Tarleton marching band, where he plays trumpet. In June, he will travel to France with the band to perform in the D-Day anniversary parade, honoring the legacy of those who served. Through his work with VOTR, he helps document the program and contribute to sharing its impact with the broader community.