Paddle for Heroes will dedicate its 2024 paddle to honor United States Marine Corps Corporal Nathan Anderson from Howard, Ohio. 

Anderson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was killed Nov. 12, 2004, by enemy action in Anbar Province, Iraq.

Anderson enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2001. His service took him to 11 different countries. He was known as the heart and soul of his friend's group, and once said that hearing the simple phrase “thank you” from other human beings not sharing the same language, made it all worthwhile. Anderson very much enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and bull riding. Anderson, a big fan of Michael Jordan, played football for East Knox and wore number 23, the same number Jordan wore.

Each year, the group joins with veterans, first responders, active military, and supporters to help raise awareness for the nonprofit (PFH) and its mission; which encompasses the therapeutic healing benefits of paddling.

The group is scheduled to launch on Sunday, May 19, at 7 a.m. from Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, Ohio. This strenuous awareness paddle will consist of paddling approximately 30 miles a day and camping along the river each evening.

The group is expected to arrive in the Marietta, Ohio harbor and waterfront on Friday, May 24.

Paddle for Heroes is a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans, first responders, and their families heal through paddling. Each year, the group does several river clean-ups in the Muskingum Watershed.

These events are a great way to include our communities and provide an opportunity for all to participate; while helping our rivers, environment, and nature stay pristine.

Paddle for Heroes will also host a healing three-day expedition paddle in Northern Michigan in July. 

To learn more, please visit our website at paddleforheroesmidwest.org.