Paddle for Heroes announced that on Sunday, May 18, 2025, it will commence its 9th annual 160-mile paddle from Mount Vernon to Marietta. This year's event is dedicated to Douglas McLarnan of Mount Vernon, Ohio. The announcement was made in a press release on April 23, 2025.
According to the press release, Paddle for Heroes will hold its annual event to raise awareness for veterans, first responders, and their families. This year's paddle honors McLarnan, who passed away in March 2024 and contributed significantly to paddling, volunteer work, and public service in the community. He was involved in various roles such as an EMT, firefighter, and board member for multiple local organizations. He was also a founding member of the Kokosing Gap Trail.
McLarnan’s life was shaped by his experiences beginning as a student reporter at Kent State in 1970. He witnessed events that defined his future commitment to service. He joined the Army in 1972 as a nuclear weapons specialist in South Korea where he and his wife volunteered at a leprosy colony. After his honorable discharge in 1974, McLarnan continued his dedication to public service by working as a social worker.
The press release states that the 160-mile paddle is an intense challenge lasting approximately 12 hours each day over several days. Participants will paddle about 30 miles daily from Mount Vernon to Marietta. Non-veterans and first responders interested in participating or volunteering can contact Joey Butts for more information.
Paddle for Heroes is a non-profit organization focused on supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through paddling activities. The organization emphasizes nature and water as key elements in recovery processes and aims to provide accessible activities regardless of physical or mental challenges. Their mission includes engaging in community projects such as river clean-ups and disaster relief efforts while providing an inclusive environment for healing. Paddle for Heroes operates under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and relies on contributions from both public and private sectors.
