CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Four Tennessee veterans are gearing up to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean after unveiling their raft on Monday afternoon. Formerly members of the Special Operations U.S. Army 1-75th Ranger Regiment, the men will be competing in The World’s Toughest Row to advance efforts in the fight against veteran suicide.
On Monday, two members of team RangeOars Row unveiled the finished version of their raft at Dickson Graphics of Clarksville with sponsors and family present. Michael Kendall, retired master sergeant, led the unveiling with the assistance of Sean Dillard, retired specialist and six-year combat veteran.
Kendall said he always enjoyed a challenge, and when he was asked to take on this endeavor with three former fellow 1-75th Rangers, he couldn’t resist.
“We’re going to be rowing to raise money and awareness for mental health and in an effort to end veteran suicide,” Kendall said. “Statistics show that on the average, 22 veterans a day are ending their lives. But the fact of the matter is those numbers are much higher.”
Dillard said he is rowing to show that hanging up the uniform doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. “Veterans are capable of great things beyond their military career.
“Between 2001 and 2021, we lost a little over 7,000 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Dillard said. “During that same time frame, we lost over 144,000 soldiers stateside to suicide. … We lost more people coming back than we did in a war zone.”
Also on the team are skipper Roy Emerson, a retired major; and Jere Hartman, retired sergeant first class.
2,800 miles across Pacific
On June 8, team RangeOars Row will be begin their journey from Monterey, California, to Hanalei Kaua’i, Hawaii.
According to the World’s Toughest Row website, the race involves teams of rowers navigating across vast distances, often under extreme conditions. The challenge tests participants’ endurance, teamwork, and mental fortitude as they row continuously, facing the open ocean’s unpredictable weather and waves.
Participants are required to be self-sufficient, carrying all their food, water and other supplies for the journey, which can last anywhere from several weeks to over a month, depending on weather conditions and the team’s rowing speed.
The average crossing time for all crew sizes is 62 days.
Get involved
Kendall and Dillard said that over the last three years, they have noticed that veterans who are part of these community-based programs are less likely to attempt suicide than those who aren’t.
Team RangeOars Row, which is partnered with Brothers Keepers Veteran Foundation, Three Rangers Foundation, and the Wounded Warrior Project, is aiming to raise funds over a six-month period through donations, sponsors and hosting fundraisers.
“It’s vitally important that we get the money that they need to keep their programs running,” Dillard said. “Because their programs are working. Their programs are what keeps the veterans moving forward with a purpose.”
For those interesting in sponsoring or donating, visit the RangeOars Row website, and follow their journey on Facebook.
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