MOUNT VERNON — The 10th annual Paddle for Heroes – 2026 Memorial Paddle Mount Vernon to Marietta – will take place on Sunday June 7.
This year’s 160-mile paddle from Mount Vernon to Marietta will honor two soldiers.
“We are honored to dedicate this journey to 1st Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins of Columbus and PFC Ryan A. Martin of Mount Vernon, Ohio — both killed in action on Aug. 20, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” organizers stated in a press release.
On Aug. 20, 2004, with temperatures climbing above 95 degrees, soldiers of A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion from Chillicothe, Ohio, were concluding a long day of route-clearance operations.
Operating in the notoriously dangerous region of Samarra — often referred to as the “hot entry point to Fallujah” — their mission was abruptly cut short. A sudden blast struck the convoy’s lead Humvee, claiming the lives of two dedicated soldiers: 1LT Charles Wilkins and PFC Ryan Martin.
1st Lt. Charles L. Wilkins
A 1984 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio, Charles Wilkins first served in the U.S. Air Force.
Seeking to become an officer, he later joined the Ohio Army National Guard, which allowed him to pursue law school at Capital University while also working as a transportation planner for the Federal Highway Administration.
Despite his demanding schedule, Lt. Wilkins was known for always making time for family — doing so joyfully and with a smile. Friends and loved ones described him as witty, dedicated, and selfless.
His commitment to helping others led him to volunteer from a sister company to deploy with A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion to Iraq. He placed law school on hold because he felt called to help rebuild the country and support his fellow soldiers.
PFC. Ryan A. Martin
Ryan Martin graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2000. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, he felt compelled to serve and joined the Ohio Army National Guard.
Known as a go-getter, PFC Martin enthusiastically volunteered for deployment with A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion.
Nicknamed “Big Bear,” Martin brought humor and positivity to his unit. He loved telling stories — including the time he bought a semi-truck at age 16, only for his parents to make him return it.
He was thrilled to operate heavy equipment in Iraq and looked forward to becoming a heavy-equipment operator or working alongside his father on the family farm.
About the event
The Paddle for Heroes memorial paddle is a challenging and reflective 160-mile journey focused on remembrance, resilience, and outreach.
Participants will paddle approximately 30 miles per day.
Daily paddling may last up to 12 hours.
The event honors the sacrifice of fallen service members while promoting camaraderie and community outreach.
The journey provides time for reflection, remembrance, and personal challenge.
Paddle for Heroes is a non-profit organization based in Mount Vernon focused on the natural healing benefits of paddling and the outdoors.
The mission is to help veterans, first responders, and their families heal through paddling by promoting wellness, connection, resilience, and time spent in nature.
Visit www.paddleforheroesmidwest.org for more information.
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