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10th Annual Paddle for Heroes – 2026 Memorial PaddleHonoring 1st Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins & PFC Ryan A. Martin
160-mile paddle from Mount Vernon, Ohio to Marietta, Ohio
For the 10th Annual 2026 Paddle for Heroes event, we are honored to dedicate this journey to 1st Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins of Columbus, Ohio, and PFC Ryan A. Martin of Mount Vernon, Ohio—both killed in action on August 20, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On August 20th, 2004, with temperatures rising 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 Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins
A 1984 graduate of Bishop Hartley High School (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 busy 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 Co. 216th Engineer Battalion to Iraq. He put 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 attacks of September 11th, 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 Co. 216th Engineer Battalion.
Nicknamed “Big Bear,” Martin brought humor and positivity to his unit. He loved telling stories—such as 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, reflective, 160-mile journey.
• Participants will paddle approximately 30 miles per day, up to 12 hours daily.
• A meaningful event focused on remembrance, resilience, and outreach.
Registration & Participation
• Only 30 paddle spots are available.
• Priority is given to veterans, first responders, and their adult partners.
• The first 10 veterans or first responders who commit will have their room covered at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta on Friday, June 12th, 2026.
Non-veterans and non-first responders interested in attending should contact:
Joey Butts, Vice President, Paddle for Heroes
📱 Text: 740-258-2127
📧 Email: [email protected]
There are volunteer opportunities and additional ways to participate.
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Event Venue
Memorial Park, Mt Vernon Ave,Mount Vernon,OH,United States
Tickets
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