BVA member, master speaker and writer, and Visions of BVA podcast host Steve Baskis left his Colorado home last week to spend a few days in Green Bay, Wisconsin, invited by close friend and river running colleague Ken Braband, the latter of whom co-founded the Milwaukee Team River Runner (TRR) chapter in 2011 and three years later formed a TRR chapter in Green Bay. TRR has hosted blinded veterans on kayaking activities throughout the country for the better part of two decades now. In Green Bay, Ken arranged speaking engagements for Steve with three different groups. Steve was also interviewed for a segment on WGBA-TV (NBC 26 News). He has provided a link to the television segment and, in a post on social media, reflected on what the experience in Wisconsin meant to him and what he was able to impart: 

Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to speak at three events focused on resilience, leadership, and rebuilding after trauma. My close friend and paddling teammate, Ken Braband, along with his wife Mary, coordinated the entire visit and welcomed me into their home. I’m deeply grateful for their support and hospitality. 
 
During the trip, I presented for: 
• The Northeastern Wisconsin Paddlers Club  
• Holy Cross Catholic School  
• The Green Bay Area Retired Men’s Club  
 
These three audiences represented very different ages, backgrounds, and professions, yet all were deeply engaged in discussions about adversity, adaptability, trust, teamwork, and the importance of movement—physical, mental, and emotional—after life-changing events. 
 
NBC 26 News also interviewed me about my service, the injury that took my eyesight, and the mission behind my speaking and nonprofit work. Here is the segment: https://lnkd.in/eimh4yCX 
 
In each presentation, I spoke about the lessons learned from military service, the blast in Iraq that forever changed my life, and the journey through rehabilitation that led me toward endurance sports and global adventure. Whether climbing mountains, competing in Nordic skiing and tandem cycling, or kayaking the Grand Canyon, every experience has reinforced a core message: resilience is built through movement, trust, and the willingness to take one step forward even when the path ahead is uncertain. 
 
Thank you to the organizers and attendees who made these events meaningful. I look forward to continuing these conversations and bringing these messages to more communities, organizations, and schools in the future. 
 
Movement is living. In our darkest moments, we must be at our absolute best. 

-Steve Baskis