The MARK CRAMPTON MEMORIAL TRANS-ATLANTIC ROW
The Mark Crampton Memorial Tran-Atlantic Row is a fundraising campaign spearheaded by the non-profit Courage Foundation. Robert Owens took on the challenge to row 3500 miles across the Atlantic to raise awareness of, and funding for, the prevention of veteran suicide, in honor of his friend, retired Navy SEAL Mark Crampton, who took his own life in April 2022. Robert is a 71-year-old ex-USAF Pararescueman, the Air Force version of the Navy SEALs. This is not the first such challenge for the father of 5. Robert is also a 12-time Ironman finisher, has run the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents), and completed the 50-hour Kokoro Navy SEAL hell week simulation at the age of 69. Robert’s purpose for the row was to raise donations for the Courage Foundation, which offers an integrated, holistic approach for helping veterans with post-traumatic stress and transition back into society. The challenge began December 4, 2022 in the Canary Islands and arrived in Antigua January 17, 2023. Robert felt this epic 40+ day endurance event would help bring attention to this Suicide Prevention crises. “We can reach and encourage these veterans before they make that terrible lonely decision to take their lives.” Robert did the impossible and lived to tell, claiming at the same time the distinction of “the oldest American to ever have rowed the Atlantic.” Now firmly back on dry land, Robert is back again booking speaking engagements and speaking to groups about what he learned in terms of leadership lessons in besting the Oceanic row. He wanted thank all those who supported the cause. To contact Robert about booking him for a speaking engagement, please click here. And for those who’d like to continue to support the cause, please visit robrows4vets.org or couragefoundationusa.org.
“After Mark Crampton’s death, I realized that I need to be more committed to serving in the area of suicide prevention.”
