[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO RENEE BLACKEN OF BETHLEHEM

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Renee 
Blacken of Bethlehem as August's Granite Stater of the Month for her 
extraordinary resilience, adventurous spirit, and commitment to 
expanding access to trauma recovery resources in northern New 
Hampshire.
  Earlier this year, Renee became the first American and first solo 
female to complete the Atlantic Dash, rowing more than 3,200 miles 
alone across the Atlantic Ocean in a 6-meter wooden boat without a 
chase boat or resupply. After 65 days at sea, she arrived in Antigua, 
becoming the oldest American woman to complete a solo Atlantic row.
  Renee undertook this extraordinary challenge not only to test her own 
limits, but also to support a cause deeply personal to her. After 
overcoming physical and mental health challenges with the help of 
trauma recovery resources, she founded the New Hampshire nonprofit 
Outdoor Adventuring for Good to expand access to trauma recovery 
programs throughout northern New Hampshire. Today, the organization is 
helping fund programs that support first responders, veterans, 
survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and others on their 
healing journeys.
  Throughout her voyage, Renee remained connected to Granite Staters by 
sharing updates with supporters and exchanging videos with students in 
classrooms across New Hampshire. She taught young people to embrace 
challenges, that extraordinary achievements are possible through 
courage, preparation, and perseverance, to believe in themselves, and 
to understand the importance of asking for help when facing difficult 
times.
  Renee's historic achievement, courage, and dedication to ensuring 
others have access to the support they need are why I am proud to name 
her August's Granite Stater of the Month.

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