TRIBUTE TO RENEE BLACKEN OF BETHLEHEM

On 2026-08-06, Senator Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO RENEE BLACKEN OF BETHLEHEM" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO RENEE BLACKEN OF BETHLEHEM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026) [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. ____________________