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Welcome from theWDirectorelcome to Snowmass! On behalf of myself andthe National Disabled Veterans Winter SportsClinic steering committee, it is a privilege and honorfor all of us to have you here this week.This is a week of discovery for us all, but moreimportantly this is your week to excel, to challengeyourself and push into unchartered territory; anythingis possible!As a team we have prepared what we hope to be oneof the best weeks you experience this year in your life.It will be time of new experiences, challenges, and avision of new possibilities. We hope you take awaya new lease on life and a desire to seek out all theopportunities available to you in your local communitywhen you return home. Continue to pursue yourdreams and desires and all the adventures you felt youcould no longer obtain. We will do whatever we canto make sure this experience meets or exceeds yourexpectations.As I welcome you I cannot help but acknowledge thecommitment of the two presenters of this adaptiveprogram the Department of Veterans Affairs and theDisabled American Veterans, as well as the SnowmassVillage community and the sponsors, staff andvolunteers that truly are committed to making sure thisis the best possible rehabilitative program you attend.I think you will find the camaraderie at the Clinicsecond to none. Each year we grow into a biggerfamily, and I personally feel very blessed to have theopportunity to be a part of this family and hope all ofyou leave Snowmass feeling the same way. For thoseof you returning, I have no doubt you will embrace allof our new Veterans and commit to making sure theyhave a remarkable week.Sincerely,Thank you all for participating; stay strong, bedetermined, overcome the adversities you willencounter this week and live your life to the fullest.This is your time, take advantage of the opportunities!Teresa Parks,National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic,DirectorOpening CeremoniesJThe 26th National Veterans Winter Sports Clinicofficially kicks off during Opening Ceremonies.oin everyone at 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Center Ballroom. Tonight’s ceremonies will give you a chance towelcome new participants and hear from some of VA and DAV’s senior leadership who are excited to be withus this week. Special guests include Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shineski as our keynote speaker, andDisabled American Veterans National Commander, Donald Samuels.After the ceremony, participants will meet with their team leaders and get to know their fellow team membersa little better. You will also be provided with additional directions and instructions to help you in theupcoming week.Welcome to the Clinic! This week will be the experience of a lifetime.
TIES thatBINDThere is a brotherhoodamong Veterans that crossesgenerations, branches of service,race and religion. It’s a brotherhoodborn in the shared experienceof boot camp, deployment andseparation from family, friendsand loved ones. In a sense, thebrotherhood becomes your familywhile in uniform.Here in Snowmass Village thisweek, new brotherhoods will beforged between Veterans whoshare similar experiences — bothin uniform and in adjusting to lifeafter injury, illness or disease. Thesebonds can extend beyond the oneweek here on the mountain and canbe a source of encouragement andaccountability for Veterans as theyre-discover their potential.A Jan. 17, 2012, post to the VAblog Vantage Point written bymilitary moms Cheryl Lynch andRosie Babin addressed the ties thatbind their son’s Alan Babin andChris Lynch – both served withthe Army’s 82 Airborne Divisionand both are here this week at theNational Disabled Veterans WinterSports Clinic.But they also addressed the bondsthat unite families of injuredVeterans in the following excerpt:“As family members, we arepart of a very small populationof Americans — parentscaring for their brain injuredservice member, who may needassistance for the rest of theirlives. However, each year at theWinter Sports Clinic, we havethe privilege of cheering our sonson as they continue to beat theodds by skiing, rock-climbing,snowmobiling and scuba divingsurrounded by the best instructorsand volunteers a family couldwish for.The week is one which is filled notjust with activities and challengesfor the Veterans, but time forrespite, reflection, healing andcamaraderie for all bound bythe ties of family and patriotism.The true “Miracles on theMountainside” that happen eachyear at the Winter Sports Clinicreminds all of us that anything ispossible with the right support,”they wrote.That is why the Clinic organizershave gone to such lengths to createan atmosphere that promoteshealing — both physically andemotionally — for Veterans as wellas their caregivers and loved ones.So as you take time this week tolearn a new sport, or brush upon your skills, be sure to seizethe moment and get to know themen and women here with youin Snowmass. Some may be at thebeginning of their journey, whileothers have had their share of spillson the mountainside. Sharing andlearning from one another can be avaluable part of the healing process.Veterans who are experiencingphysical or emotional difficultieswhile in Snowmass should contactthe Medical Team for assistance.Military moms Cheryl Lynch(middle) and Rosie Babin (right),with their sons, Chris (left) andAlan Jr. (bottom), at the 2011Winter Sports Clinic.
AlternateActivitiesYou have traveled across the country to be part ofMiracles on a Mountainside and these miracleshappen all over the Winter Sports Clinic. The downhillskiing is awesome and well worth the trip here, but thereare a wide variety of Alternate Activities you can alsoparticipate in this week.The Alternate Activities:Kayaking - New to the Clinic this year, Kayaking will be hosted each day at the pool at Wildwood Lodge. Kayaking is agreat sport and something that can be done almost anywherein the country. Take the opportunity to learn this new skill.Scuba Diving - Key West meets Snowmass every year at theSilvertree Hotel pool. How can you beat floating and divingin warm water, the sun shining down on you and music tokeep you going? Just make sure you watch out for sharks!Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing - A beautiful andinvigorating way to experience the Rocky Mountains. Thisevent occurs at the Top of the Village each day with an ElksLodge lunch barbeque. Catch a VA shuttle at the conventioncenter or take the Snowmass bus to the top.Sled Hockey - You can’t have winter sports without includingSled Hockey. Keep your eyes on the puck and be ready forsome fast-paced action. Stand up hockey rules played froma sled position. This event occurs in the Lewis Ice Arena inAspen. You will work up a sweat playing ice hockey, so pleasebring an extra shirt to change into after the game.Curling - This also takes place at the Aspen Ice Arena eachafternoon. This is your chance to find out what Curling is allabout. When you are done you will have hands on knowledgeof the 42-pound granite stone, a broom and a bull’s-eye.Glenwood Springs with lunch at Elks Lodge - Take a dip inthe geothermically heated water. Four quarters will get youa great water massage at the Hot Springs Pool in GlenwoodSprings, a treat you shouldn’t miss. Bring a couple more quarters and you can leave your belongings in a secured lockerand they will stay dry and warm. Make sure you have yourswimwear with you; towels will be provided.Shooting Sports/Archery - The Basalt Trap Club will host theevent; you can pursue your shooting interests with a bow orrifle. All skill levels are welcome.Gondola Trip to Aspen - Your first stop is lunch at ElksLodge, then you jump into the Snow Cat, transfer into theGondola and then up the mountain you go. Veterans need tobe able to independently transfer for this event. Bring yourcamera and get ready for some beautiful scenery.Rock Climbing - Each day in the Conference Center Circleyou can test your climbing skills. It looks pretty simple untilyou start your ascent. Ring the bell loudly when you get tothe top.Snowmobiling - The T Lazy Ranch is the host for this popular activity. Hold on tight and get ready to feel the wind inyour face as you open up the throttle.Veterans can register for two alternative activities at the beginning of the week. This gives all Veterans an opportunity tosign up. If you find yourself with extra time later in the weekyou check with the alternative activities desk to see if thereare any empty seats. They can also put Veterans, coaches andfamily members on the waiting list to fill in cancellations.Load times are published to help coordinate transportationand get Veterans to their event in time. Once all Veterans areloaded the bus will leave. We don’t want to leave any one behind, so please be at the bus at the beginning of the load timeso you don’t miss out.Any questions you have about these events can be answeredat the alternate activities desk Monday through Thursday inthe conference center.A Few Tips:Dress Accordingly - The weather changes rapidly in themountains. It could be sunny and 55 degrees one minuteand then cloudy and 30 degrees the next. You have to beready for anything, so make sure you stay comfortable,dry and warm.Space permitting - Please show up for an event if youare scheduled for it. If you know you cannot make itplease alert the staff at the alternate activities desk.Family and Friends - The event staff is always try toaccommodate family and friends, but it is dependent onspace. Veterans attending the Clinic are always thefirst priority.Please tell Sponsors “Thank you” - You might behaving a conversation with a representative of a companythat is one of our Winter Sports Clinic Sponsors. Wevalue all of the Sponsors, their support is critical to thesuccess of the Winter Sports Clinic.
Thank you all for participating; stay strong, be determined, overcome the adversities you will encounter this week and live your life to the fullest. This is your time, take advantage of the opportunities! Sincerely, Teresa Parks, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, Director
