Earlier this month, West Point alumni were among a group of 30 recently wounded U.S. military veterans and their guests who came to Vail through the Vail Veterans Program (VVP). All 30 wounded veterans received an all-inclusive expenses-paid trip that offered private adaptive ski/snowboard lessons and nightly group activities.
"We have a number of alumni come through the VVP and it goes beyond being a West Point grad or even being in the military, this program is an extension of service that represents hope and possibilities," said Col. Greg Gadson '89, VVP mentor. "For me, it was a window into the future possibilities of things I can do since losing my legs and about finding a new normal."
For Captain Seth Nieman '05 (pictured), who was injured in November 2012, it was his first chance to travel with his fiancée, Amy, since his injury occurred. "It's been a lot of fun to be here with my fiancée. I've loved being outside and re-learning how to ski. I've been on a bi-ski and have gone to the top of the mountain!"
The VVP is in its 10th year and is committed to bringing military injured and their families to Vail in both summer and winter.
Watch video of the program featured on the TODAY show.