Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — During Feb. 27-March 1st, disabled veterans were given the opportunity to enjoy "the greatest snow on Earth" thanks to a nonprofit program.
The soldiers injured in war left their bad memories at home to focus solely on the slopes at Snowbird Resort. The Program, Soldiers to the Summit, included skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling for the veterans and their families.
This winter activity is a follow-up event to the organization's October 2010 expedition to Nepal's Himalayan Mountains. With the help of experienced mountaineers, a group of 11 wounded warriors successfully climbed 20,075 foot summit, Lobuche East.
"At American Airlines, supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and their families is an extremely important, long-term commitment," said Captain Jim Palmersheim, Managing Director of Veteran Initiatives for American Airlines. "We are honored to provide air transportation through our partnership with Air Compassion for Veterans, an organization that our employees support through our fuel savings initiatives. . . we are proud to contribute to this event, which will have a positive impact on the lives of our nation's heroes."
All of the activities are part of a plan to help heal the souls of the veterans and to thank them for their sacrifices.
The Snowbird event included veterans like Marine William Beard of Vicksburg, MS who was severely injured in March 2008 when his Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. As a result of the explosion, Beard lost both index fingers and suffered several other injuries.
Another veteran who hit the slopes was Amanda Brewer, a 21-year-old veteran from Cabot, AR. Brewer was injured in June 1996 during the terrorist attack on the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Despite numerous injuries, she remained in the Air Force for another 14 years, and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ed Kozlowsi joined the group of veterans from Land O Lakes, FL. He served in the Air Force for 24 years during which time he toured the world. Kozlowsi is now working with a defense contractor, and suffers from combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Charles Register of Santa Ana, CA joined the Navy in 1963. He served during the war in Vietnam, and reports that his "injuries stem from Agent Orange exposure while on the base at DaNang." Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide used by the U.S. military in Vietnam to remove trees and dense foliage that provided enemy cover. As part of these side effects, Register has had a kidney transplant, is legally blind and is a below-the-knee amputee.
From nonprofit World T.E.A.M. Sports, this event provided an opportunity for disabled veterans to experience winter sports, to connect with other veterans, and to enjoy life. All of the activities are part of a plan to help heal the souls of the veterans and to thank them for their sacrifices.
