Since 2004, the Vail Veterans Program (VVP) has been dedicated to transforming the lives of military injured and their families. This is achieved by providing innovative, outdoor therapeutic and rehabilitative programs that encourage healthy recovery, personal growth, and the building of lifelong communities of mutual support.
VVP programs are provided at no cost to wounded Veterans, their family members, or medical support staff from partner military hospitals. The program is known as a "gold standard" for recreational therapy by its partner military hospitals.
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Mission and Background
The mission of the Vail Veterans Program is to provide military injured and their families with innovative and transformational programs that build confidence and improve lives.
In 2003, witnessing the increasing number of severe military service injuries, Cheryl Jensen, Founder and President of VVP, felt compelled to help. Drawing from her experience as an adaptive ski instructor, Jensen understood the powerful impact of adaptive skiing on individuals facing physical or mental disabilities and challenges. She recognized the healing benefits of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and sought to offer these recently wounded Veterans the opportunity to experience this uniquely empowering environment.
Jensen reached out to then Army Captain, David Rozelle, who had lost his leg below the knee while serving in Iraq in March 2003. Together, Jensen and Rozelle secured the necessary funds to cover the costs associated with hosting military hospital patients in Vail, CO, including transportation, lodging, food & beverage, specialized adaptive equipment, and adaptive ski instruction.
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In 2004, the first VVP took place at Vail Mountain with seven patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
Partnerships and Recognition
VVP has since continued its partnership with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and has also developed longstanding partnerships with Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. VVP continues to serve a national population of military injured, both active duty and retired.
The Secretary of Defense and the US Army recognized VVP for showing an outstanding contribution to soldiers and their families. VVP Founder, Cheryl Jensen, received the Secretary of Defense Medal of Outstanding Service, as well as the Outstanding Civilian Service Award by Gen. Raymond T. Army, for her exceptional service in support of the United States Army through VVP.
Programs Offered
Vail Veterans Program participants include United States military personnel who have been severely injured while serving our country. Most veterans who participate in the programs come directly from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD; Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA.
Programs range from the adventurous to the connective, including summer and winter therapeutic recreational programming, caregiver-specific wellness events, Veterans Path to Success, and empowerment training.
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Through rehabilitative sports and recreation activities, Vail Veterans Program helps to rebuild confidence and provide a sense of freedom from catastrophic injuries including: loss of multiple limbs, severe burns, spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and traumatic brain injuries.
Examples of activities include:
- Rock climbing
- Whitewater rafting
- Horseback riding
- Zip-lining
- Mountain biking
- Fly-fishing
Travis, a participant in the program, shared his experience: “For veterans, especially those who are injured because we have to change how our lives work and how we function, getting to experience something that can give you confidence... is a huge barrier that you break,”
Earlier this week, the Vail Veterans Program welcomed 21 wounded veterans, 21 spouses/caregivers, 29 children and three partner military hospital staff in attendance for a total of 74 participants.
Family Programs
The Vail Veterans Program also provides incredible opportunities for families to reconnect and heal together. Here is what Kyle and Lis Stilwell said about their family experience: “My family and I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to participate in the Vail Veterans Program’s Summer Family Program! From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in this program...My family learned more about their story and built strong connections to so many others within the Veteran and Vail community.”
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Teea, the wife of a veteran, has enjoyed the time together, too. “We are excited about this program in Vail because it is a family program...While we were here this week, Travis and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary, so it was a perfect place to do it as a family and I really love watching Travis and the kids being able to do these experiences together,” Teea said.
Travis said his favorite part was seeing his kids overcome fears and challenges on the zip line course. “Getting to see my kids grow and conquer their fears is amazing. It’s watching them develop and you see them literally taking a chance on something that they may find scary and then they conquered it, they did it.
Program Cost
Participation in the Vail Veterans Program is free of charge.
VVP celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in 2024.