Wounded Warrior Patrol Helps Guard the Slopes

This article was prepared by LuAnn Snyder, Baltimore Ski Club

Hats off to the Wounded Warrior Patrol, a grassroots organization that was formed in the Spring of 2011.  The Patrol has no affiliation with the Wounded Warrior Project but their work is just as admirable. And few even know they exist. The core mission of the Wounded Warrior Patrol is to support family bonding and recovery of our wounded and disabled veterans through recreational therapy of snow sports and other outdoor recreational activities.

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Since 2012 the Wounded Warrior Patrol has offered an annual, all-expenses paid, fun-filled ski/snowboard vacation to selected wounded warriors, veterans and their spouses, caregivers and children, as a way of giving back to this generation of veterans with physical or mental disabilities. This year’s event is February 23 – 28.

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These veterans and their families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other indoor and outdoor activities during the annual ski/snowboard event held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. No prior experience skiing or snowboarding is necessary and ski/snowboard winter attire is also provided.  For those unable to use skis or snowboards in a conventional manner, adaptive ski equipment and specialized instruction is provided.  Ski instructors and ski buddies work with individuals, families and groups to ensure everyone has as much time on snow during the week as possible.

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In addition to the snow sports activities offered during the week, the group takes a field trip to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, located 45 minutes from the Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This memorial is the site of the 9/11 plane that crashed due to passenger heroics on that fateful day.

The organization is run entirely by non-paid volunteers and based in the Carlisle, Pennsylvania area. The Board of Wounded Warrior Patrol is comprised of ski patrollers, their family members and friends, many of whom are military veterans themselves.

If you see a Wounded Warrior Patroller on the slopes – say THANKS! And thanks for your service.