OFF THE SLOPES While the Husseys said their main goal in attending the clinic for the first time was to simply have fun and meet other veterans, Nichols’ experience gave him a different perspective. He said every year he attends, he tries to mentor younger veterans who more recently became ill or injured and are struggling on the road to recovery. “I’ve been [an amputee] for 48 years,” said Nichols, “so it’s nice to let them know life moves on and there’s More than 380 clinic attendees participated in various events such as sled hockey. The annual event has served as a world leader in adaptive sports for 33 years. “You don’t have to be the best, but you can go out and give your best effort . —Dave Nichols, Army veteran Feet Jensen, an Army veteran who lost both of his legs in Iraq while serving as a medic, climbs a rock wall donated to the event by DAV. Clinic participants also had opportunities to go snowmobiling and scuba diving. a lot of opportunities out there, both personally and professionally. “I was about 50 when I started adaptive sports. It changed my whole way of looking at myself and the world,” he continued. “You don’t have to be the best, but you can go out and give your best effort.” “One of our main goals is for participants to be impacted by this event for a lifetime,” explained DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst. “We want to introduce them to new opportunities and give them a chance to prove to themselves that their injuries do not have to limit their quality of life. “None of this could happen without the selfless support of our amazing volunteers and sponsors,” Kleindienst said. “It’s truly humbling to come back year after year and see the same smiling faces giving their time so that others can regain a sense of normalcy. There’s a saying that nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer. This clinic proves that.” “Coming here and seeing other people like [Alex] and the struggles that he goes through has just been an amazing experience,” said Kim Hussey. “It’s wonderful, because you’re getting veterans of all walks of life and they’re doing things that are fun together.” ■ Learn More Online Actor and comedian Eric Stolhanske (left) shared his story of being an amputee with participants ahead of a private screening of his latest film, “Super Troopers 2.” For more information about the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, visit wintersportsclinic.org. 18 DAV MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2019
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OFF THE SLOPES
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