Since 2004, Vail Veterans Program has been transforming the lives of military injured and their families by providing innovative, outdoor therapeutic and rehabilitative programs that encourage healthy recovery, personal growth, and the building of lifelong communities of mutual support
“From the moment we arrived in Vail, we were overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality extended to us. The breathtaking scenery served as the perfect backdrop to a week filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories. For my family, this trip provided a chance to reconnect and rejuvenate after challenging times. Vail Veterans Program not only recognized the sacrifices made by wounded veterans but also honored our resilience and commitment. Being surrounded by fellow wounded veterans and their families in such a supportive environment was incredibly uplifting and inspiring.” - Christopher Garcia, US Navy E-5, LS2 Active Duty and VVP Alumni
"Thank you for inviting me to participate in the Veteran Path to Success Program. As someone who served 24 years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and participated in four conflicts, I've experienced both physical and mental wounds that have been challenging to articulate. Vail Veterans Program has been a crucial part of my survival during my transition to civilian life and beyond providing unwavering support and guidance. You are more than an organization; you are family. The love and genuine care you show for both active duty personnel and veterans are unparalleled. I have never encountered such an unconditionally loving group of amazing people in my life. With an open heart and spirit, I thank you for holding my hand through this journey and holding me accountable to truly live. Your impact on my life has been profound, and I am forever grateful for the support, understanding, and opportunities you've provided. " - Chris Peacher, U.S. Navy E-5 (Ret.) and VVP Alumni
"As a recently injured active-duty service member, my new normal has been filled with medical appointments and service requirements. My recent experience with the Vail Veterans Program truly brought me a sense of peace and healing I didn't know I was missing. I had the opportunity to disconnect and spend time in beautiful mountain terrain all week long. Vail Veterans Program provided a sense of peace and strength that I have not felt in a very long time, and for that, my family and I are incredibly grateful. Ultimately, Vail Veterans Program reminded me that there is a future and hope beyond my current reality, and a willing community to help me get there." - Casey Nutt, U.S. Navy Hospitalman (Ret.) and VVP Alumni
"After I understood the extent of my injuries, I realized that I might not make it out of this alive, and I wasn't certain if it would be a life worth living, with a body worth living in. There was so much that I still wanted to do and so many people to live for. I decided to try what others referred to as 'adaptive sports' such as volleyball and horseback riding which proved unfulfilling. When I came to Vail Veterans Program, I tried mono skiing and for the first time since being injured, I felt an adrenal rush and felt alive. Thank God I did. I found a family of people and friends that I still network with. This is a special community and the entire town takes part in this. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my family and I." - Greg Galeazzi, U.S. Army Captain (Ret.), VVP Alumni
"Our journey started three years ago when our life took a 180-degree turn. We went from being newly retired to being full-time Caregivers for our son, Brendan, an F-18 Fighter Pilot. During Brendan's assignment in Honolulu, we received a call that there had been an incident and he had developed an unknown brain disease. To continue extensive neurological testing we became patients at Walter Reed, living on campus for nearly a year, and attending 7 to 8 appointments a day. When we were invited to the Vail Veterans Program, Brendan's condition had become more severe, and he wasn't walking. I had never seen an adaptive program in full force but Brendan spent the week skiing and he got it! We made connections with other Veterans and Caregivers and were treated with such kindness. We created a network of support and still keep in contact with other military families. It is phenomenal to see how the Vail Veterans Program extends out. To come to an organization like Vail Veterans Program to heal, we truly cannot thank you enough." - Sue & Larry Pederson, Caregivers to Retired Lieutenant Commander, Brendan Pederson, and VVP Alumni
To provide military injured and their families with innovative and transformational programs that build confidence and improve lives.
In 2003, with the number of severe military service injuries increasing dramatically, Vail Veterans Program (VVP) Founder and President, Cheryl Jensen, felt compelled to help. A former adaptive ski instructor, Jensen understood the powerful impact adaptive skiing has on people faced with physical or mental disabilities and challenges. She recognized the healing benefits of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and wanted to give 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 were able to secure necessary funds to offset the costs associated with hosting military hospital patients in Vail, CO, including transportation, lodging, food & beverage, specialized adaptive equipment and adaptive ski instruction. In 2004, with seven patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, the first VVP took place at Vail Mountain.
VVP has since continued its partnership with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as 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. VVP programs are provided at no cost to wounded Veterans, their family members, or medical support staff from partner military hospitals.
VVP celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in 2024 and is known as a "gold standard" for recreational therapy by its partner military hospitals. 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. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, for her exceptional service in support of the United States Army through VVP.
Organization name
Vail Veterans Program
other names
Vail Veterans Program, VVP, Vail Veterans Foundation
2004
Tax id (EIN)
20-5254885
Category
Military & Veterans Organizations
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1000 Lions Ridge Loop Suite 3BMailing
PO Box 6473Eagle County, CO, US