Women Veterans Appreciation Ski Day
Women Veterans gather for a group photo during VA Boston's 9th Annual Women Veterans Appreciation Ski Day at Mount Sunapee, NH.
Women Veterans from the New England area and more than 60 volunteers gathered at the New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) lodge at Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire for the 9th Annual Welcome Home Women Veterans Ski Appreciation day March 6.
The annual event is organized in part by VA Boston Healthcare System, White River Junction VAMC, NEHSA and the Veterans Education and Research Association of Northern New England.
Approximately 30 women Veterans from various parts of the New England area participated in the annual event. The Veterans were provided lessons and adaptive ski equipment at no cost to them. Some, like U.S. Army Veteran Ramona Johnson, participated in the event for the first time.
“I surprised myself out there today,” said Johnson. “I definitely have a newly found respect for the sport of skiing and skiers in general.”
Johnson was encouraged to attend by her fellow women Veterans and VA Boston’s Adaptive Sports Case Manager Jenny McLaughlin for several years.
“I committed to coming to this event about a year ago,” said Johnson. “My friends had told me about the ski day and although I was apprehensive I finally thought I would give it a try.”
According to Jenny McLaughlin, Johnson’s response to the ski day is a familiar one.
“We have people that come here, not knowing what to expect or having apprehensions about skiing and by the end of the day they are happy and proud of their accomplishments,” said McLaughlin. “This event allows our women Veterans to open up and try something new.”
During the ski day event women Veterans were able to network with other women and meet new people. U.S. Navy Veteran Heather Vaughn attended the event and was able to share her experiences with other women.
“I came out today to be with other women Veterans and to have the support of other women Veterans,” said Vaughn. “To participate in this event and to be able to network and build a support system is great.”
We encourage all women Veterans to participate in this event, despite their level of skill, mentioned McLaughlin.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation that takes place with just this one day,” said McLaughlin. “We have a great team of volunteers that make this day possible and it’s truly a rewarding experience for all involved.”
For more information on VA Boston’s Adaptive Sports Program or how to get involved with events like this one, please contact Jenny McLaughlin at jenny.mclaughlin@va.gov
