For the fifth year in a row, beginning on Thursday, January 6th and ending on Sunday, January 9th 2011, the National Amputation Foundation had the privilege of being part of the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s Winter Ski Clinic held in Windham NY.

     Soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC, were brought to Windham to participate in the clinic. This year was a banner year for snow and the clinic was well attended. All the ski trails were open and active.

     Amputee soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan were given instructions on different forms of adaptive skiing, including mono, bi ski, three track skiing, as well as training for visually impaired skiers.

     Dave Nichols, one of our members who lost both his legs in Vietnam, is a ski instructor who lives near Windham Mountain. Dave is a wonderful example of ability over disability and spent many hours volunteering his time at the clinic teaching the soldiers to ski.

     On Friday, January 7th, the Foundation sponsored a luncheon at the Windham Ski Lodge. The soldiers, their families and all the volunteers who make the clinic such a success were in attendance. Local school children entertained during the lunch with a beautiful rendition of God Bless America.

     The National Amputation Foundation is proud to have been able to be a sponsor in 2011, and we look forward to participating in 2012.

     The picture below was taken at the Friday luncheon, last year (2010).

Dave Nichols, NAF Board Member and adaptive ski instructor; Bill Sturges, Chapter 76 Commander; Paul Bernacchio, President of NAF and John Devine, Past Commander and 1st Vice President of NAF.