Everyone deserves a chance to take a break from daily life, spend time outdoors, and have fun with family and friends. For our Wounded Warriors, these opportunities are hard to come by and often present unique challenges. For one week in June, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra helped 29 Wounded Warriors and their families surmount these challenges, heal, and open possibilities for the future. Active duty service members and veterans from across California converged upon McGee Creek RV Park & Campground for a week of camping and exploring the awe-inspiring therapeutic outdoor recreation of the Eastern Sierra. With the support of volunteers, staff, and the community, Wounded Warriors biked, fished, paddled, and climbed their way to a new sense of strength and confidence. For some, the best part of the week involved accomplishing personal challenges. Marine Corporal Hannah conquered her fear, pushed herself to paddle, and learned to love hand cycling with the support of the group. At the end of the week, Hannah said “I learned I will always have a supportive community ‘family’ even after I get out of the military.” For others, the time spent with family, friends, and comrades was equally rewarding. Daniel and Ellie cheered as their brother, Marine Corporal Z, tackled paddling, climbing, and fishing despite his injuries. For Z, the week highlighted future possibilities, “I learned that even if we are disabled, we can still do great things.” Days of activity and new experiences were complimented by exceptional meals and beautiful evenings in camp. Everyone enjoyed their fresh catch once incorporated into a delicious fish bake. The annual Hootenanny, catered by the crew at Arcularius Ranch, was a great way to celebrate a successful week with Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice and Derik Olson entertaining the crowd.

Once again, the entire Mammoth Lakes community came together to welcome and support our Wounded Warriors and their families. Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and distinguished guests who helped make the 11th Annual Operation High Altitude a success. Thanks especially to McGee Creek Campground, Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, The Breakfast Club, Sierra Mountain Guides, Mammoth Kayaks and Paddleboards, Crowley Lake Fish Camp, Mickey Baron, Jim Leonetti, Joe Bellomo, Jim Elias, Dan Lenging, Bob Klug, Chris Leonard, Bob Wilson, Scott Swett, Jose Marquez, Kevin Peterson, Dwayne Elhers, Bob Wegesser, Fred Kukulus, The Gottwald Family and Arcularius Ranch, Clif Bar, Hive Lip Balm, Canine Companions for Independence, Jeff Meadway, McGee Creek Lodge, Mammoth Mountaineering Supply, Crowley Lake Store, Mammoth Disposal, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, and our crew of Gourmet Goddesses & Gods: Hilary & Tom Schroeder, Pat Smoogen, Simone Ardouin, Leslie & Jack Markovitz, Kat Kelly, Dick & Betsie Greenwood, Steve & Amy Ambellan, Claudia Chance, Penny Bordokas, Maggie Wahl, and Tricia Diamand. Together, we continued the tradition of changing lives and giving our Wounded Warriors a chance to experience the healing power of our home.

Wounded Warrior Operation Mountain Freedom 2017 welcomed 58 athletes in its 11th year.

Operation Mountain Freedom took to the slopes and trails of Mammoth Lakes January 23rd to January 27th with one goal – to change the lives of Wounded Warriors from across the country. Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra rallied a community of support behind 58 injured service members and veterans and their families as they explored the exhilaration of winter sports and the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. With volunteer instructors from DSES and Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard School, athletes spent three days skiing and boarding at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, many for the first time since their injuries. Whether skiing or snowboarding, Wounded Warriors pushed themselves to take on challenges and develop new skills. Marine veteran, Ronnie, applied his experience as a competitive hand-cyclist to mono skiing. “I had the time of my life learning a new passion on the snow,” he said. Eighty-seven-year-old Korean War veteran Bing found his ski bike exhilarating and inspiring saying “if I can do what I did on this trip, I can do most everything else.”

In addition to alpine skiing at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Wounded Warriors and their families spent a morning Nordic skiing at Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. Blanketed in fresh snow and bluebird skies, the forests and vistas of the lakes basin combined solace and smiles with the physical challenge of skiing. By contrast, the afternoon flying down the tracks at Woolly’s Tube Park was a raucous affair. Throughout the week, DSES and the entire Mammoth Lakes community took every opportunity to honor our Wounded Warriors and their families for their exemplary service and encourage them on the next steps of their journey. Captain Frank Frievalt and the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department along with DSES volunteer Alan Yata served up a delicious welcome dinner at Station #1, and Roger and Karen Curry opened their home for a home cooked meal and powerful conversations. Inyo/ Mono Veterans Services Officer Jessica Allmon gave a moving account of her own service in the US Army as the guest speaker at a delicious dinner provided by Ed Hurley and Burgers Restaurant, and the Good Life Café provided another special send off for our athletes.

left: Wounded Warrior Rose and DSES Board Member and Volunteer Penny Bordokas skiing at Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center; center: 84 year-old Korean War Veteran Roy and his wife Carole walk the Arch of Honor during Operation Mountain Freedom; right: DSES Staff Instructor Emily Estremo and mono skier Ronnie have some fun on the slopes during Operation Mountain Freedom.

This was such a great opportunity for me to get back to doing things that I once enjoyed and to spend some time with my son. All in all, this was the best week that I’ve had in a very long time, and I am very humbled. Thank you! – Brian, Sargent Major, Wounded Warrior Battalion, Camp Pendleton

Always a highlight of the week, Wounded Warriors, and their families passed through an Arch of Honor Thursday morning created by a record crowd that included members of a training squad from the Marines Mountain Warfare Training Center at Pickel Meadows. They were also celebrated as part of a luncheon featuring US Marine Corps General Kevin Killea and the presentation of a special award recognizing Frank Frievalt and the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department for their contributions to DSES’s Wounded Warrior programs. Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and distinguished guests who helped make the 11th Annual Operation Mountain Freedom a success, especially Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, The Westin Monache Resort, Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, Sue Ebersold, Roger and Karen Curry, Burgers Restaurant, Good Life Café, and Mammoth Lakes Fire Department. As a community, we are able to make a difference in the lives of our Wounded Warriors.

DISABLED SPORTS EASTERN SIERRA

WOUNDED WARRIOR OPERATION HIGH ALTITUDE SPORTS CAMP

A total of 22 wounded warriors from throughout the nation (Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Medical Center, Florida, and Texas) gathered for the tenth annual Operation High Altitude, presented by Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra.  From June 6^th through the 10^th, participants with disabilities (including PTSD, TBI, below knee amputee, above knee amputee, and more) had life changing experiences through exposure to different therapeutic activities.

A total of 32 participants attended the camp, including 22 wounded warriors, two Camp Pendleton staff and eight guests of wounded warriors.  Korean War veteran Bing Bingham and his wife Jody returned again to share his experiences with the younger veterans.  Perfect weather, abundant fun, and therapeutic, empowering activities made the event a great experience for all.

After the group set up camp at McGee Creek Campground Monday afternoon, they were treated to a welcome dinner hosted by the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department.  This semi-annual tradition starts the week with a great round of introductions and fabulous hospitality. 

Wounded Warrior David Nicholson using the Tyrolean traverse to descend

A-great-turnout-at-the-Hootenany

Amy-and-Steve-Ambellan

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Larry-Maurice-and-Derik-Olson-play-at-the-Hootenanny

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Service-Dog-Lucy-at-the-Hootenany

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A highlight of the week was Tuesday morning at June Lake Beach, when General Ted Banta, USMC, spoke to the whole group, who was gathered in part for the Dick Noles Wounded Warrior Pathway ribbon cutting ceremony.  This brand new accessible mobi-mat pathway leads from the restrooms at June Lake Beach all the way into the water and even offers a 100-foot stretch along the beach for individuals with mobility issues to relax and enjoy the fabulous scenery.  This mat was the generous gift of four donors in honor of Dick Noles; Dave McCoy, Bob Schotz, John Frederickson and Randy Short. Dick Noles passed away in November and he was instrumental in developing accessible waterways in the Eastern Sierra.  The athletes enjoyed an absolutely perfect day of paddling and swimming on June Lake thanks to Rob Witherall and Mammoth Kayaks.

Wednesday morning local fishing guides came together to take the athletes fly fishing on Crowley Lake.  Many delicious fish were caught for dinner that night!  Huge thanks to all… Mark Spieler and his fishing guides who donated their time and expertise.  This was followed by an afternoon of cycling at Shady Rest Park compliments of Footloose Sports.

Thursday, with the help of Neil Satterfield and Howie Schwartz from Sierra Mountain Guides, everyone tried rock climbing by either making it up a variety of top roped ascents and/or on a highline Tyrolean traverse.  What a successful day!  Thursday night was our farewell Hootenanny catered by Breakfast Club host Sue Ebersold and help from her talented friends: Fred, Scottie B., Cowboy and Simone! Our entertainers were Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice and musician Derik Olson.

Friday morning was a day of farewells as the bus took many of our athletes back to Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton.  The remaining veterans relaxed at the Whitmore pool and then bowled several games at Mammoth Rock N Bowl before flying home.

What a fabulous week!  Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people and businesses who made this incredible event possible:  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, McGee Creek RV Park & Campground, Mammoth Kayaks, Sierra Mountain Guides, The Breakfast Club, Pita Pit, Eastside Bakery, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Silver Lake Resort, Mammoth Disposal Inc, Whitmore Pool & the Town Of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Rock ‘N Bowl, Crowley Lake Fish Camp, Crowley Lake General Store, Canine Companions for Independence, Footloose Sports, Eastern Sierra Fishing Guides Association, Randy Short, Bob Schotz, Dave McCoy, John Fredericksen, Larry Maurice, Derik Olson, Mammoth Mountaineering Supply and all of our DSES volunteers who are the backbone of the program!

We are family: Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra and Mammoth Mountain Host OPERATION MOUNTAIN FREEDOM

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra’s 10th annual Operation Mountain Freedom winter camp for Wounded Warriors was a tremendous success. Athletes came from nearby Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Medical Hospital, Wounded Warrior Battalion West, as well as from all over the country. We brought 26 Wounded Warriors from all of the armed services (Marines, Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard), their families and military staff to Mammoth Mountain February 1-5. A total of 47 participants and over 50 volunteers were brought together for this amazing week of winter sports and fun.

Warriors from various theaters of war were in attendance, including several from Vietnam and Korea, as well as more recent conflicts. The mix of veteran and active duty athletes allowed for some great opportunities to share stories and camaraderie.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area again served as the event’s chief sponsor, providing the Mountainside Conference Center as base of operations, lunches and all ski/snowboard gear, as well as lift/trail passes for all the warriors and guests. Local sponsors this year included Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, the Curry family and friends, Burgers Restaurant, Westin Monache Resort, Good Life Café, Sue Ebersold, and Eastern Sierra Transit Authority.

The group was warmly welcomed on Monday with check in at the Westin Monache Resort, which generously provided all their lodging for the week, and the annual barbecue welcome dinner at Mammoth Lakes Fire Station #1, where Capt. Frank Frievalt and crew made the warriors feel right at home. On Tuesday, the warriors and company met up with their DSES Volunteer Instructors at MMSA’s Main Lodge, and then took to the slopes for a full day of on-snow instruction, from DSES’s awesome volunteer instructors, followed by dinner at the home of Roger and Karen Curry.

Wednesday started with Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at Tamarack Lodge, then more on-snow instruction back at MMSA’s Main Lodge. Ed Hurley and Burgers Restaurant played host to the warriors for dinner, another longstanding OMF custom. Burgers also welcomed our partners from Canine Companions for Independence for a presentation on all that these amazing service animals can do for an athlete with special needs.

Thursday morning was highlighted by the Arch of Honor and then a return to alpine skiing and snowboarding. Thursday’s special luncheon was spectacular with the room decorated in red, white and blue by DSES Volunteer Amy Ambellan and her team. The Marine Corp color guard, courtesy of the Marine Warfare Training Center at nearby Pickel Meadows, started off lunch on a solidly patriotic note.

Rusty Gregory was presented with a plaque by DSES board president Andy Colosardo and ED Kathy Copeland. Col. Willy Buhl was the keynote speaker and his words were poignant and heartfelt.

Thursday afternoon brought all the participants to Woolly’s Adventure Park for an incredible afternoon of tubing fun! Thursday night’s farewell dinner at the Good Life Café provided more emotional moments, with several warriors, who say they never speak up much, saying their thanks for what Operation Mountain Freedom brought to their lives. We also want to say a special thanks to the Veterans Affairs and the Patriot’s Initiative for their support and grant funding.

Wounded Warrior Victor said Thursday afternoon “this was the best day of my life!”

WW Nicole said “thank you for this opportunity to make me feel a little more normal.”

WW Mauricio’s favorite memory was “being able to overcome challenges with my son by my side.”

WW Donnie said he was “Boarding like I’ve never boarded before. You guys gave us a lot of confidence… It was the greatest experience of my life!”

WW Logan said “my wife is amazed in what y’all have done for me.It’s my goal in life to give my wife and kids this experience, I want to bring them next year.”

The next DSES Wounded Warriors camp is the Operation High Altitude summer camp, June 6-10. For more information, call 760.934.0791 and log on to www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org. For more information on the National Wounded Warrior Center, log on to www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Summer Program & Guest Services Manager

When did you start working with Disabled Sports in Mammoth Lakes, CA?

I moved to Mammoth Lakes in the summer of 2006 and began volunteering with Mammoth Dog Teams.  I was first introduced to Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) in Mammoth Lakes, CA when they brought a few students down for some therapy time with the dogs.  In the beginning of October 2006, I was hired as a seasonal Administrative Assistant. That was DSES’s 4th season and there were only 4 staff members.  However, the organization was growing rapidly and I quickly became a year-round employee.  

What does your work at DSES involve?

Over the years, I have had many titles and worn many hats in the organization.  I tend to describe my current job as running the summer program, overseeing the office and guest services, and handling the back office.  For example, working with the database, financials, insurance, etc. as well as establishing partnerships and grants management.  So much of what I do is the nuts and bolts of running the business end of things.  But I love getting to work with the athletes and volunteers as much as I can!

What do you find the most rewarding about your work at DSES?

One of the things I look for in a job is finding meaningful work.  No question, what we do here is meaningful.  But hands down the best part of working at DSES is the people.  The amazing athletes, family members, volunteers, donors, and, of course the DSES team, make even the toughest day better.  I have met so many wonderful people over the last nine years that have touched me deeply.  We change lives here, mine included.

What does a typical day in the middle of ski season look like for you at DSES?

It is hard to pin down a ‘typical’ day at DSES, winter or summer!  But in the winter, the days are certainly full.  With lessons twice a day, clinics for volunteers, possible grant applications or reporting deadlines, booking and confirming reservations for lessons, donor cultivation, event planning, and more, there is guaranteed to be a long to-do list!  In the winter, we get to see the bulk of our volunteers and students, many of whom I have gotten to know well over the years.  So there is a great energy and enthusiasm that makes the day pass quickly!

What was your motivation for getting your MBA?

I have often been asked why I would get an MBA when I work for a nonprofit.  The skills and business practices that are taught at business school can help ANY business reach their goals, including mission driven nonprofits.  Having been a part of the rapid growth at DSES over the past decade, I want to be able to sustainably continue this growth. During my courses, I was able to adapt the lessons to our organization and even complete projects using DSES as a subject. For example, financial management principles help me to better understand grant requirements and reporting, operational management can help streamline our processes, and strategic management can guide us into the future on a clear path.

Were you worried about being able to balance work at DSES and school?

At times; this was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced (so far).  When I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and found a great online program at nearby University of Nevada-Reno, I knew it wouldn’t be simple. This highly ranked business school was sure to provide a top notch education and rigorous curriculum. Their Executive MBA program is specifically designed to be pursued while continuing to work full time (although that does not mean it is easy!) and provides a solid foundation in finance and management.

Fortunately, over the course of nine years working at DSES, I have also developed some juggling skills! With support from the wonderful DSES team, I was able to find a balance between school and work and even achieved straight A’s! The sacrifices, the time and energy it took to balance everything, was all worth it to earn that MBA.

What plans do you have for the future?

Although these last two years have been difficult, the skills and knowledge I have gained are extremely valuable. They not only help me to be a better leader and manager, but they can help guide us into the next chapter as an organization. With MBA in hand, I am eager to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead including working with our amazing volunteers to continue providing life changing experiences for all of our athletes. My motto truly has become, “If I can do this, I can do anything!”

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families by offering year-round outdoor sports and activities, creating inspiring challenges, providing expert instruction and adaptive equipment rallying the community to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities. DSES has adaptive equipment to fulfill everyone’s winter and summer dreams: gliding down a snow-covered mountainside, cruising on a cycle or skimming over a placid lake. Activities are customized to each individual; one-on-one or in a group. Our goal is for everyone to be active year round! DSES makes the outdoors accessible and affordable!!

To learn more or make a donation please visit:
https://disabledsportseasternsierra.org/

If you would like to be a guest blogger for DSES please contact:

Suzanne Baracchini
Communications Director
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
858.395.7344
suzanne@disabledsportseasternsierra.org

The Sierra Cycle Challenge is a fully supported 3 day bike ride benefiting Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) and covers nearly 150 miles of California’s Eastern Sierra. The riding route is a fully paved surface which winds through the mountains and high deserts to the east of Yosemite. It begins in the town of Mammoth Lakes, in the Footloose Sports parking lot, and eventually circles back around to complete the journey at the same location. Cyclists included athletes with disabilities using adaptive equipment and all involved were passionate fundraisers supporting DSES.

The evening before the Challenge commenced, all of the riders and support personnel gathered together at the house of Maggie Palchak for a carbo load dinner. Each rider was also given a “Swag Bag” containing a DSES riding jersey, DSES riding socks, and a handful of other miscellaneous items that were generously donated.

DAY ONE

We gathered up in the parking lot of Footloose on the morning of July 25th. Many of the riders I recognized from the previous year. Everyone got together for a group picture before we headed out. I don’t think that I will ever forget the Mammoth Chief of Police, Al Davis, wearing his badge and utility belt with his gun in his riding gear. Haha, it was going to be a great day! With a Police escort out of city limits, the 2015 Sierra Cycle Challenge began! Although, the beautiful scenery sure takes your mind away from the 55 miles of spinning. We peddled past the Whitmore Hot Springs and cruised into the small town of Benton for a perfectly placed rest stop. Now it was a short push down Highway 6 to our first campsite. I personally love this spot! It’s actually not a campsite, but someones back yard. It’s a very relaxing location.

It’s an ideal spot to recuperate after a long day of riding. Dinner arrived just as we put the finishing touches on our campsites and showered up for the evening. After dinner a few people gathered up in the campsite to reflect on the day.

Bats were out in full force due to insect larvae hatching from the nearby water ski lake, which also gave us something to talk about. By 9 pm, everyone had turned in for the night. Soon enough, the sun crept back over the mountain tops and Day Two was about to begin.

DAY TWO

Today we were riding to the town of Lee Vining. The route was well planned and each moderate incline had a matching decline. Just like your momma always said, “What goes up, must come down”. There was also a nice little stretch through the valley that didn’t want to end. No, it just seemed longer than it actually was. Plus it afforded you the opportunity to theorize the true true meaning of life…

Shortly after sailing through the mellow flatlands, we climbed back into the gorgeous mountain range. What a welcomed sight that was! The mountain floor desert is neat, but the ever changing landscape that the rise in elevation brings, quickly brings a smile to my face and almost makes me feel like I’m riding through the pages of a Hallmark Calendar. We soon made our way to the Lee Vining RV Campsite and set up for the night. After a quick rinse off, massage therapists worked their healing magic on any aches and/or pain that we had gathered thus far. A wonderful Surf n’ Turf dinner was BBQ’ed up for us by the Mammoth Rotary Club. Another great ending to a great day.

DAY THREE

Now we were on the home stretch. Although the home stretch was laden with hills. The DSES SaG (Support and Gear) vehicle brought up the rear to help any rider make it through the tough spots.

Seriously though, we are riding on roads that seem to be almost out of place because of how majestic the surroundings were. So really, how hard can it be?! Do you know how many people would kill for this experience?! At least these were a few of the things that cycled through my head as I climbed the hills. Then came the big downhill. It was like a scene of Endor in Star Wars! I kept waiting for little Ewok’s to come jumping out of the overhanging trees. It was such a cool spot! We soon gathered back up at a large intersection and made our final descent back into town.

As I coasted into the Footloose Sports parking lot, I was already constructing my training regiment for next year. Only 362 more days to go!

Click Here to learn more about the Sierra Cycle Challenge.

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