Veteran ski instructor personifies adaptability, promotes mental wellness at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

Reshaping a career
A year earlier, while Drees served in the Gulf War, a missile blast left him with a shattered right femur and severe wounds to the backs of both legs. His injuries were so extensive that doctors planned to amputate his right leg at the hip.

“I was 23 years old and my hopes for an Army career were over,” he said. “I didn’t want an amputation to go with it. I said no. Doctors told me that with extensive surgery and rehab, they might be able to salvage the leg.”

Nine months and 58 surgeries later, while enduring chronic pain, Drees jogged out of the hospital.

Determination on skis
Drees, an avid skier, moved from ND to western CO in 1993 to be close to the mountains. He participated regularly in the Winter Sports Clinic. 

Every year since 1987, the Winter Sports Clinic draws Veterans from across the country to Colorado. Each of these athletes has experienced traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, amputations or other severe disabilities. 

The weeklong event gives Veterans a chance to overcome perceived limitations through adaptive skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, rock climbing, education and other recreational activities.  

At the Winter Sports Clinic, adaptive sports equipment is provided and custom-fit to meet a participant’s needs. The camaraderie and therapeutic nature of the clinic allow Veterans to experience freedom in a safe, supportive environment. Veterans can also embrace their competitive side, explore their limits, connect and have fun. 

“The Winter Sports Clinic is invigorating,” Drees said. “I never had full range of motion to sprint or participate in contact sports after the accident. This event gave me positive affirmation that I can have a full life after my injuries. To see Vets able to do things at a high level was motivating and nurturing for my internal spirit.”

A familiar battle takes a turn
Drees has not had it easy over the years. A difficult childhood, constant pain from the injury and other traumatic military experiences led Drees into a bleak period of substance use, relationship issues and employment struggles. These trials also fueled his deep devotion to mental wellness. 

“To think there is an end to mental health treatment is to set us up for failure,” said Drees. “It reinforces the notion that people who ask for help are weak or being vulnerable is a weakness. It’s the opposite. We need mental health maintenance.”

In 2018, just after Drees turned 50, continued infections and problems with his compromised right leg results in amputation. The following year, he returned to the Winter Sports Clinic, this time skiing on one leg.

This athlete exemplifies adaptability, resilience and strength. Drees also works as a motivational speaker in the summer months and a ski instructor during the winter.

“I teach people with two legs how to ski,” he laughed.

Bringing a message to the event
Drees is eager to rejoin his fellow Veterans at the 2024 Winter Sports Clinic. 

“My goal this year is to inspire hope around the mental wellness piece,” he said. “I don’t know a single person who served in the military who does not suffer from post-traumatic stress. I want to be at the forefront of saying it’s ok to ask for help, regardless of how long ago or how many years you served. You asking for help might save the life of another Veteran, giving them permission to ask for help for their situation.”

For Veterans who are interested in participating in future Winter Sports Clinic, contact your local VA recreational therapy team to learn more.

The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic runs April 1-7, 2024, in Snowmass, Colorado. 

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April Love is a writer-editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.