Championing Veterans: Delta Dental takes part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

Over 400 disabled Veterans, 600 dedicated volunteers and 200 sponsors gathered for the 38th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, CO. 

For many disabled Veterans, this event represents not just a week of skiing and snowboarding; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. Organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), this annual gathering brings Veterans from across the nation to participate in the world's largest adaptive sports clinic.

Delta Dental stands proudly alongside these brave Veterans as they embark on this incredible journey of healing and empowerment. As a proud Mission Partner and National Sponsor of the DAV, we're committed to serving those who served us. We are dedicated to improving the oral health and overall quality of life for Veterans throughout the nation. It's not just about dental care; it's about honoring the sacrifices of those who have given so much for our country.

We are honored to support DAV’s incredible mission of empowering Veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. This partnership allows us to expand our reach and ensure Veterans have access to the oral health care they deserve.

The heart of the clinic: Camaraderie and shared experiences

The most powerful aspect of the Winter Sports Clinic is the sense of camaraderie and solidarity that permeates the event. For many participants, it's a chance to connect with fellow Veterans who share similar experiences and challenges. It's a reminder that they are not alone, that there is a community of support ready to lift them up and cheer them on every step of the way.

With Veterans ranging from 20 to 92 years of age, we had the privilege of connecting with these extraordinary individuals to hear their stories:
 

• Bryson Amaral, a U.S. Army Veteran with degenerative vision disease, finds hope and community at the clinic. "This event makes me feel embraced and welcomed in society,” he shared. “It gives hope to what could seem hopeless. The bottom line of this gathering is the connections. We are able to come together in a judgement-free space, feel accepted, share our stories and be our true selves.”
  
  
• Sarah LaBrada, a U.S. Army combat medic diagnosed with MS, embodies resilience. "I climb this rock wall because I want to show my sons that I can do more," she shared. “I call myself a transformer because I won’t let my chair limit what I can experience, and this event gives me a space to do just that surrounded by my community. I may have left the military, but the military never left me.”
  
  
  
• Bill, a U.S. Air Force Veteran with ALS experiencing the clinic for the first time, finds acceptance and support. "This event means everything to me. People are finally realizing that Veterans are hurt," he expressed. “When we come back, we are broken – one way or the other. But today, I am alive. I can be in a group this size, with the right mindset, because I feel safe. I am surrounded by people that are like me, that understand me.” Bill shares what this event means to him in his own words on our Instagram story. 
  
  
  
• Tiffaney Davison, a U.S. Army Veteran with multiple injuries to her knees and spine, is able to live out her true passion at the Winter Clinic, hosting the Downhill Daily YouTube show which shares and celebrates the victories of her fellow Veterans, reinforcing the message that physical injuries do not define one's capabilities. “Every Veteran out here has some sort of injury, but that doesn’t limit them,” she shares. “From skiing and snowboarding to curling and rock climbing, if you can imagine it, they are out here doing it.”
  
   

Delta Dental's participation in this life-changing event goes beyond sponsorship; we are active participants in a journey of transformation and hope. Our employees join Veterans in these adaptive sports, sharing in their triumphs and challenges, and being reminded of the incredible resilience and strength that unite and define us all.

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital cause, standing shoulder to shoulder with the DAV and the extraordinary Veterans we serve. Together, we are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Veterans across the nation.

This initiative is just one of many ways we honor the legacy and sacrifices of our Veterans, ensuring they receive the respect, care and recognition they deeply deserve. We support Veterans, their families, and CHAMPVA beneficiaries among them with our participation in the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). To learn more, please visit deltadentalins.com/vadip.