A partner in purpose: Delta Dental supports disabled Veterans at the National Winter Sports Clinic

This year marks a powerful milestone for the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, celebrating 40 years of resilience, rehabilitation and redefining what’s possible.

Held in Snowmass, Colorado, the clinic welcomed more than 400 disabled Veterans, 600 dedicated volunteers and 200 sponsors from across the country for a week of adaptive sports and life-changing experiences. For four decades, the program, hosted annually by the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has stood as a testament to what can happen when determination meets the right support system. It’s a profound journey of healing, empowerment and reconnection for Veterans from all walks of life.

At Delta Dental, we are honored to support and serve these incredible individuals. As a proud National Sponsor and Mission Partner of the DAV, we're committed to serving those who served. We are dedicated to improving the oral health and overall quality of life for Veterans. It's not just about dental care; it's about honoring the sacrifices of those who have given so much for our country.

A legacy 40 years in the making

Since its founding in 1987, the Winter Sports Clinic has grown into one of the world’s premier adaptive rehabilitation programs, helping Veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments and other serious conditions push beyond perceived limitations. Through activities like downhill skiing, sled hockey and snowshoeing, participants build not only physical strength, but also confidence, independence and a renewed sense of purpose.

For many, it is also a turning point, a place where limitations are challenged and new goals take shape.

We were humbled to meet and listen to some of the extraordinary individuals who brought their stories – and their strength – to the slopes:

U.S. Navy Veteran Rhonda M. Liddell returned to the clinic for her second year, once again taking to the slopes as a snowboarder. Despite limited range of motion in her right limb due to a prior injury, she embodies the spirit of the clinic –pushing boundaries, embracing challenge, and finding strength in every run. That spirit comes through powerfully in her poem, Tapestry of Triumph, a moving reflection on resilience, renewal, and perseverance. For Liddell, adaptive sports are about more than participation – they’re about challenging yourself in new ways and redefining what’s possible.

On the slopes, often referred to as “Miracles on the Mountainside,” Rhonda shared her poem aloud, a moment that captured not only her personal journey, but the transformative power of the clinic for all who take part.

For Veteran Thomas Johnson, that impact is deeply personal. The Texas resident first arrived at the clinic after a long and difficult journey. A former U.S. Air Force servicemember, Johnson’s life changed dramatically in 2012 after a severe spinal injury left him with significant mobility challenges. “I thought my life was over,” Johnson shared. But step by step, with encouragement from his VA recreation therapist, Johnson began rebuilding.

What started with small milestones like biking and kayaking eventually brought him to the mountains of Aspen-Snowmass. Now in his third year at the clinic, Johnson’s journey reflects the very spirit of the program: progress, perseverance and possibility.

More than a sponsor – A partner in purpose

At Delta Dental, our role in the Winter Sports Clinic isn’t just about sponsorship – it’s about standing in true solidarity with the Veterans we serve. Our team members are on the ground helping participants use adaptive equipment, sharing in their triumphs, and witnessing firsthand the power of perseverance and human connection.

Through this experience, we are continually reminded that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. The journey of healing and support is ongoing – and we’re proud to be part of it. It’s a privilege to support the DAV’s mission of empowering Veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Through our partnership, we’re expanding access to critical oral health care and making a lasting impact on the lives of those who have given so much for our country.

Supporting Veterans isn’t something we do for a week – it’s a year-round commitment. Through our participation in the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), we proudly provide dental coverage to Veterans, their families and CHAMPVA beneficiaries. VADIP helps ensure that those who’ve served our country have access to the essential dental care they need and deserve. To learn more, visit deltadentalins.com/vadip.