U.S. Army veteran Anthony “Tony” Dorries was first invited to the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (Winter Sports Clinic) in 1992, when he skied on two legs.
reshape your career
A year ago, Drees was serving in the Gulf War when a missile explosion shattered his right femur and seriously injured the back 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 a career in the Army were over,” he said. “I didn’t want the amputation that came with it. I said no. The doctors said they might be able to restore my leg with extensive surgery and rehabilitation.”
Nine months and 58 surgeries later, Dries trotted out of the hospital in chronic pain.
determination to ski
An avid skier, Dries moved to western Colorado from North Dakota in 1993 to be closer to the mountains. He regularly participated in winter sports clinics.
Every year since 1987, the Winter Sports Clinic brings veterans from all over the country to Colorado. Each of these athletes has experienced a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairment, amputation, or other severe disability.
This week-long event gives veterans the opportunity to overcome their perceived limitations through adaptive skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, rock climbing, education, and other recreational activities.
Winter sports clinics provide adaptive sports equipment, customized to the needs of participants. The clinic’s friendly and therapeutic nature allows veterans to experience freedom in a safe and supportive environment. Veterans can also embrace the competitive side, explore their limits, connect, and have fun.
“Winter sports clinics are invigorating,” Dries said. “After the accident, I never had the full range of motion to sprint or participate in contact sports. This event taught me that I can live a full life even after my injury. It gave me a positive affirmation. Seeing veterans perform at a high level motivated me and nourished my inner spirit.”
The familiar battle changes completely.
Things haven’t been easy for Dries over the years. A difficult childhood, constant pain from injuries, and other traumatic military experiences led Dries into a dark period of drug use, relationship problems, and employment struggles. These trials also inspired a deep dedication to his mental health.
“To think there is an end to mental health treatment is setting us up for failure,” Drees says. “This reinforces the idea that people who ask for help are weak or that being vulnerable is weakness. It’s the opposite. You need to take care of your mental health.”
In 2018, shortly after Dries turned 50, a series of infections caused problems with her damaged right leg, leading to its amputation. The following year, he returned to the winter sports clinic, this time skiing with one leg.
This athlete embodies adaptability, resilience, and strength. Dries also works as a motivational speaker during the summer and a ski instructor during the winter.
“I teach two-legged people to ski,” he laughed.
Deliver a message to the event
Dries is eager to reunite with his fellow veterans at the 2024 Winter Sports Clinic.
“My goal this year is to provide hope in the field of mental wellness,” he said. “I don’t know anyone who served in the military who doesn’t suffer from post-traumatic stress. I take the initiative to make sure that no matter how long you’ve been in the military or how long ago it was, it’s okay to ask for help. We want to tell you that by asking for help, you may save the life of another veteran and give them permission to seek help for their own situation.”
Veterans interested in participating in an upcoming winter sports clinic should contact their local Veterans Recreation Therapy Team for more information.
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic will be held April 1-7, 2024 in Snowmass, Colorado.
– – – – –
April Love is a writer and editor for the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.
