Since 2004, Vail Veterans Program has been transforming the lives of military injured and their families by providing innovative, outdoor therapeutic and rehabilitative programs that encourage healthy recovery, personal growth, and the building of lifelong communities of mutual support. Each year Vail Vets serves over 500 wounded veterans and their families for a total of 5,700 to date.
“Our hearts are full of gratitude, appreciation, and love for the unforgettable experience we had during the Winter Family Program. It truly has been a turning point for our family, a time that allowed us to reconnect, heal, and rediscover the strength of our bond. This program gave us something we hadn’t had in a long time—a chance to focus on each other, to enjoy the simple moments, and to reconnect on a level we thought was lost. It has breathed new life into our family, and we leave with a renewed sense of hope, love, and understanding. Thank you, Vail Veterans Program, for providing this space, for offering your support, and for showing us the power of kindness and connection. We will forever carry these memories with us, and we are so deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so special.” - Alvin Paliza, USMC Sgt (Ret.) and 2025 Winter Family Program Participant
"We had such a great time during the virtual cooking class as a family. My son had his first opportunity to cut vegetables on his own and figure out for himself the best way he should do it. It was interesting to see the problem solving with the corn on the cob. We enjoyed the opportunity to work as a team and try something new. The recipes were delicious! I think I had three helpings of the zucchini salad. Thank you so much Team Vail Vets! " -Juan Pinalez, Navy, (Ret.) and 2025 February Virtual Program Participant
“Thank you, Vail Veterans Program, for an incredible week. After so much time sitting still, I had forgotten what it was like to move, to feel the wind, smell the mountain air, and to truly experience life again. It was refreshing in every way. Having my brother there made it even more special—it was the first time in so long that we weren’t weighed down by stress, surgeries, or recovery. Every person made us feel welcomed, valued, and part of something bigger. Connecting with other veterans and their families reminded me how much camaraderie and shared experiences can uplift and inspire us. This program gave me more than just an adventure—it gave me renewed confidence, new friendships, and a reminder that life is worth living. I can’t thank you enough for this priceless experience.” -Brian Gliba, U.S. Army, CPT (Ret.) and 2025 Winter Mountain Adventure Program participant
“My family and I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to participate in the Vail Veterans Program’s Summer Family Program! From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in this program. From first contact, through the closing remarks at the pool party, it was obvious that you pour your heart and soul into the program and its families. The result? My family learned more about their story and built strong connections to so many others within the Veteran and Vail community. My phone has been pinging with messages for my kids from their new friends from the program!” -Kyle and Lis Stilwell, Kyle Stilwell. Army. LTC. (Active), and 2025 Summer Family Program Participant
"Getting the chance to spend a week with Golf in the Rockies was an experience I never imagined. Sharing it with fellow veterans made it even more meaningful. I was able to step away from daily struggles, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery while forming friendships I hope will last a lifetime. From the start, everyone made me feel truly welcome—and when Vail Veterans Program says they treat you like family, they mean it. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved for creating such an incredible experience, one that has given me renewed strength and encouragement moving forward." -Phillip Chartier, US Navy E-4 (Ret.) and 2025 Golf in the Rockies participant
“Vail Veterans Program gave me something I didn’t even realize I was missing—time and space to reconnect with myself. As a caregiver, so much of my energy goes into making sure my veteran is cared for that I often forget my own needs. During the retreat, I found peace in the mountains, healing in the workshops, and comfort in connecting with others who truly understand this journey. From the gondola rides to the gardens, every detail reminded me that caregivers matter too. I left feeling lighter, supported, and deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity that made this experience possible.” - Holly Cowden, Caregiver to Alan Cowden, US Navy (Ret.) and 2025 Military Caregiver Retreat Participant
To provide military injured and their families with innovative and transformational programs that build confidence and improve lives.
In 2003, with the number of severe military service injuries increasing dramatically, Vail Veterans Program (VVP) Founder and President, Cheryl Jensen, felt compelled to help. A former adaptive ski instructor, Jensen understood the powerful impact adaptive skiing has on people faced with physical or mental disabilities and challenges. She recognized the healing benefits of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and wanted to give these recently wounded Veterans the opportunity to experience this uniquely empowering environment. Jensen reached out to then Army Captain, David Rozelle, who had lost his leg below the knee while serving in Iraq in March 2003. Together, Jensen and Rozelle were able to secure necessary funds to offset the costs associated with hosting military hospital patients in Vail, CO, including transportation, lodging, food & beverage, specialized adaptive equipment and adaptive ski instruction. In 2004, with seven patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, the first VVP took place at Vail Mountain.
VVP has since continued its partnership with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as developed longstanding partnerships with Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX and the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. VVP continues to serve a national population of military injured, both active duty and retired. VVP programs are provided at no cost to wounded Veterans, their family members, or medical support staff from partner military hospitals.
VVP celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in 2024 and is known as a "gold standard" for recreational therapy by its partner military hospitals. The Secretary of Defense and the US Army recognized VVP for showing an outstanding contribution to soldiers and their families. VVP Founder, Cheryl Jensen, received the Secretary of Defense Medal of Outstanding Service, as well as the Outstanding Civilian Service Award by Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, for her exceptional service in support of the United States Army through VVP.
Organization name
Vail Veterans Program
other names
Vail Veterans Program, VVP, Vail Veterans Foundation
2004
Tax id (EIN)
20-5254885
Category
Military & Veterans Organizations
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1000 Lions Ridge Loop Suite 3BMailing
PO Box 6473Eagle County, CO, US