Cumberland Times-News

Local News

February 20, 2013

Seven Springs hosting soldiers

Resort partnering with Wounded Warrior Patrol

Kelly Urban Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

SEVEN SPRINGS, Pa. — Seven Springs Mountain Resort is set to honor the nation’s bravest.

The resort has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Patrol to provide 10 soliders and their families with a getaway retreat from Saturday through Feb. 28 that will feature skiing and snowboarding, lessons, special spa services and celebratory dinners.

“We want each family to leave the resort with a lifelong memory of the time they enjoyed together,” said Bob Nutting, Seven Springs president. “Our partnership with the Wounded Warrior Patrol has provided us with a tremendous opportunity to honor these soldiers and their families for their service and sacrifice.”

Soliders will come from Penn­sylvania, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Illinois.

“We look forward to creating a longstanding tradition with them and welcoming new and returning families for years to come,” Nutting said.

The Wounded Warrior Patrol was formed based on ties between the military and the National Ski Patrol. The organization is not associated with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Chris Raup, the patrol’s CEO and a retired National Guard major, said the nonprofit organization is based on the desire to pay it forward to the wounded soliders and their families by encouraging their participation in its winter sports program.

“For two years now, Seven Springs has rolled out the red carpet and generously provided so much for our warriors, their families, our board and our 60-plus volunteers,” Raup said. “As we looked into selecting a location for this event, we knew that a place that focused on families was essential, and Seven Springs was the ideal location.”

Among this year’s guests will be Dan Sheehan, author of “After Action — A True Story of a Cobra Pilot’s Journey.” He served two tours in Iraq, the first as an attack helicopter pilot during the invasion and the second as a forward air controller with a special operations unit.

Sheehan received the Bronze Star and two Action Air Medals for valor in combat.

He left the Marine Corps in 2007 and lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.

Also in attendance will be volunteers including National Ski Patrol members and instruc­tors from Three Rivers Adaptive Sports who will assist the soliders and their families.

For more information, go to http://www.woundedwarriorpatrol.org.

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