Veterans gather for snow retreat

The Whitefish Veterans Support Team hosted its winter retreat last week for seven injured veterans and their spouses/girlfriends who spent five days experiencing a variety of winter activities.

The retreat included mountain tours on the grooming machines, skiing/snowboarding and a cross-country skiing and snowshoe outing. This is the first time that all new attendees were from Montana.

“With rural and small towns in Montana making up a disproportionate share of our U.S. military it is appropriate to honor our local veterans”, said Steve Shea, president of WVST.

Additionally, WVST partnered with the Kalispell Vet Center where couples and single veterans participated in daily group counseling sessions addressing issues relating to the readjustment from military to civilian life, community education and outreach. Many of these veterans need to establish a “new normal.” The Vet Center will provide ongoing services for these veterans after the retreat.

The Whitefish Veterans Support Team is a donor-based, charitable nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing support and new beginnings for veterans and their families. One-hundred percent of all donations directly benefit injured veterans.

WVST also hosts summer retreats. Each event addresses issues unique to military life and transition to civilian life.

To learn more, get involved with, or donate to the Whitefish Veterans Support Team visit wvstmt.org or email Steve Shea at stephenmshea@cs.com.