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On the weekend of March 11th through the 13th, 2005 I had the privilege of skiing with members of the United Spinal Association. On Friday I skied with George who was tethered to Whiteface Mountain's Ski School Director Ed Kriel. Falicia Mosley (who works for the United Spinal Association) accompanied us. Also joining us on Friday was a reporter for NPR and a NPR photographer (this guy was a great at skiing backwards down the mountain). George's courage and wonderful sense of humor were absolutely infectious. George not only skied Whiteface he made a run through Whiteface's Nastar course. On Saturday I skied with Duane Rhodes who was tethered to his skiing buddy John Zipfel. Falicia again joined us. Duane, like his fellow adaptive skier George, exhibited courage and a sense of humor that reveals the best of the human spirit. Another Whiteface ski instructor (Jean) was tethered to George that day and this remarkable skier had no problem assisting George down the mountain despite her rather petite size (side bar - I think George had the h--s for her but who wouldn't). Jean (aided by an infectious and captivating smile) convinced George to make a run untethered. George again revealed his enormous courage. Whiteface's Ski Instructor Don Dew is head of "The Mountains" adaptive ski program. Don joined us for the three days along with his Assistant Director Adaptive Ski Instructor Alex Friedman, adaptive skier Doug (that had been a Whistler the week before - and that is a giant mountain), Falicia's working partner Diane and Diane’s daughter. On Sunday we all met at Mount Van Hoevenberg for a bobsled ride. My buddy Mike Diehl, adaptive skier Duane and his buddy John and John's girl friend along with another adaptive skier completed our group. It was my first time ride on a bobsled and it was exciting beyond words. With Duane in front of me, a bobsled driver in front of Duane and a brakeman behind me it was among the most thrilling thirty some seconds of my life. I want to thank all those that spent time with us this weekend. There were more volunteers with us that I would like to mention. They are Andy, his dad Larry, Don Metzner, and former Lake Placid's High School Principle and holder of a third degree black belt in Karate Bob Schuler. After skiing we all headed for Whiteface's Cloudspin Lounge for some Apre Ski refreshment (there was some alcohol involved - none of us are perfect and I don't want to be) and camaraderie. Other members of Whiteface's Ski School and Staff joined us. Thank all you guys and girls for making this as wonderful a weekend as this old skier could have.I urge everyone to support our Adaptive Skiers, the United Spinal Association, and our Adaptive Vets. It is not the politicians, the rich and famous, hollywood elite, rock stars, and millionaire athletes that keep us free. It is our Vets and those currently on active duty throughout the world that protect us and insure our freedom. Click here to learn more about these remarkable people and how you can give back to our heros.
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