This is the first of many spotlight articles with insight into the incredible inspiration that the Maine Adaptive volunteers stir in all those involved in the program. We hope to offer future spotlights to a wide variety of passionate people who offer their time and expertise to help students of Maine Adaptive experience the freedom and movement that Maine’s largest adaptive sports program offers.
Today’s focus is on Joanne McMahon and Kathy Kroll, long time co-chairs of Veterans No Boundaries, a program of Maine Adaptive. Veterans No Boundaries (VNB) Winter Ski Camp is a four-day winter sports retreat at Sunday River Ski Resort that is open to military veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities. Held recently on January 19-22, 2024, the winter ski camp celebrated its 20th year. Joanne and Kathy have been co-chairs of this event since co-chairs organized the event.
The recent 20th celebration of Veterans No Boundaries was no exception to the earlier camps except it grows larger each year. It was filled with the camaraderie of fellow veterans, pushing boundaries to learn new skills and generous donations from sponsors and local businesses to support the four-day camp. All of this was coordinated by Joanne and Kathy and a cadre of fellow dedicated volunteers.
Both Joanne and Kathy’s tenure with Maine Adaptive goes back decades. “I have been a volunteer with Maine Adaptive for 39 years and co-chair VNB with Joanne since they had co-chairs. We are both extremely passionate about the veterans’ program and have been involved since VNB’s origin,” said Kath when asked how she first got involved. Joanne added, “I have been with VNB for over 20 years and co- chair since they appointed co- chairs – maybe 16 years. I have been working with Maine Adaptive since my son was a participant at age 6. He is 27 now. “He learned to ski through the Maine Adaptive program,” finished Joanne.
Both Kath and Joanne are veterans themselves, which makes working with fellow veterans even more powerful for them. Kath served ten years in the naval reserves. Joanne served in the United States Navy Nurse Corps from 1983 to 2004.
Both women were asked what motivated them to become Maine Adaptive and VNB volunteers and what did it meant to them. “What does the Maine Adaptive experience mean to participants?” she responded. “ It means so so much. We have had participants make it to the front door of the Maine Adaptive building and say, “ I did it”. Then say, “ I’m going home” Their goal was to just walk in.” recalled Joanne. “Another participant told us that “this was the first time I have been able to sleep and not be afraid,” she added.
“There is so much healing that takes place on the mountain and that healing doesn’t stop with hospitals and rehab centers,” added Kath. “When you connect someone back to life with recreation and that individual moves forward, then we have done our job as volunteers.”
Recalling specific moments during the VNB Winter Camp, Kath shared a touching story. “One memorable veteran, that I had the privilege to ski with was a Medal of Honor nominee from Fort Drum,” she said. “He was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries from his combat tour in Afghanistan. I remember he told me that he didn’t “ feel athletic anymore”. He had spent the entire first day on the beginner slope utilizing outriggers for balance. It was clear he didn’t need that adaptive equipment on his second day and with patience and trust he started skiing using ski poles. As we progressed through the day, he was challenged on steeper terrain and he met every challenge. By the end of the day, he was the lead guide for a visually impaired volunteer. I still have that picture today of a proud soldier wearing a guide bib, who trusted us enough to believe in himself. It was priceless!”
These stories and so many more are what makes Maine Adaptive and its Veterans No Boundaries winter and summer camps so worthwhile for not only the participants but those who volunteer. “There are so many stories and we as veteran volunteers do what we do to pay it forward for those who have given so much,” added Kath.
Veterans No Boundaries Winter Camp is open to veterans of all ages with permanent disabilities including PTSD. While space is filling up, Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation will take applications for both the summer camp and the 2025 winter camp throughout the year.. Those interested can apply online. Additionally, Maine Adaptive is still seeking volunteers to participate in many different roles, on-snow and off. Winter Ski Camp is generously supported by Move United and the Patriot Riders.
For more information on the Winter Ski Camp, visit https://www.maineadaptive.org/veterans-no-boundaries-winter-program.