Disabled Veteran finds freedom through adaptive sports
For Air Force Veteran Salvador Vasquez, the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is about more than just skiing; it’s about reclaiming strength and confidence after devastating injuries.
Now in his fourth year attending the clinic, the Gulf War Veteran continues to push his limits in new ways. This year, that challenge meant skiing without ski poles, something he had depended on in previous years for balance and stability.
“My instructors said, ‘We don’t have any [poles] for you,’ and I was like… What?!” Vasquez, laughing. “But sometimes you’ve just got to push through it. That’s how you get better.”
What may have started as a surprise quickly became a breakthrough. Without poles to lean on, Vasquez was encouraged to rely more on his legs, core strength and body awareness.
The decision wasn’t an accident.
Adaptive skiing builds confidence
Before hitting the slopes, his instructors, Bruce Tubbs and Molly Nickel, reviewed his history and noticed a pattern: Vasquez often ended his runs early due to fatigue and back pain. To address that, they made a deliberate call to remove the poles and push him to engage his lower body more effectively.
“We needed him to connect with what his body is doing with what his legs are doing,” Tubbs explained. “By taking away the poles, he couldn’t rely on them for balance, so he had to use his legs more.”
Run after run, Vasquez began to find that connection, completing multiple descents without needing physical support.
“He’s building confidence every time,” Nickel added. “It’s working.”
That progress is especially significant given where his journey began. Vasquez suffered catastrophic injuries that left him questioning what his future would look like. He broke both legs, his pelvis, neck and ribs, with some injuries so severe they displaced bones through his skin.
“I never thought I’d be skiing,” Vasquez said.
Independence regained on the slopes
Through recreation therapy at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Vasquez was introduced to adaptive sports as part of his recovery. His first experience at the Winter Sports Clinic four years ago was anything but easy.
“That first year, it was tough,” Vasquez said. “They started me out on a ski bike.”
Over time, with consistent effort and guidance, he progressed back onto skis, first with support, then with poles, and now without.
For Vasquez, adaptability isn’t just about equipment, it’s about mindset. Learning to trust his body again, to push through discomfort and to accept challenges has been central to his growth.
“I’m glad Bruce and Molly are courageous enough with me to push me,” Vasquez said.
Beyond the physical gains, Vasquez says the clinic provides something just as important: connection.
“When you’re disabled, it’s hard to leave your home sometimes,” Vasquez said. “You get comfortable there. But when you come out here, you’re one with everybody, especially us Veterans.”
That sense of camaraderie mirrors the bonds he formed during his 22 years of military service.
“We don’t do this alone,” he added. “That’s how we get through things: together.”
Explore adaptive sports opportunities
Veterans interested in staying active and exploring adaptive sports can take part in a variety of VA-supported programs designed to promote recovery, resilience and independence. These national events provide opportunities to build confidence, connect with fellow Veterans, and experience activities like skiing, cycling, wheelchair sports and more, regardless of skill level or prior experience.
Author: Nikki Verbeck