TSV News:
The 5th Annual Not Forgotten Outreach Week’s FREE event is Jan. 16-20 at Taos Ski Valley (TSV).
TSV and Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc. (NFO) invite past and present military members, their immediate family and Gold Star Families the opportunity to enjoy a week on the slopes, with free equipment rentals, $35 lift tickets, group lessons, Children’s Ski School and childcare STEEP discounts, allowing the whole family to reap the healing benefits.
The event incorporates group dining, providing beneficial socialization and bonding opportunities through encouraging participants to spend time together as a family and build relationships with new friends.
In 2017, there were more than 2,000 military family attendees, this year TSV and NFO expect to host more than 3,000 military families, making the event the largest gathering of military families gathering at a ski resort.
WWII Veteran Ernie Blake started this annual evdent and the Blake family approved it when Jonah Salloway, former event director at TSV, came up with the idea in November 2013. Since Louis Bacon purchased TSV, the annual event has only grown in the number of participants and most importantly in support from TSV employees, by taking ownership of the event for military families.
And Broaden the Experience
There’s also plenty to do when participants aren’t on the slopes.
To improve “mindfulness” and relationships, NFO is proud to have partnered with, Nicole Johnson, MSW, LCSW Intimacy Specialist, Blue Pearl Therapy. This intimacy and caregiver training will provide desperately needed guidance to Military Couples in how to adjust their personal relationship aspirations when dealing with a wounded warrior with either physical or cognitive injuries, enabling them to learn a “new norm” of intimacy in their relationships.
- Classes will be held each morning at 10 a.m. afternoons at 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Free Hot Drinks and Snacks @ the Base (Tuesday – Sunday 0900 – 1500)
- Group Photo Thursday & Saturday at 1600
- Connected Warriors Yoga every morning of the event at 9 a.m.
- Defendu Academy of Taos will provide a self-defense class Wednesday at 10 a.m.
- VA Mobile Vet Center will be available Saturday 10am – 2pm, to answer both active duty and veteran’s questions on benefits entitlements.
- Thursday & Saturday night NFO will host a FREE “Appreciation Dinner” for 200 Military Families each night.
Lodging discounts to Military Families are graciously being offered by fourteen different hotels in the Taos area.
Millennials Helping Military Families: We are again blessed to have an AmeriCorps Southwest Region NCCC team of eleven, each of which has received over 15 hours of training in military culture and military family lives, through the PsychArmor Institute. AmeriCorps NCCC will be on hand to help out during the event.
TSV Resort Deals & Discounts Jan. 16-21: Eligibility: Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, Veteran, Family Members, and Gold Star Families and their Family Members with military ID or other identification verifying military association.
Lift Tickets: $35 / day
- $3 from each lift ticket will be donated to Not Forgotten Outreach
- $2 from each lesson will be donated to Not Forgotten Outreach
- Children’s Snowsports School reservations required
Volunteers deliver untiring encouragement and friendship
A devoted force of volunteers and specialized ski instructors offer one-on-one instruction, untiring encouragement, and loyal friendship. This bonding and mentorship are critical to the therapeutic value of the event. Using a volunteer team, Not Forgotten Outreach creates a week of events to connect the children and surviving spouses of the Fallen, Active Duty & Veterans with others going through the same experience. The Military Families who attend our annual events walk away knowing they are not alone, and that we honor the Sacrifice the Military Members made while serving our country.
To help during the week, contact Marcia@notforgottenoutreach.org.
About Taos Ski Valley
Taos Ski Valley would like to thank the Men and Women and Families of the Armed Services. Located in northern New Mexico, Taos is one of North America’s premier ski and snowboard destinations, with more than 305 inches of average annual snowfall and more than 110 trails. Taos has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere; spectacular scenery; and amazing terrain–truly making it a world of its own. To learn more about Taos Ski Valley (USA Today’s #1 Ski Town 2016/17), visit www.skitaos.com.
About Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc.
Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to motivating Military Members and Veterans, their Families, and Gold Star Families of Fallen Heroes to participate in recreational and/or therapeutic activities in order to facilitate the healing process. Serving over 4,800 Military Families in 2017, NFO provides opportunities to improve relationships, build comradeship and at the same time enhance “Mindfulness” and personal well-being. For Further Questions and Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Don Peters, don@notforgottenoutreach.org (575).224.1503.
