Military appreciation at the grand opening of winter park

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  
The Airman and Family Readiness Center has teamed up with the Outdoor Recreation Center and a local winter park to celebrate the grand opening of a nonprofit organization featuring a military appreciation day March 6-8, 2014 in Bottineau, N.D.

The new winter lodge, built entirely from donations and erected in memory of Ann Nicole Nelson, a Stanley, N.D., native who was killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is a year-round adaptive recreational facility.

"The lodge was built specifically to help with adaptive sports," said Mike Yuds, the community readiness consultant with the Airman and Family Readiness Center here. "They also run a year-round program so children with disabilities can enjoy skiing and fishing."

Working in conjunction with the Outdoor Rec Center on base, the opening weekend incorporates a military appreciation day, Thursday, March 6. The appreciation day is open to any Department of Defense card holder, which includes active duty, reserve, national guard, military civilian, retired and their families for discounted price, said Yuds. The cost covers a lift ticket and equipment.

Continuing through the opening weekend, Friday will be dedicated to adaptive skiing, with a light show night-ski at the end of the day. Saturday will continue with open skiing and tubing, but will include an open house with refreshments, and a dedication ceremony to Annie Nelson.

"The rec center is working a single Airman initiative, where for $10, they receive transportation, a lift ticket, equipment, and even an instructor if needed," explained Yuds.

The single Airman Initiative sign-up period through the Outdoor Rec center is open until Feb. 21, after which it is open to the general public until March 4 for first day of skiing on the 6th.

Yuds says his hopes for the opening weekend is to simply get the word out, giving people another outlet and a reason to try new things and stretch their limits.

"This is a great deal, for a good cause, and I think it's something that everyone should be able to enjoy," he said.

For information on how to sign up, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 701-723-3950, or the Outdoor Rec Center at 701-723-3648.