While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Motor Transport Operator Mick Doto and the convoys he drove for were hit by several improvised explosive devices.

Exposure to the violent explosions left the Hammonton, New Jersey native with a traumatic brain injury. But that doesn’t slow him down, nor does it affect his sense of humor.

“This year, my personal goal is to not fall down during the downhill ski race,” he said. “I think one time I actually became a rolling snowball.”

Doto has participated in several winter sports clinics and says while the adaptive sports and rehabilitation aspects of the program are certainly worthwhile; there is an intangible part of the clinic he enjoys most.

“I really enjoy the fellowship of fellow veterans,” he said. “You know, it’s refreshing sometimes to recharge with your core group, catch up with people I met before and learn about new programs and share personal experiences.

“Some of the problems I have … some of these guys and girls have gone through the same stuff,” said Doto.

Doto’s wife, Kerry Hallman, has accompanied Mick to the clinic this year and said the clinic transforms her husband.

“I’m so grateful to DAV and the VA for putting on this clinic for veterans like my husband,” she said.” It’s therapeutic for him and our family and he comes home revitalized after each clinic he has been able to attend. I wish every injured veteran could attend something like this.”

 

About the event: Co-hosted by DAV and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic promotes sports therapy and rehabilitation through adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, rock climbing, wheelchair self-defense, sled hockey, scuba diving and other adaptive sports and activities. The five day event in Snowmass, Colorado is a world leader in adaptive winter sports instruction for ill and injured Veterans and their families. Be inspired at wintersportsclinic.org.