Wounded Warriors enjoy winter outing

By Sgt. Alexander MarmerFebruary 5, 2016

WTB members slides down the tubing track
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

More than 25 Wounded Warriors, cadre and Family Members from the 3rd Battalion, 85th Mountain Infantry Regiment, Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Drum, visited Maple Ridge Snow Park in Lowville on Jan. 27 for a day of fun in the snow.

"Maple Ridge is usually open only during the weekends," said Chaplain (Capt.) Peter Bahng, 3rd Battalion, 85th Infantry Regiment (Warrior Transition Battalion), "but they have been graciously generous to the Soldiers of 3-85th WTB and made snow tubing available during the weekday."

The event was made possible by diligent planning and coordination from the 3-85th WTB Soldier Adaptive Reconditioning Program (SARP) team, Scott Bowman and Jennifer McCann.

All of the Soldiers who participated in the outing enjoyed the snow tubing and snowshoeing, and it was a day of great fun and relaxation.

"It was my first time snowshoeing and I think I found my new hobby," one 3-85th WTB Soldier said. "It was a great team-building activity and experience."

Wounded Warriors, cadres and their Family Members enjoyed spectacular view of the Black River Valley and Adirondacks as the tube tow pulled them back up the hill.

"The Warrior Transition Battalion utilizes these types of activities as part of the Adaptive Reconditioning Program," Bahng said "that is any physical activities that wounded, ill and injured Soldiers can participate regularly to support their well-being. These activities contribute to a successful recovery for Soldiers, whether they are transitioning back to active duty or to civilian life."

All guests participated in a variety of winter activities - snow tubing and snowshoeing.

Maple Ridge Snow Park, now in its eighth season, is the largest and fastest tubing hill in the area. There are more than eight lanes 1,200 feet or longer and with more than a 100-degree vertical drop.