Montana ski town's welcome for wounded a new trend

WHITEFISH, Mont. — The quirky mascot of this Montana town's world famous winter carnival — a furred abominable snowman on a motorbike — served as honor guard for eight wounded warriors and their families parading past cheering crowds as part of the festival finale.

Every few steps, someone from the crowd would reach over the parade tape to shake a servicemen's hand and express gratitude.

The troops' starring role is a unique version of a growing trend in which communities across America are developing programs to give back to those who served.

This one was done in conjunction with the charity Wounded Warrior Project, which says more and more towns and cities are reaching out to sponsor the visits of wounded troops and their families. Last year, there were 30 community-sponsored events, said Wounded Warrior Project spokesman Pete Cataldo. This year that number has doubled to 60, he said.

The Whitefish program was the brainchild of a local resident and West Point graduate, Steve Shea. Four years ago, he coaxed local business owners into taking part that first year, with the help of local veterans groups and disability advocates. Shea found troops in need who could participated through Wounded Warrior.

There's very little the Florida-based charity has to coordinate, says WWP's Heather Timins, who accompanied the families to Whitefish.

"It's organized almost completely by the community," Timins said — from dinner at a lavish home overlooking a mountainside to ski instructors who volunteer their days off to teach.

"You walk everywhere, and they not only thank the warriors for their service, but treat them almost like royalty," she said.

The troops and their families stayed at a mountain lodge, receiving one-on-one instruction at Whitefish's ski area, some on "sit skis," some on prosthetics strapped to snowboards. The uncrowded slopes that draw millionaires to the out-of-the-way resort in the shadow of Glacier National Park are perfect for those learning how to adapt old skills to new limbs, or learning a sport from scratch.

The tough economy has meant fewer visitors to Whitefish in recent years, and struggle for many local businesses. But the Warrior program here has grown each year, with more businesses taking part and a small army of residents helping organize and driving the group from event to event. Many residents support the program financially, writing checks that range from $25 to $25,000.