Utah — To celebrate Veterans Day, the National Ability Center (NAC) is highlighting its longstanding commitment to the military community. Serving those who have served is central to the organization’s mission, with programs that offer veterans and active-duty service members opportunities to connect, build community, and experience the outdoors through adaptive recreation
Founded in Park City in 1985, the National Ability Center has deep roots in serving veterans. Co-founders Meeche White and Pete Badewitz, a Vietnam veteran, established the organization with the help of a grant from the Disabled American Veterans of Utah, which funded ski lessons for veterans at the base of Park City Mountain.
More than four decades later, approximately one-third of the people served by the NAC — more than 2,000 individuals annually — are veterans or active-duty service members.
Today, offerings include adaptive skiing, cycling, climbing, multi-day retreats and camps, with programming also available for military families.
According to the NAC, many local veterans return to participate in additional programs after their initial experience, building skills in a particular sport through ongoing lessons while finding a sense of community along the way.
Some participants have even returned as volunteers, helping introduce other veterans to the same programs that made a difference in their own lives.
That sense of connection is an important reason why the NAC continues to invest in military programming.
“We believe that recreation should be accessible for people with disabilities, both visible and invisible,” a NAC representative said. “We know that for the veteran population, community and camaraderie are such a large part of their everyday life. When they leave their military service, some of that community can be hard to find. We try to foster this sense of community through our programming while also providing opportunities to get outside and try something new.”
Its military programming also extends to special events and experiences throughout the year, including the annual Saluting Our Heroes fundraiser and the CreatiVets experience. They also honor veterans through their annual Field of Flags display in front of Miners Hospital.
Looking ahead, the NAC has several opportunities planned for the coming year. This winter, the organization will host multiple ski camps, along with a Nordic ski camp. Military families can also look forward to Military Family Day during the summer.
As the nation pauses to recognize veterans, the National Ability Center’s work serves as a reminder that supporting those who have served extends beyond a single day.
How has participation in National Ability Center programs impacted you or someone you know in the veteran community?
