Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Disabled Marines participated in skiing and snowboarding for healing and camaraderie.
- Annika Hutsler, an amputee Marine, aims to compete in future Paralympic Games.
- Semper Fi & America's Fund supports these activities, aiding Marines' recovery.
OGDEN — A group of disabled Marines spent part of this week skiing and snowboarding while bonding off the mountain at a shared Airbnb. The outing may seem simple, but Marines like Annika Hutsler said what they got from it is priceless.
"I love these events because we all have the same stuff that we're dealing with," Hutsler said. "We're all disabled in some way, whether it's mentally, physically, emotionally."
Learning, again, to snowboard and ski
Hutsler enlisted as a Marine right out of college. She was convinced it was what she needed to do.
"There's nothing else like representing your country," Hutsler said. "I was willing to represent my country. And unfortunately, I had other things that happened."
A tumor on Hutsler's right leg worsened to the point where her leg was eventually amputated from the knee down. Still, in part through events like this one, she learned to snowboard and ski again.
"We have all different levels, but we all hang out together for a couple days and rip on some snow," Hutsler said.
Semper Fi & America's Fund supports this and similar outdoor activities throughout the year. They help Marines heal in large part by being around others like them.
Chasing another dream
With the help of Jon Lujan, another injured Marine, Hutsler is now chasing another dream. She's training full-time with the goal of competing in the Paralympic Games in 2026 or 2030. It's something Lujan did after he became paralyzed below the knees.
He's working with Hutsler to help her achieve her goal.
"It's something that's once in a lifetime, you know. Not everyone gets to do it," Lujan said.
Lujan also serves as the winter sports program manager for Semper Fi & America's Fund.
"I get dual therapy because I get to be around other veterans. But I also get to see them go from internally in a shell when they first arrive at events, to flourish(ing)," Lujan said.
'As proud as I'll ever be'
With her aim to compete in the Paralympic Games, Hutsler said she's found another way to try to represent her country.
"It meant the world to me, being at the highest level of sport, wearing my country's name," Hutsler said. "I think that's as proud as I'll ever be in my entire life."
Semper Fi & America's Fund also helps injured Marines* get lifelong support, connecting them with case workers who can better address their individual challenges.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
