COVID-19 has presented WVST with some unique challenges. To address these, we reached out to the Montana Veterans Home and purchased $5,600 worth of iPads, televisions, speakers, and wireless headphones for the veterans. We also bought large canopies to make the outdoor area accessible, as this is currently the only place they can go.
Additionally, we made a $10,000 donation to the veterans’ food pantry in Kalispell to support their activities. The board met with the group called Underwater Soldiers and bought $5,000 worth of scuba gear to aid in their work with veterans.
This year, we hosted five couples and one mentorship couple at our winter retreat. They were all selected by the Kalispell Veterans Center. We also organized Operation Ski Turner, where veterans and their families had the chance to enjoy powder skiing. We privately rented Turner Mountain and invited any veteran who wanted to come—about 80 attended, and it was a fantastic time.
We sponsored weekly golf outings for 8-12 veterans in partnership with the Kalispell Veterans Center. Additionally, our regular retreats proceeded as scheduled. We hosted four separate retreats for Gold Star young adults, Gold Star spouses, and couples during the summer and winter.
We want to thank everyone for their support and for allowing us to visit during such a challenging time.