From Our Members
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (PVA) Outdoor Recreation Program offers opportunities for members to explore adaptive activities. The most recent one was the PVA Outdoor Experience: Breckenridge which was coordinated with Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) in Colorado for August 31st -September 4th. Sharona Young and myself attended. We found the daily events extremely educational, encouraging is rented by BOEC from the city for $1 a year. Each bedroom had its own bathroom and were shared with other veterans. Socializing, meetings, crafts and meals were held in the large kitchen and dining area with huge windows and spectacular mountain and pond views. Each day was filled with adaptive events we safely maneuvered the challenging elevated ropes course. Adaptive kayaking on their reservoir included outriggers on the backs of the kayaks to prevent capsizing. Others chose to paddleboard while sitting on a high chair. One of the days we had yoga and we were able to walk the trail around the pond on our own time. Another exciting event was whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. The adaptation of the rafts for adaptive cycling amongst beautiful mountain views. In 2022, I participated in BOEC’s adaptive Women Veterans River Trip where we camped for three nights down the Colorado River, starting in Colorado and ending in Utah. This event allowed us to enjoy the outdoors in a way that wouldn’t have been possible. We watched how the mountain views changed from the lush greenery to the clay mountains as we approached Moab, Utah. There is PVA interest to offer an experience like this for a couple of nights as a trial in the near future. Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Outdoor Recreation Program is a great opportunity for us to challenge ourselves, trying a new activity or learning an adaptive way to do something we previously enjoyed. All necessary equipment is provided and is tailored for activities to meet our needs. We highly recommend these types of events to all of our members.
and fun. We stayed in the beautiful Griffith Lodge which accomplished thanks to the well-trained staff. We wheelchair users was remarkable. Lastly, we participated in
I would like to introduce myself to the PVACF members who don’t already know me. My name is Jimmy Green. I am an Army Veteran. I have been a PVA member for 40 years, next May. I have been a member of three other PVA Chapters; Kentucky-Indiana, Golf Coast and now Central Florida. I was on the BOD of all three Chapters, I was Sports Director at Kentucky-Indiana until I moved to Florida in 2009. It is my honor to have been selected to be the next Sports Director of PVA Central Florida. I would like to thank the outgoing Sports Director, Roger Sack, for all his hard work and for setting a high standard for the job. I plan to continue the excellent programs set up by Roger and add new and exciting programs whenever possible. Please reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns or ideas. I look forward to working with all members that love adaptive sports the way I do. You Don’t Have to Face Multiple Sclerosis Alone Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect much more and isolation. Fatigue, pain, mobility challenges, unpredictable symptoms, and the invisible nature of many MS symptoms can make socializing difficult and leave people feeling misunderstood withdrawing from activities can create a cycle of isolation and emotional distress. Staying connected through supportive relationships, MS support groups, phone calls, online communities, or simple visits can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, people living with MS should know that they do not have to face the emotional challenges of the disease alone. Understanding, compassion, and connection can help reduce loneliness and remind those affected by MS that they are seen, valued, and supported. As veterans, we may be used to handling things on our own, but you don’t have to go through this journey alone. If you’re feeling lonely, would like to talk, share your experiences, or simply connect with someone who understands, please reach out to the chapter. Whether it’s a conversation over the phone, a message, or just knowing there’s someone on the other end who cares, connection can make a difference. Sharona Young Chapter MS Representative Community MS Support Groups: Tampa VA SCI Clinic holds a virtual MS Support group monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. If you are interested attending the group contact the MS social worker, Annie Altenor 813-972-2000, ext. 10-5010 VA Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence Quarterly VA Webinars:September 30, 2026 at 1pm ET – Getting to Know Your MS Interdisciplinary Care Team December 3, 2026 Sign Up at: https://www.va.gov/MS/Banners/Quarterly_Veteran_and_Caregiver_Webinar.asp National MS Society Veterans Support Group: Audience: Veterans living with MS, family, friends and care partners. Location: Online Day: 3rd Thursday of each month Time: 5PM CT Contact information: Please contact the leader(s) to receive the virtual meeting details. Deanna Deschenes, veteran.ms.group@gmail.com, 910-508-8805 Felix Castro, fcastro62305@gmail.com, 937-818-6553
Sports Director-PVACF Sports Director Jimmy Green by Sharona Young than physical health, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness or disconnected from family and friends. Over time, at 4pm ET – Hot Tips! Navigating VA Benefits and Resources