Road to Recovery
Past success breeds future hope
The 2008 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute
The 5th Annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute was held December 7-11, 2008 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, in Orlando, FL. More than 150 severely injured troops attended and were treated to a life-changing experience. These heroes were able to spend some time with their families at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. They were lifted up by motivational speakers Dave Roever and Dana Bowman and attended informational sessions on financial planning, entrepreneurship, career development, and strengthening relationships strained by the health concerns and financial pressures these heroes and their families confront every day. The heroes, and many spouses, attended resume writing workshops and networked at the career fair with private companies, including conference sponsors General Motors, Northrop Grumman, T-Mobile and military agencies looking to hire wounded veterans.
American Airlines, the official airline of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, flew wounded troops and family members, totaling more than 140, on its Yellow Ribbon Express from San Antonio to Orlando. More than 1,000 “greeters” welcomed with deafening cheers all of the families as they arrived at Orlando International Airport on December 7th from all across the United States for the conference. The heroes learned how to ski and snowboard, rock climb and use adapted bicycles.
Renowned actor/director Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band, rising Country music star Stephen Cochran, inspirational rapper Don Preach, exciting performance artist Dan Dunn and VandelSnook Band entertained and paid tribute to the wounded troops and their families.
The 2006 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute
In December 2006, approximately 100 severely wounded and disabled veterans and their families took part in the 2006 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute at Walt Disney World in Orlando. It was a very successful and fulfilling week complete with engaging speakers, practical information, camaraderie and fun!
Our 2004 (Walt Disney World) and 2005 (Dallas, TX) conferences were also smashing successes. Seminars from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense helped our heroes deal with everyday issues. Entertainment by performers such as Toby Keith, visits from sports legends such as Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys, and trips to exciting destinations such as Six Flags amusement park lifted the spirits of the service-members and their families.
Now you can see how much these conferences mean. View a video from the 2005 Texas conference.
