This award is given to the Veteran who exemplifies the spirit of the clinic, and who shows outstanding courage and accomplishment in taking a giant step forward in the rehabilitation process. This Veteran proves to the world that physical disability does not bar the door to freedom.
2024 Freedom Award Recipient​
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Erik Castillo earned the 2024 DAV Freedom Award at the 38th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2023 Freedom Award Recipient​
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Sandi Braunstein earned the 2023 DAV Freedom Award at the 37th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2022 Freedom Award Recipient​
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Bud McLeroy earned the 2022 DAV Freedom Award at the 36th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2019 Freedom Award Recipient​
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In 2012, Spc. Alex Hussey stepped on an IED while deployed in Afghanistan. Despite the difficulties involved, Alex made it to the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic this year. His determination, positive attitude, and resiliency earned him the 2019 DAV Freedom Award.
2018 Freedom Award Recipient​
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Jataya Taylor earned the 2018 DAV Freedom Award at the 32nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2017 Freedom Award Recipient​
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See why Adam Greathouse earned the 2017 DAV Freedom Award at the 31st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2016 Freedom Award Recipient​
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See why Mariela Meylan's story of strength and perseverance earned her the 2016 DAV Freedom Award at the 30th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.
2015 Freedom Award Recipient​
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Alan Babin, an Army Veteran who was severely injured in Iraq while trying to save a fellow soldier, was awarded DAV's Freedom Award at the 2015 National Disabled Veterans ‪WinterSportsClinic‬, hosted by ‪DAV‬ and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. This award is presented each year to a Veteran who demonstrates outstanding courage in their road to recovery. Babin, a medic himself, had more than 70 operations, including five brain surgeries.