Vail Resorts in Colorado is offering 1,000 free nights to service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of 'Operation Freedom Lodging.'
Service members from any branch of service who served for 30 or more days in these countries are eligible for up to three consecutive nights of lodging at Vail Resorts owned and operated hotels in Breckenridge and Keystone.
"Operation Freedom Lodging is a gesture of our appreciation for the courageous men and women who have been serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Tony Piringer, vice president of hospitality for Vail Resorts.
Qualified service members wishing to make reservations for Operation Freedom Lodging can call:
Breckenridge 1-800 832-3694
Keystone 1-800 270-4690
After making reservations, service members must verify their status by faxing a copy of their orders or a letter from their commander or first sergeant to Fort Carson Morale Welfare and Recreation at DSN 691-9453 or (719) 526-9453. Documents may be sent via e-mail to OutdoorInfo@carson.army.mil.
For more information on the verification process, call Fort Carson Morale Welfare and Recreation at DSN 691-2083 or (719) 526-2083.
Vail Resort representatives contacted North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command officials to discuss the possibility of such a program.
"We were excited about the opportunity to get involved with a program that honors those who've been fighting the 'away game' keeping the homeland safe," said Michael Perini, NORAD and USNORTHCOM Director of Public Affairs.
"Vail Resorts has a relationship with the military through the Rocky Mountain Blue program," said Perini, "So it was a natural for them to contact us to see if this was feasible."
NORAD and USNORTHCOM officials then contacted Fort Carson for assistance with the verification process.
"It's great to see the Colorado Springs military community working together to make this national program happen." said Perini. "It's what makes Colorado Springs such a great place to serve."
For more information on the NORAD and USNORTHCOM visit our websites at www.norad.mil and www.northcom.mil.
For more information on Rocky Mountain Blue at Keystone Resort visit www.rockymountainblue.com.