By Cory Lehr, United States Air Force Veteran and Achieve Tahoe Participant

My name is Cory Lehr. I served in the United States Air Force from 2010 to 2016 as a C-130 loadmaster. I’ve had the privilege of participating in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in humanitarian and search and rescue operations across the country.

I first heard about Achieve Tahoe through the Reno VA Hospital, when I participated in a ski day at Northstar last winter. Things in my life weren’t going so well but having the support of Josephine from Achieve Tahoe made a significant difference. That day on snow helped me reignite a passion I had recently drifted away from. Even though I’ve spent my entire life skiing and living in the mountains, that day was not about ski instruction – it was about skiing with someone who truly cared about how I was doing. Participating with Achieve Tahoe helped me re-find the joy in the activities I grew up doing that I had forgotten about after the military.

Cory poses with his dad while skiing as a young adult
Cory practices being rescued while in the Achieve Tahoe ACA certification.

Since participating at Achieve Tahoe, I’ve started working as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Operations Supervisor at The Differents, a residential addiction treatment center in South Reno. I help facilitate recreational activities and empower clients to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in their own recovery paths. When I learned that Achieve Tahoe was offering a free American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Certification for people who teach veterans with disabilities, I signed up; I knew it was my next step in helping others rediscover recreation as I had.

During the course, the days spent on Lake Tahoe were long, but the experience was amazing. One of the things I remember most is an Achieve Tahoe staff member giggling as I attempted to rescue her during one of our practice exercises. Even though the course material was serious, we all managed to have a lot of fun along the way. The skills I learned during the ACA certification course not only helped improve my own kayak knowledge but also provided the skills to share my new knowledge with others. With the certification, I plan to hold courses for other veterans who are in recovery or have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Cory practices rescuing capsized kayakers while in the Achieve Tahoe ACA certification

Achieve Tahoe does amazing things to introduce and empower the veteran population in outdoor adventure sports. Whether it is winter or summer, any activity I’ve participated in has been unforgettable. Telling jokes and laughing on chairlifts, silently gliding across a lake in a kayak with nature’s true beauty surrounding you — these experiences are priceless.

Cory paddles on Donner Lake with a group of veterans during an Achieve Tahoe paddle excursion

“End the 22 a day and reach out.” Cory wants every veteran reading this story to know you are supported – if you need immediate help or support, call or text 988 to talk to a mental health professional.