October 5, 2024 
Feature Article: Cherry Creek School District
Quilts Of Valor Wrapping Ceremony
On Saturday, October 5, at Cherry Creek Schools’ annual Military and Veteran Appreciation Celebration, the Quilts of Valor Wrapping Ceremony was in honor of Tony Drees, alongside his service dog, Diva, to honor Tony's courage and sacrifice. Diva was presented with an Exemplary Service Dog certificate as well.

Read More at CherryCreekSchools.com
Watch on YouTube.com

July 30, 2024
Feature Article of Keynote Speaker
Colorado Byline Magazine - 2024 CPRA Conference
The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is excited to be in Keystone, Colorado, October 29-31 to focus on igniting inspiration and imagination. Tony Drees is one of our keynote speakers this year. He exemplifies courage and determination, challenges our perceptions of ability and disability, and shows that true freedom comes from helping others relieve their suffering. 

Read about Tony in the Summer 2024 edition at issuu.com

June 9, 2024
Film/Documentaries
2024 Mountains of Color Film Festival, Jackson WY
Tony Drees considers himself to have “good fortune” despite being born into an abusive household, surviving the deadliest bombing of the Gulf War, beating cancer, and having his leg amputated up to his hip. After it all, and through his newly found passion for skiing, Tony sets an ambitious goal for this season. Tony screened his award-winning film "One For All" on Saturday evening.

See more at jhcenterforthearts.org

March 25, 2024
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
Veteran Ski Instructor Personifies Adaptability, Promotes Mental Wellness
“My goal this year is to inspire hope around the mental wellness piece,” he said. “I don’t know a single person who served in the military who does not suffer from post-traumatic stress. I want to be at the forefront of saying it’s ok to ask for help, regardless of how long ago or how many years you served. You asking for help might save the life of another Veteran, giving them permission to ask for help for their situation.”

Read more at www.va.gov

November 9, 2023
Feature Article
Keynote Speaker at University of North Dakota
In an event honoring Veteran’s Day, Purple Heart recipient and former UND student Tony Drees addressed the campus community, urging attendees to serve their community by “finding the thing you love more than anything.” UND President Andrew Armacost welcomed Drees back to Grand Forks, calling him “an inspiration to many.” 

Read more at blogs.und.edu

July 4-9, 2023
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2023 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Portland
Tony received 2X Bronze Medals at NVWG despite his nearly catastrophic powerlifting performance. A medalist in Slalom and Adaptive Fitness, and he was 3rd in Winner Take All Super G.

Read more at WheelchairGames.org

May 2, 2023 
Feature Article
Aspen Public Radio
In a new short film, adaptive athlete Tony Drees brings new meaning to the phrase ‘One for All’. Story by Kaya Williams. Spencer Miller, the co-director and co-producer of the film, said in an interview that it isn’t so much a ski movie as it is one with skiing in it. “This is a film about Tony and his character and the trials and tribulations that he's been through, and really how he greets his days with a certain grit and a certain grace,” Miller said. But seriously, look at Tony flying through the air, upside down, on one ski! WHAT?!!
Read More or listen at AspenPublicRadio.org

April 23, 2023 
Feature Video: One For All Trailer
Tony Drees Award Winning Documentary
We wish you could see this whole film; it's so inspiring! ❤❤❤
Lovingly produced by Directors and Producers Michael DB Stevens and Spencer Miller, their 'One For All' film is a masterpiece biography featuring Purple Heart Army Veteran, Tony Drees, as we catch up with him on his latest "back flipping" adventures, living life as an amputee Apsen ski instructor. This film won a 5Point Film Fund grant for production before it was completed, then won the 'Hayden Kenndey" award, aka the Founder's Award, at the 16th annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival near Aspen, CO, in April of 2023. Watch his trailer here on YouTube
5Point Adventure Film Festival 2023 Program

April 22, 2023 
Feature Aritcle: Aspen Daily News
For Purple Heart Amputee, One Ski Is Enough
Tony is getting noticed during his 100+ days skiing on one leg during the 2022-2023 winter season near Apsen, Colorado. Just cruising around and jumping the slopes, on one leg. You know, just something you don't see every day.
Read More at AspenDailyNews.com

April 7, 2023 
Feature Article
Limitless Mountain Challenge, Snowmass Mountain, CO
Tony helped raise over $3000 in 5 days to support Challenge Aspen at a friendly yet fierce competition to ski the most vertical feet in one day and raise awareness for inclusion and access in the outdoors. The fundraiser exceeded their goals with $79,000 raised to support Challenge Aspen’s year-round adaptive recreation programs, making the outdoors accessible to everyone with challenges or disability.
Limitless Mountain Challenge 2023
Tony's Fundraiser page for 2023

April 4, 2023 
Feature Video: U.S. Dept. Veterans Affiars
37th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
Tony skied on one leg more than 100 days during the 2022-2023 winter season.
Enjoy highlights from the 37th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, held annually in Snowmass, Colorado.

Visit wintersportsclinic.org
Tony is featured prominently in the video at 0:00, 0;38, and speaking at 9:38. Watch on YouTube.com

March 29, 2023 
Feature Video: ESPN Sports Center
ESPN2 Sports Center Must SC Feature
A segment featuring Tony skiing on one leg was broadcast on ESPN2 as part of the Sports Center Top 10. It's super cool that the newsperson with a camera could ski with him and hold it that smoothly! Watch this 30-second spot on YouTube.

April 9, 2022 
Feature Video: Aspen Times
Hiking the Highland Bowl with Tony Drees
Watch Tony's epic ski story on The Drop-In by Aspen Times.
With more than 100 days of one-legged skiing completed during the 2021-22 winter season, Tony capped off his inaugural ski season at Aspen, CO, with an epic hike up to 12,392 feet above sea level to ski down the Highland Bowl at Aspen. His journey that day was featured in this video episode of The Drop-In by the Aspen Times.
Watch on YouTube.com

March 3, 2022 
Feature Article: 5280 Magazine
This Local Adaptive Athlete Wants to Do a One-Legged Backflip on Skis
"It’s not every day you see a middle-aged, one-legged Black man ripping down a ski run." Tony continued, “That’s all I want in this world: to influence people to be better, to take a look inside, decide what [they] want to do, and then do it.” READ the article here on Colorado's 5280.com magazine. Story by Courtney Holden, Photo by Spencer Miller.

February 14, 2022 
Feature Article: Aspen Snowmass
A Love Story 30 Years in the Making
How a Challenge Aspen Vet Found his Soulmate in the Mountains, by Spencer Miller. Spencer Miller caught up with Tony on Day 52 of his 100-day challenge for his inaugural ski season at Aspen Snowmass and wrote this beautiful article about how Tony met his wife, Maria, in April of 2020.
Read the entire article on AspenSnowmass.com

December 17, 2021 
Feature Video: FOX NEWS
Luke's Wings Helps Reunite Military Families
Tony Drees appeared on national Fox News in December, 2021, helping promote the Luke's Wings holiday campaign.
Watch this Fox News segment on Tony's YouTube channel.

January 31, 2021
Podcast Guest Speaker
Tony Drees on A Leg Up In Life Podcast with Roni Sasaki
 
You've never heard Tony like this. Listen Here Now 

January 8, 2021 
Feature Article
Winter 2020 Issue: Move United Magazine
Tony Drees, Move United Warfighters Ambassador, is featured in a prominent article of the Winter 2020 Move United Magazine. In the article, Tony says, “Sports kept me going. As a (Move United Warfighters) Ambassador, I want to share some of my experiences of how I am being active. I want people to be a part of the movement.” To read more, here's the PDF of the Winter 2020 Move United Magazine | Photo by Les Konley

December 10, 2020 
Feature Video: Move United
Tony Drees' First Rule of Life: Life isn't Fair
Tony discusses his 3 Rules with focus on Rule #1: No Lies.
Watch his interview with Move United on YouTube.com

November 9, 2020
MOVE UNITED SPORT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
2021 Kirk M. Bauer Adaptive Sports Scholarship
The Kirk M. Bauer Adaptive Sports Scholarship supports individuals with disabilities who exemplify a can-do spirit and commitment to adaptive sports and is part of the Move United Sport veteran non-profit program. Warfighters Ambassador Tony Drees will use this generous grant to advocate, collaborate, and fundraise through virtual and social-distanced events for adaptive athletes in underserved communities throughout the heartland of America.
Move United’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, competition, recreation, high-performance sport, and educational programs.

June 17, 2020
Feature Video: Daily Blast LIVE
Veteran Tony Drees Speaks About Social Unrest in America
Denver, CO - On June 17th, 2020, Tony Drees was interviewed by Al Jackson during Daily Blast LIVE, a nationally syndicated daily TV talk show.
The conversation touches on Tony witnessing the aftermath of the Rodney King beating while Tony was in the hospital after getting blown up in 1991, on being a black veteran, the Black Lives Matter movement, and his current mission with Move United Sports.
Watch the segment on the Daily Blast LIVE Facebook channel

March 24, 2020
Feature Video: Disabled Sports USA
Tony Drees Featured In Disabled Sports USA Video
Tony Drees is featured prominently in this high-production value short video which was filmed at this year's Disabled Sports USA winter sports clinic in Stowe, Vermont. Also featuring Paralympic hopeful, Logan Knowles, and many of the other veterans who joined the fun in early March, here are two inspirational stories of incredible perseverence and triumph.
AIG is a sponsor of Disabled Sports USA.
Watch on YouTube

November 11, 2019
Feature Video: Daily Blast LIVE 2019
Gulf War Veteran Shares His Story on National TV
Denver, CO - Daily Blast LIVE, a nationally syndicated daily TV talk show, produced a new inspirational piece on Tony's story in honor of Veterans Day 2019. Tony and Diva joined the crew in the studio during the live broadcast to discuss the motivational philosophy that gives him a "never quit" attitude despite having been dealt a "bad hand" in life.
Tony received national recognition on television as a Gulf War Hero and was seen by many of his friends and family during the show. As a mental health advocate, Tony encouraged other veterans and civilians alike to ease their depression by getting outside more often. He also recommended perhaps adopting a service animal or working with horses (Equine Therapy).
Watch the segment on the Daily Blast LIVE Facebook channel

September 1, 2019
Paraplegia News Magazine SEPT 2019
2019 Wheelchair Games Veteran Tony Drees Graces the Cover of PN Magazine
PN Magazine's Mission Statement:
"For more than 70 years, PN has been a leader in the wheelchair community of pertinent practical news and information. PN Online (PNO) is an extension of PN and easily accessible on the internet. We are dedicated to bringing the very best of real-time, up-to-the-moment news and information for wheelchair users, family members, and medial professionals on the go. "
Check out the September 2019 Issue of Paraplegia News

July 16, 2019
2019 National Veterans Wheelchair Games Louisville, Kentucky
Tony Drees: Adaptive Athlete Champion
Tony came away with three shiny medals from the 39th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Louisville, Kentucky. Tony scored GOLD in PowerLifting and Wheelchair Slalom, a BRONZE in the Team Challenge (Weight Sled Pull). The event took over part of a strip mall right in downtown Louisville. Here, Tony can be seen throwing a javelin as part of the Super G invitation. Read Tony's Inspirational Story from the event, posted by Oscar Mike on Facebook. Read more on the Veteran Administration's website.

June 1, 2019
PODCAST CO-HOST
Shock & Awe 2.0: Saluting Veterans With Grace
Denver, CO - Purple Heart Veteran and Gulf War Hero Tony Drees co-hosted 13 episodes of the Shock & Awe 2.0 podcast with Tahverlee Anglen back in 2019.
The podcast's goal has been to provide information and stories on the staff, founders, and leadership teams of the non-profit organizations in Colorado that are truly making impactful change for veterans and their families.
Organizations interviewed include Support-A-Soldier, Colorado Veterans Project, Warrior Bonfire Program, Veterans to Farmers, VFW Post #1, Special Forces Foundation, Vail Veterans Program, Angels of America's Fallen, Freedom Service Dogs, Honor Bell Foundation, and Healing Warriors Program.
Listen right here or subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

May 22, 2019
Start With A Win Podcast with REMAX CEO Adam Contos
Interview with Motivational Speaker and Purple Heart Recipient Tony Drees
On this episode of the Start with a Win podcast, Adam is joined by Tony Drees, Executive Director of Veterans Passport to Hope and Purple Heart recipient.
He shares his 3 rules to live by and tells listeners about finding and living into their superpower. He advocates managing your beliefs and deciding how to live your life regardless of those around you who may discourage you.
Our special guest on this episode of the Start with a Win podcast is Tony Drees, a Desert Storm veteran, Purple Heart recipient, life coach, motivational speaker, podcast host, and Executive Director of Veterans Passport to Hope.
[Listen on iTunes ] [Listen on Transistor.fm]

May 7, 2019
Feature Video: 2019 Hereos Gala Spotlight
Major Illnesses TAP Honoree
In an intimate interview with Anthony Drees recorded in Denver, he discusses how the amputation of his right leg in 2018 was actually a liberation from a 25-year fight to keep his leg after the deadliest Scud missile attack of the Gulf War in February 1991 caused irreparable damage.
Tony talks about how the non-profit organization Luke's Wings provides veterans with assistance that's better than medicine, and mentions his work with a Colorado veteran non-profit to distribute $100,000 to other local veteran non-profits. In the video, Tony is seen being honored at the Denver Pepsi Center's Military Appreciation Day during a game break.
[Watch on YouTube ]

April 27, 2019
Feature Video: Luke's Wings Honoree Presentation
Program Honoree Specialist Anthony Drees of the U.S. Army
Washington, D.C. - Specialist Anthony Drees, a Purple Heart Veteran of the United States Army and an amputee, was flown in as a special guest and honoree at this year's Luke's Wings 8th Annual Heroes Gala. Anthony inspired this audience to do more to support the veteran community. He said if they didn't have the resources to write a check, perhaps they have time to volunteer their help to local organizations?
Luke's Wings is "a non-profit dedicated to the support of wounded, ill and injured service members, which provides families with means to visit during their recovery and rehabilitation."
[Watch Tony's Honoree Presentation on this Facebook video...]

April 19, 2019
Feature Video: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
2019 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
Aspen, Colo. -- Anthony Drees took up skiing this year! He spent a week at the 2019 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, at Aspen, Colorado. Over 400 veterans participated together with 600 volunteers from across the country.
In this video, watch for Purple Heart veteran Tony Drees, #215, sporting orange pants and helmet at 0:26 seconds, 14:45, 15:25, 16:32, and wiping out at 16:47.
[Watch on YouTube...]

March 15, 2019
Feature Video: 2019 Warrior Bonfire
Who Best To Retire a Flag Than a Warrior?
Purple Heart Tony D. shares a deeper understanding of what a Warrior is searching for and how Warrior Bonfire plays a significant role in that journey.
The Warrior Bonfire Program's mission is "to provide an opportunity for wounded veterans to enjoy a favorite activity while partaking in the camaraderie and therapeutic value of spending time around the bonfire with fellow veterans."
[Watch on YouTube...]

March 10, 2019
VIDEO SHORT: 9News Denver
Denver Fox31 News Hero of the Month: Injured In Scud Missile Attack Nearly 30 Years Ago, But Undeterred
AURORA, Colo. -- Tony Drees was wounded in a Scud missile attack during the first Gulf War nearly 30 years ago. Last year, his injuries turned even more serious. But it wasn't much of a setback at all.
Drees has had 74 surgeries in 27 years...
[Watch on KDVR Denver Fox31...]

February 27, 2019
HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO
Elizabeth High School: Keynote Speaker Delivers His No Lies, No Excuses, Never Quit Presentation
In support of St. Baldricks Foundation's annual Join The Fight: Head Shaving, Tony spent two days involved with students at Elizabeth High School in Colorado.
Drees shared how just three simple rules have helped him triumph over some of the most challenging times in his life, including having his right leg amputated at the hip in 2018, and received a standing ovation.
[Watch on YouTube...]

February 19, 2019
Feature Article: Sky-Hi News
Rekindling the bonds of brotherhood: Program brings combat vets to country for healing, camaraderie
From the ongoing Syrian Civil War, to the still simmering conflict in Afghanistan, the decision to invade countries in the early 2000s still reverberates around the globe. Closer to home, though, the men and women who fought those conflicts on behalf of the American people will forever bear the scars of those conflagrations.
For them, healing is not a goal but a journey [View Article To Read More...]

July 4, 2018
Feature Article: Canon City Daily
Amputation Can't Stop Army Vet
Anthony Drees vividly recalls the 1991 Iraqi missile attack on U.S. military barracks in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of more than two dozen fellow service members — an event that would also put him on a new course.
“I hear it more than I feel it." [View Article To Read More...]

July 4, 2018
Feature Article: Denver Post
“I’m on a mission”: Colorado Army veteran wounded in Desert Storm got back on track by helping other ex-service members across the state.
Anthony Drees helps injured veterans like himself as Executive Director of Veteran’s Passport for Hope. Patrick Wieland, board president, first saw him at a fundraiser in 2016. Drees, who does motivational speaking, gave an inspirational talk at the event and within a year was tapped as executive director.
“I’m on a mission, and I know what I’m doing,” said Drees.
[View Article To Read More...]

June 28, 2018
Feature Article: Parker Lifestyle Magazine
Hope For Our Great American Warriors
Army combat veteran Tony Drees is passionate about helping veterans thrive in civilian life, especially those who come home with debilitating physical and emotional injuries. In February, doctors finally had to amputate his leg after years of surgeries and complications.
“I’ve been homeless. I’ve been addicted to opioids. I’ve been depressed,” Tony says. [View Article To Read More...]

June 27, 2018
VIDEO SHORT
Center for the Intrepid: A healing and recovery center for active military, veterans and their dependents.
Center for the Intrepid is a medical research facility which offers state-of-the-art rehab and wellness training for wounded veterans in San Antonio, Texas. "We have higher-level patients; people that are driven to do more physical things than you would in a normal rehab population." Melissa Jacob, Occupational Therapist
[Watch on YouTube...]

May 31, 2018
Feature Article: Denver Post
Veteran Undergoes 70th Surgery to Remove Leg from War Wounds Suffered
Denver-based nonprofit organization Veteran’s Passport to Hope (VP2H) welcomes back Executive Director Tony Drees after undergoing his 70th surgery to remove his right leg from war wounds he suffered 27 years ago during the Persian Gulf War.
Drees, 23 years old at the time of the attack, [View Article To Read More...]

April 11, 2018
Feature Article: Denver Post
Executive Director, Tony Drees: Veteran’s Passport To Hope Raises $94,000 to Support Local Veterans
“There has never been a more important time to support our veterans. The Gala is an exciting event that brings people together in our community who genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of our local veterans,” said Drees. The evening was sponsored in large part by businesses, organizations, and individuals who generously donated financially and...
[View Article To Read More...]

March 26, 2018
VIDEO SHORT
University of Phoenix - Tony Drees Master's of Management Recognition Reel
Tony Drees received his Master's of Management degree from the University of Phoenix. With this video, Tony was given special recognition for diversity and empowerment in education at the 2015 NAACP Image Awards."
[Watch on YouTube...]

May 30, 1991
Feature Article: People Magazine
Tales from the Front
“Meanwhile, I kept looking at my green scope until I saw a TBM [tactical ballistic missile] coming directly at us. There was no time to think. All around I could hear the BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! of other Patriot units beginning to fire."
Sometimes, though, the Scuds got through. Army PFC Anthony Drees, 23, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, had been in Saudi Arabia less than a week when a Scud barreled into his tin-plated barracks, leaving 29 dead and Drees fighting for his life [View Article To Read More...]