Ted Lawson, BOEC’s Board Member 2012-2021.
In honor of our military veterans, the BOEC wants to recognize the support of Ted Lawson for his generosity, support, and service to the BOEC.
Ted Lawson served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years, conducting flying operations around the globe, including air evacuations during the Vietnam War. While living in Dallas and working for Southwest Airlines as both a Captain and the Director of Flight Safety, Ted began spending time in Breckenridge. It was during this period that he and his wife, Jean, became involved with the BOEC, initially offering in-kind donations. For 11 years, Ted and Jean served as a dedicated host couple and played a leading role on the committee that organized the Wounded Warriors Ski Week in partnership with BOEC. Ted was also instrumental in securing Southwest Airlines tickets to help bring Wounded Warrior families to the event each year.
Ted retired after a 34-year career with Southwest Airlines, where he was known for his commitment to helping passengers using wheelchairs. “At the time, everyone would volunteer to assist with wheelchairs, boarding, and helping people navigate the airport,” Ted recalls. Inspired by this experience, he began volunteering with the BOEC’s Ski Program, where his dedication earned him the Rookie of the Year award in his first season. Logging as many as 30 to 40 volunteer days on the mountain each year, Ted came to appreciate that the impact of BOEC programming goes far beyond the participants—it’s equally transformative for the interns and volunteers who help make it happen.
“You work with returning clients, and new people that never knew the BOEC existed and then keep showing up. It’s very rewarding. Every day is different; no two days are the same. There are hard days and easy days but every day that you show up, you kick the can down the road and make a difference in people’s lives.”
Ted Lawson, middle, at BOEC’s Tee It Up Golf Scramble.
The most visible faces of the BOEC are the instructors, interns, and volunteers in their recognizable green jackets on the mountain. To an outside observer, it might be easy to assume they’re part of a for-profit operation. In reality, the BOEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on the generosity of donors to offer its life-changing programs at little or no cost to individuals living with disabilities.
From his time as a BOEC Board Member during 2012-21, Ted understands the vital role that donors play in sustaining BOEC operations. Without the generosity of our valued donors, the BOEC would not be able to provide life-changing outdoor experiences for youth and adults living with disabilities, including disabled veterans through the Heroic Military Program. All of us at the BOEC want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to supporters like the Lawsons that give so much to our organization and program participants.
