VETERANS AGAINST DRUGS:
A Perfect Evening for Skating

BY DEBORAH “DJ” JOHNSON

VVA’s Veterans Against Drugs program hosted its ninth annual All Skate Free event in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, on January 13. The event is dedicated to the mission of Veterans Against Drugs: to promote the importance of sobriety and drug-free life choices.

The weather was picture perfect for an evening of skating. It wasn’t too cold, and skaters’ faces showed the appreciation of having a great setting and just the right temperature.

The two-hour affair started a bit slowly, but more and more participants showed up as they saw others’ enjoyment. The crowd totaled about fifty-five, ranging from novice to expert skaters. A few participants shared stories about previous VAD All Skate Free nights, including memories of the highly attended coldest event, which took place in 6-below-zero weather.

Despite the COVID pandemic, the event was a success as VAD once again was able to promote awareness of its mission and goals.

It wasn’t clear whether the skaters were anxious to skate or just eager to get out of the house for a short period of time in hopes of taking part in a normal outdoor activity. But what was clear was the difference that the event made as many showed their interest and vowed to be at next year’s VAD All Skate Free affair.

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