Lori and Steven Wellins have been coming to the Vail Valley since 1996 and are actively involved in the community they now call home. Lori volunteered at Shaw Cancer Center’s infusion center for years. “I saw Shaw’s impact and wanted to give my entire day to the patients and the nurses,” she said. The couple are also longtime supporters of Vail Health Foundation’s Hike, Wine & Dine.
Married for 30 years, the Wellins grew up within miles of each other in Fort Lauderdale but didn’t cross paths until Steven’s parents set them up on a blind date. They work in financial services and split their time between Colorado and Florida.
A Personal Connection
Steven’s cousin, Juan (John) Alvarez, whom Steven calls his hero, served 20 years as a special operations aviator in the U.S. Navy and Air Force. He rose to the rank of colonel and was later inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame in 2014.
“I’ve always had a profound sense of gratitude for the people who put their lives on the line every day so the rest of us can live freely,” Steven said. “It takes a truly special person to do that.”
When the Wellins learned about Vail Health’s Tactical Optimization Program (TOP), they immediately saw an opportunity to help. The program provides Special Operations Forces operators with an intensive two-week experience that includes one-on-one physical therapy for orthopedic and concussion-specific treatment, advanced movement and sports psychology sessions, functional medicine and nutritional consultations, and more. The program addresses both the chronic physical injuries and psychological trauma resulting from high-intensity operations.
“These remarkable people need our help the most,” Lori said. “They’re out there protecting us from threats that most people will never hear about.”
Thirty Friends, One Mission
The Wellins not only contributed to help fund TOP’s October 2025 session, but Steven also asked friends and family to donate. The response was incredible. Their fundraising goal was reached within days, and a couple even offered their Vail property to house the cohort.
“Having my friends be part of this was very meaningful,” Steven said. “When the operators find out that 30 people were involved in bringing them here, they get a better sense that there are people who care about them. It’s a community-wide effort.”
A Pattern of Giving
Supporting TOP expands the Wellins’ commitment to local programs for military members. They have also supported the Vail Veterans Program, which helps injured veterans and their families. Steven learned about this program through his work as president of the B’nai Vail Congregation.
“Lori and I like to give our money at the local level, where we can see the impact on somebody’s life,” said Steven.
The Wellins recognize that operators often neglect their own health while focused on their missions, and TOP gives them the resources to address injuries they’ve been carrying for years. The couple plan to continue their support into the future and hope others will be inspired to join them.
I’ve always had a profound sense of gratitude for the people who put their lives on the line every day so the rest of us can live freely.”
Steven Wellins