reporter: some equate it to boot camp, pushed by coaches instead. this is william davenport. the young man came up to me with one arm missing. i thank you for your service and, my gosh, here i am whole. i just have a problem seeing. reporter: davenport skiing downhill legally blind. 80% of the cost is covered by private donation like that from former deputy defense secretary dr. paul wolfowi it tz. much more appealing to have your philanthropy go to an activity where there s a lot of tender loving care volunteer labor, things money can t buy. reporter: organizers often hear from vets this one week changes their lives, even if it comes in the form of peer pressure. if i m a shoulder and see a marine doing something, my pride