Major General John W. Libby (left to right), Captain Amy Johnston, Warren Cook, general manager of Saddleback, and a Maine military family: Angela Jensen, Sergeant First Class John Jensen, David Jensen, (on Humvee) Jonathan Jensen and Elizabeth Jensen gather as Cook announces special programs at Saddleback for the Armed Forces. (Contributed photo) AUGUSTA — Warren Cook, CEO and general manager of Saddleback Maine, announced Tuesday, Nov. 10 new programs to honor the Armed Forces offered at Saddleback for the 2009-2010 season. Cook was joined by Major General John W. Libby of the Maine National Guard.

“Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, when we pause to honor all those who have served in the U.S. Military, so it is fitting that the Berry family and the staff at Saddleback Maine announce our programs that recognize the service of today’s veterans and their families,” said Cook at the press conference held at the Augusta Armory.

Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom:

* Any veteran or service member of the Wars in Iraq or Afghanistan (who served during January 2008 to the end of the 09/10 ski season) can receive a complimentary lift ticket during Saddleback’s 09/10 ski season. The ski resort is scheduled to open on Nov. 27, 2009. Military orders or DD214 needed to qualify.

Families of Deployed Service Members:

* Saddleback’s new Blue Star Family Pass is for families of service members who have been or will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan between January 2008 and the end of the 09/10 ski season.

* Spouses of deployed soldiers can get a Saddleback lift ticket for $25 and their dependant children can ski for $20 a day. Proof of spouse’s deployment is needed.

Saddleback’s Free Ski Day for Veterans and Service Members:

* On Sunday, January 10, 2010 all United States military veterans and anyone in the Armed Forces can ski for free.

“As a former Marine who served in Vietnam and father of a Marine who has been deployed five times, the Blue Star Family Pass is close to my heart,” said Cook. “Having a loved one overseas can be hard and we hope to provide a more affordable way for the families of deployed service members to have some fun at Saddleback.”