WTC Exhibit Offers a Unique Perspective for Army Warrior Care

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Staff Stories by on February 1, 2011 at 7:33 am {no comments}

By Tim Poch, WTC Stratcom

As a representative of the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) who attended the 2011 Military Health System Conference at the Gaylord National Hotel in Washington, D.C last week, I had the pleasure of offering a unique perspective to the other exhibitors. On a giant flat screen monitor, WTC shared a video of Soldiers bumping, setting, and spiking a volleyball. As the camera panned below the Soldiers’ chests, viewers learn that the players are wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers sitting on the floor in an intense game of sitting volleyball.

For most of us a volleyball game would be a great way to get together and blow off some steam, but for these Soldiers the game has an added dimension of determination, resilience, and courage.  In short, this looping video revealed to the conference attendees the heart of the WTC message for Army warrior care–Soldier success through focused commitment.

Army medicine is state-of-the-art and a leader among civilian and military medical organizations worldwide. The goal of WTC is to create policies that work in conjunction with Army medicine to assist Soldiers in accomplishing their mission of healing and transition. In order to maintain the structure, military character, and goal-oriented behavior that drive Soldiers to succeed, Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) are now using a process called the CTP (Comprehensive Transition Plan). Using the CTP, each Warrior in Transition (WT), with the aid of their WTU cadre, develops a systematic and comprehensive plan outlining physical, career, emotional, social, family, and spiritual goals to aid their return to the force or successful transition to the civilian community.  

One way the Army aids WTs in the goal-setting process and helps them achieve success is through adaptive sports. These programs provide tangible physical results and help speed healing while improving wounded warrior health. The highlight of Army adaptive sports is the annual Warrior Games that features seven sports and over 200 wounded, ill, and injured athletes from all branches of service. Several WTU personnel stopped by the booth and asked for information about participating in this year’s games.

As Army warrior care develops into a fully integrated process to assist Soldiers in their mission to heal and transition, we fully expect interest and questions from the members of the Military Health System. The Warrior Transition Command is ready to provide answers and information to wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, their Families, Army leaders, military health professionals, and the public as it continues to support to the Army’s wounded warrior community.

$1.25 Million Olympic Fund Looking to Boost Local Sports for Disabled Veterans and Soldiers

Filed under Adaptive Sports by on August 3, 2010 at 8:58 am {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom

Attention all adaptive sports and physical activity program participants, managers, and directors!  U.S. Paralympics is currently accepting proposals from military, veteran, and other community-based organizations for the $1.25 million 2010 Olympic Opportunity Paralympic Fund.  Providing grants in increments of $10,000 to $50,000, this fund intends to increase and enhance sport and physical activity programs for disabled Veterans and Soldiers.

By providing these grants to programs in local communities, the 2010 Olympic Opportunity Paralympic Fund will enable more wounded Veterans and Soldiers to tap into the benefits of competitive adaptive sports and physical activities.  As a result, the fund will promote increased participation in large-scale Paralympic sport programs at both the regional and national level.

The selection committee plans to grant 50% of the awards to Paralympic Sports Programs and 20% to University-based programs.  The remaining 30% may be awarded to other organizations based on the competitive merit of their submission.  According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, additional considerations will be given to sustainable programs that engage DoD or VA resources that match or provide community support for Paralympic sports such as: alpine skiing, archery, biathlon, cross-country skiing, cycling, shooting (target) or track and field.

The submission deadline is fast approaching.  If you are involved in an adaptive sport or physical activity program serving disabled Soldiers or Veterans, your program director or coordinator should be made aware of this opportunity and encouraged to provide a submission.

The request for proposal details and RFP documents can be found online at http://usparalympics.org/community-programs/2010-olympic-opportunity-fund and all completed applications are due by Monday, August 16 at 8 a.m. M.T.

For more information, please contact Tim Willis, Manager Paralympic Grants, USOC, at 719-866-4536 or tim.willis@usoc.org.

Higher Ground Offers Adventure Camps for Wounded Warriors

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Community Support Network, Resources by on July 15, 2010 at 2:50 pm {no comments}

A wounded warrior steers the boat amid rough rapids at Higher Ground’s camp in Sun Valley, Idaho. Photo courtesy of Higher Ground.



By Tom Iselin, Higher Ground Chief Executive and Guest Blogger

Editor’s Note: Higher Ground is a participant in the AW2 Community Support Network.

Would you like the opportunity to reenergize your life, reconnect with your spouse, and learn a new sport? Are you feeling a bit down or lonely and looking for a renewed sense of hope and joy in your life?

You can do all of these things and more, at Higher Ground, an adaptive sports and recreation program serving Veterans with injuries. Hosted in the beautiful mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, and on the pristine beaches of La Jolla, California, we are sure to have a camp that matches your interests. We specialize in serving Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, blindness, visual impairment, PTSD, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns.

And it is all completely free for you and your spouse to attend! That includes transportation, lodging, meals, instruction, and entertainment. Apply today at http://www.hgvets.org to attend!

Popular activities include: Nordic and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, fly fishing, water skiing, surfing, kayaking, and much, much more! Each participant receives private customized instruction from certified professionals.

After a day of fun, we cap each night off with entertainment that includes private concerts, comedians, and dinner cruises. We also provide amazing meals that will satisfy any appetite! Accommodations are first class.

Our staff is young, energetic and focused on making sure that your stay is comfortable, meaningful, and fun. Camps sizes are small, with only 6 or 7 couples. We will connect you with Veterans that have suffered similar injuries, who also share many of the same challenges. New friendships are easily formed in our stress-free, supportive, and private atmosphere. Each activity serves as a great time to socialize with your peers and spouse, and release stress you may be facing in your daily life.

Higher Ground is a great adaptive sports organization for Veterans because we are more than just a sports camp! Our goal is to give you the skills to not only build physical fitness, but manage the life changes you’ve experienced since your injury as you reintegrate into your home community or back into military service.

The amazing progress you can make at Higher Ground is not something that’s left behind when you return home. After leaving camp, we will connect you with recreation opportunities in your hometown, and even help purchase sports equipment and pay for recreational services. You will also benefit from the relaxing time spent bonding with your spouse, find increased self-confidence, and become part of a nationwide support network—all to help you rebuild the life you put on hold to serve our country!

Past participants agree that Higher Ground made a meaningful change in their lives. You were willing to sacrifice so much to protect America’s freedom, and the staff at Higher Ground is honored to serve Veterans like you. We look forward to meeting you at Higher Ground!

To apply, contact Bert Gillette, Veterans Outreach Coordinator, bert@svasp.org.

Check out our website, www.hgvets.org for more information!

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

Wounded Warrior #1 in Nation

Filed under Adaptive Sports, WTC Commander by on June 23, 2010 at 4:48 pm {no comments}

OIF Veteran Kortney Clemons won two national titles at the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships.

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Getting to know the Army’s Warriors in Transition has been a highlight of my job. To hear their stories, learn about their new goals, and see them achieve new heights is what it’s all about—helping Soldiers move into a successful life post injury.

One Soldier I have been following for several years is Kortney Clemons. Kortney was an Army medic who stepped on an IED while working to save a Soldier’s life which resulted in the amputation of his leg. During his recovery at BAMC, he thought his athletic days were over until he saw Paralympian Veteran John Register running around the track on his prosthetic. Kortney set a new goal then and there: become a runner.

Kortney has long since achieved this goal, but this week he took it to a new level becoming the United States Paralympic National Track and Field Champion in the 100 and 200 meters. This is just the latest accomplishment by Kortney whose focused determination to not only succeed, but to excel so epitomizes Warrior Transition Command’s theme, “Soldier Success Through Focused Commitment” that it recently prompted us to include Kortney’s determined and focused image on our recently unveiled branding campaign.

SGT Robert Brown also competed at this meet—SGT Brown lost his right leg below the knee and has continued on active duty. The three medals he earned at the 2010 Warrior Games while competing for the Ultimate Champion title inspired him to compete at the national level.

Congratulations Kortney and SGT Brown—I look forward to watching where your running will take you next.

Wounded Warriors Demonstrate Resilience at Warrior Games

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 17, 2010 at 3:26 pm {no comments}
BG Gary Cheek sings the Army Song with gold-medalists from the Mixed 50m Freestyle Relay. Clockwise from left: SSG Michael Janssen, BG Gary Cheek, SFC Landon Ranker, SGT Cayle Foidel, SGT Gavin Sibayan. Army athletes took home 29 medals in swimming.

BG Gary Cheek sings the Army Song with gold-medalists from the Mixed 50m Freestyle Relay. Clockwise from left: SSG Michael Janssen, BG Gary Cheek, SFC Landon Ranker, SGT Cayle Foidel, SGT Gavin Sibayan. Army athletes took home 29 medals in swimming.

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

What an incredible week! The athletes from all services demonstrated just how much is possible for wounded warriors. At Friday’s closing ceremonies, I sensed so many emotions from the athletes – pride, perseverance, accomplishment, and increased self-confidence.

The emotions this week ranged from elation—SGT Gavin Sibayan sweeping gold in his four swimming finals, to heartbreak—SGT Robbie Gaupp excelling in three track preliminaries, only to tear his hamstring in the last qualifier and miss his medal chances in the finals. In each athlete, we saw the true spirit of the U.S. military—people who work together as a team to do what ever it takes to meet mission.

The Warrior Games demonstrated the incredible power of sport to help wounded warriors overcome their injuries and embrace their abilities. We also saw the camaraderie across the service branches—Soldiers and Sailors sharing techniques for springing off the blocks; an Airman helping a Soldier cross the finish line as she lost her breath at the end of the race; Soldiers and Marines shaking hands under the volleyball nets.

Many of the athletes won medals, especially the Army, who finished the competition with 79 medals. Many won multiple medals, and they wore them throughout the rest of the competition—you could hear them coming a mile away.

Congratulations to all Warrior Games athletes for your accomplishments this week. I also offer special congratulations to the U.S. Marine Corps team on winning the Commanders Cup and to Sailor Daniel Hathorn on being named the Ultimate Champion. You are all incredible athletes, and I was honored to share this experience with you.

To all WTs, I encourage you to consider training and applying for the 2011 Warrior Games – there is something empowering about setting and achieving challenging goals, and I look forward to next year’s competition.

Athletes Depart Warrior Games with Renewed Spirit

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 17, 2010 at 11:43 am {no comments}
Airman Stacy Pearsall assists AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom across the finish line in the Women's 1500m. Throughout the Warrior Games, athletes crossed the branches of service to celebrate accomplishments and support one another in pursuit of athletic achievement.

Airman Stacy Pearsall assists AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom across the finish line in the Women's 1500m. Throughout the Warrior Games, athletes crossed the branches of service to celebrate accomplishments and support one another in pursuit of athletic achievement.

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

I can’t believe the Warrior Games are over! This week has been one of the most incredible, inspiring experiences, and I’m so humbled to have spent this time with these great Americans.

During the week, I had the privilege of getting to know many of the Soldier-athletes at the Games. They each offer such compelling stories. One AW2 Soldier competing in the shooting competition told me how the preliminaries set off a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashback. For the first time, this Soldier was able to focus enough to push through the anxiety and continue shooting. On the shot when he experienced the flashback, he missed the target, costing him a spot in the finals. However, he told me that “the lesson I learned today is much more important than a medal – I learned that I CAN control my PTSD.”

Another AW2 Soldier, SSG Jessie White, learned that he should set his goals even higher than the Warrior Games. “I hadn’t thrown a shot put in 20 years,” he told me while awaiting his silver medal ceremony. “The distance I threw today almost qualifies for the Paralympics. And I’ve only been training for a month.”

AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom demonstrated the importance of accepting assistance Friday morning at the track. After winning a Gold medal in the 100m sprint, SPC Cosom looked strong for silver throughout the women’s 1500m. At the finish line, she cramped up, lost her breath, and allowed Airman Stacy Pearsall to help her across the finish line for bronze. By accepting assistance, SPC Cosom received another medal and demonstrated the Warrior Games spirit of supporting wounded warriors across all branches of the military.

At the pool, the swimming finals were also intense. BG Gary Cheek, Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, and CAPT Key Watkins, Director of Navy Safe Harbor, cheered for all athletes with so much enthusiasm that all fans and athletes took notice. For each medal ceremony, we honored the gold medalists with his or her service hymn. “The Army goes rolling along…” is still ringing in my head!

Army women fared particularly well – immediately after SGT Randi McCartney, MAJ Shawn Morelli, and SSG Erin Layko accepted their medals in an Army sweep of the Women’s 50m Freestyle (TBI/Stroke/Cerebral Palsy/PTSD), they had to take them off and prepare for the 50m Backstroke. And they swept that one too!

At the closing ceremony dinner hosted by the USO, the athletes cheered for both their teammates and the competition during the slide show. As I walked around the room, I noticed that the tables weren’t separated by service; instead, I saw a mix of uniform colors. The athletes showed off medals and challenged each other to a rematch next year.

For wounded warriors, the Warrior Games were so much more than a week of sports. I promised one Soldier that I wouldn’t use his name on the blog, but he summarized the week well: “This is so much more than I ever dreamed. I can take this medal back to my unit and show the guys that, even though I’m a wounded warrior, I can accomplish so much. Sometimes, even more than they can.”

Congratulations again to all the athletes! Thank you for letting me share this experience with you.

Army Wins Silver Medals in Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 14, 2010 at 1:42 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Athletes from Army Platoon 4 pose with their sitting volleyball Silver Medals. Army took Silver in both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Athletes from Army Platoon 4 pose with their sitting volleyball Silver Medals. Army took Silver in both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Last night’s finals of both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball were incredible performances by all athletes. And after three days of competition, several Soldiers wear multiple medals—I love the “clink” sound you hear when they walk around.

Sitting Volleyball
Army competed in both the Gold and Bronze Medal Games in sitting volleyball. Army Platoon 4 succumbed to Air Force despite a valiant effort.

In the Gold Medal Game, Army Platoon 3 made an excellent showing against the Marines. They lost the first game, but in the second, they earned their first lead of the match at 16-15. The bleachers rumbled with excitement from the fans, as the crowd erupted in Army cheers. One Soldier even leapt out of the crowd and sprinted around the gym waving a First Infantry Division flag. As the ref announced the game point, Soldiers and Army fans leapt out of the stands, and the Army flag also made several laps around the gym.

Game 3 was close, but the Marines earned an early lead. As the Marines served match point, the cheers changed—instead of “Let’s Go Army!” and “Let’s Go Marines!”, the crowd chanted “USA – USA – USA!”

Athletes in Army Platoon 3 were ecstatic to earn the Silver Medal, and everyone in the room felt a surge of patriotism as the “Star Spangled Banner” was played during the medal ceremony.

Wheelchair Basketball
Army also took home the Silver in wheelchair basketball, and the score didn’t reflect the Soldiers’ performance. While the Marines have been practicing together for a few weeks, most of the Soldiers didn’t meet each other until they arrived at the Olympic Training Center on Monday. In addition, arranging practice sessions was virtually impossible, because most of them are also competing in other sports. However, the team had a new strategy for last night, and they played solid defense. SSG Paul Roberts had at least four incredible defensive rebounds and at least one block, and SPC Craig Smith sank several impressive shots.

“It feels pretty good to win a Silver,” said SPC Michael Ortiz, who posted several rebounds himself. “The first two days were pretty tough since we were all getting to know each other. We had to figure out positions and strategy. Considering that we had to become a team in just three days, we’re proud of our performance.”

Many athletes are already talking about how they want to compete in the Warrior Games again next year. Who knows which AW2 Soldiers will compete in 2011…

Feel free to share your thoughts on Warrior Games athletes through the “Comments” section of the blog. For more coverage of the Warrior Games, visit BG Gary Cheek’s blog for the Warrior Transition Command, as well as the U.S. Paralympics website and the DOD Warrior Games website.

Army Cyclists Overcome Cold and Snow For Silver

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 14, 2010 at 1:33 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

SPC Michael Ortiz (far left) and SSG Alfred Delossantos (second from left) cross the start line in the 10K handcycle race.

SPC Michael Ortiz (far left) and SSG Alfred Delossantos (second from left) cross the start line in the 10K handcycle race.

Our Army athletes continue to amaze and inspire me. Thursday morning was the Warrior Games cycling competition. It was cold and snowing, but I saw Soldiers excited and ready to compete in the 20 kilometer upright bike, 10 kilometer recumbent bike, and 10 kilometer handcycle races.

Before the race started, cyclists were getting their equipment ready and firing each other up for the races. MAJ Shawn Morelli was warming up on a stationary bike and already focused on the race. “My goal is to win,” she said. “I’m going to keep pace with the best and make sure they know there’s a Soldier and a woman riding with them.” MAJ Morelli more than held her own. She finished fifth overall and was the top woman rider in the upright bike race, earning her a Gold medal. After the race, reflecting on her top 5 finish, Morelli said, “I worked hard to get here and wanted to do well for the Army and for my unit at Fort Riley.”

MAJ Shawn Morelli powers across the finish line in the 20K upright bike race.

MAJ Shawn Morelli powers across the finish line in the 20K upright bike race.

SSG Jonathan McLawhorn was also excited to be competing this morning and thought the cold and snow might make the race more interesting. He found inspiration in his other competitors noting, “It is absolutely amazing how much people have overcome to compete here.” McLawhorn had biked previous to his injury but just started handcycling about 3 weeks ago. “I just hope to beat some Marines.”

SSG Alfred Delossantos, the silver medalist in the 10 kilometer handcycle race has only been cycling about a month. He believes there are no winners and losers at the Warrior Games.

“Everyone who chose to be here is a winner,” Delossantos said. “These athletes are an example for wounded Soldiers everywhere. Choose ability over disability—life is what you make it.”

Inspiring words from an exceptional athlete. Congratulations to all who raced.

SSG Alfred Delossantos receives the silver medal in the 10K handcycle race

SSG Alfred Delossantos receives the silver medal in the 10K handcycle race

Army Strong in Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 13, 2010 at 3:00 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Photo Caption: SGT David Marklein offers a warm handshake to a Marine during an early sitting volleyball game. SGT Marklein's sportsmanship embodies the true spirit of the Warrior Games – wounded warriors from all services supporting each other in celebration of the their abilities.

SGT David Marklein offers a warm handshake to a Marine during an early sitting volleyball game. SGT Marklein's sportsmanship embodies the true spirit of the Warrior Games—wounded warriors from all services supporting each other in celebration of the their abilities.

Have you ever seen sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball? These sports require an incredible amount of strategy and endurance. After yesterday’s competitions, all Soldiers should be proud of the Army Warrior Games athletes.

Sitting Volleyball

In sitting volleyball, athletes must have at least part of their hips on the ground at all times. This doesn’t mean they’re stationary, though—athletes bend, lean, and reach at difficult angles to hit the ball across the net. They really have to work as a team to coordinate the shots and find the strategic hits to take advantage of the opponent’s vulnerabilities.

After losing yesterday, all four Army teams played each other in today’s round of the preliminaries—Army Platoon 4 defeated Army Platoon 1, and Army Platoon 3 defeated Army Platoon 2. Today, Army Platoons 3 and 4 will battle for the bronze medal.

AW2 Soldier SGT David Marklein demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the volleyball competition. SGT Marklein plans to retire this summer, and he sees the Warrior Games as a perfect final chapter to his Army career.

“I’m not sure I’ll even digest this experience until after I’m gone,” he said. “After my wife, children, and grandchildren, this has been the inspiration of my life. We’re surrounded by so many warriors who refuse to quit, and that is what military service is all about.”

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is incredibly active and high-energy. The Warrior Games basketball stars really hustle down the court, block shots, steal, and rebound the ball with skill. They shoot free throws, layups, even three-pointers. And they’re not afraid to be aggressive—I was surprised to see them ram their wheelchairs right into the opponents to force a steal.

In the Bronze Medal Game between Navy and Air Force, one Sailor insisted to the ref, “Come on—he wasn’t shooting when I fouled him!”

“Army Strong” was not just a slogan on the basketball court last night. The Soldiers outscored the Airmen 41-12. They were quick with the rebounds, and their great ball-handling helped maneuver around the defenders to create an early lead. Today, the team will face the Marines in the Gold Medal Game.

AW2 Soldier SFC Jacque Keeslar is ready for the fight. “The Marines are good, but it’s going to be an interesting night,” he said. “I think it will come down to who wants it the most. We certainly surprised them on Tuesday—they weren’t expecting Army to be such a challenge.”

Warrior Games Pushes Soldiers to Test Their Limits

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Wednesday was another great day for Army athletes at the Warrior Games. The first medals of the Games were awarded and the Army swept the recurve bow archery competition and picked up bronze in compound bow archery. Our wheelchair basketball team defeated the Air Force to advance to the gold medal game Thursday night. You can see the latest results of all the competitions at the Paralympics website.

I’ve had a chance to talk to a number of Army athletes during the games and I continue to be impressed by how they are embracing their abilities and competing at the highest levels.

SSG Michael Kacer has been inspired by the Warrior Games. SSG Kacer is having the experience that I hoped all of our Soldiers would.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance but I hope I can repeat it,” he said. “I will take as much out of the Games as I can.”

He shows that you don’t know your limits until you push yourself and do things you never thought possible. Kacer arrived at the games to compete in seated volleyball and track events but he found out that he was also competitive as a swimmer. “I didn’t realize the talent I had until I got in the pool,” he said. “I plan to try out for the U.S. Paralympics team in 50 meter freestyle swimming.”

After competing at the Warrior Games, SSG Michael Kacer hopes to try out for the U.S. Paralympic team.

After competing at the Warrior Games, SSG Michael Kacer hopes to try out for the U.S. Paralympic team.

SSG Paul Roberts showed the power of teamwork in the win against Navy last night. He is one of the leaders of the team and motivates others to play their best. He said he finds inspiration from his mom. Her words, according to Roberts were, “Leave nothing on the court. Play as hard as you can and the medals will come.” I look forward to seeing SSG Roberts and the entire Army team compete for the gold. Go Army!

SSG Paul Roberts races down the court during Army’s win over Navy.

SSG Paul Roberts races down the court during Army’s win over Navy.

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