Motivated, Dedicated, and Inspired by Physical Fitness

Filed under Adaptive Sports, COAD/COAR, Warrior Games by on April 13, 2011 at 4:04 pm {no comments}

By Melvin Taylor, AW2 Advocate

SFC Landon Ranker is a Continuing on Active Duty (COAD) Soldier who applies motivation from physical fitness to his everyday professional life.

SFC Landon Ranker is a Continuing on Active Duty (COAD) Soldier with 19 years of service. During those years, Ranker has held several positions throughout his military career and has faced many challenges, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he sustained during deployment. Nevertheless, Ranker currently continues to serve in the Army as the Battalion Enhance Warrior Physical Training NCOIC at Fort Campbell, KY. Ranker finds this to be his most rewarding job and one that is fueled by motivation he finds in physical fitness.

As a role model, SFC Ranker believes strongly that every wounded warrior should be able to do physical training within the limits of his or her profile.  He is a leader that leads from the front when it comes to physical fitness and made this apparent during last year’s Warrior Games.  As a Warrior Games competitor, he brought home two gold medals and one silver medal, competing in three grueling events: 440 Meter Track Relay, 200 Meter Free Style Relay, and the 50 Meter Breast Stroke.  

Later this month, Ranker will compete in a cycling race in Franklin, TN, cycling 35 miles in preparation for the upcoming Warrior Games Ultimate Challenge in May. The Ultimate Challenge consists of five events, including cycling. Ranker hopes that this will get him one step closer to his goal to be a Warrior Games “Ultimate Champion.”

What inspires me about Ranker is that during all of his success and challenges, his TBI has not slowed him down at all. In fact, instead of seeing his TBI as an obstacle, Ranker sees it as a motivator to inspire himself to go the extra mile.  He is not ashamed of his injury and constantly reminds others that if he can go the extra mile—they can too.  This winter he plans to compete in an adaptive skiing program in Colorado and plans to continue demonstrating how athleticism can help motivate progress in other areas of his life.

Sitting Volleyball Warrior Games Athletes Train in San Antonio

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on April 3, 2011 at 2:13 pm {no comments}

By Erich Langer, WTC Stratcom

Ten Army wounded warrior athletes selected to the Army’s Warrior Games team are competing in an elite clinic hosted at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), formerly known as Brooke Army Medical Center, this weekend. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Soldiers and Veterans as well as Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers are receiving coaching and instruction from some of the world’s best sitting volleyball and U.S. Paralympic program coaches.

“We’re glad you are here and ready to practice, practice, and practice some more,” said Elliott Blake U.S. Army Volleyball Coach and U.S. Paralympic Coach. “Look around you. These are your teammates for the Warrior Games. Most of you were at our clinic in January in Oklahoma but you’ll notice there are only 10 of you from the large group of athletes who wanted to be here. Congratulations but you’ve got a lot of work to do over the next few days to further refine your skills.”

The Warrior Games is an athletic competition hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Program. More than 220 Army, Marine Corps, Navy-Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations Soldiers will compete against each other in numerous sports at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO May 16-21, 2011 as part of the second Warrior Games competition to be held. In addition to the Department of Defense, several other organizations are working together to make the Games possible. The United Services Organization (USO), Ride 2 Recovery and corporate partners are teaming to make the athletic events special for all participating athletes.

Coach Blake was correct. Following today’s first day of training it was evident that the Army athletes were leaving it all on the floor. A couple needed an extra break and lots of water. “You just can’t drink enough water, your body needs it and the heat in San Antonio might be more that you are acclimated to.”

Correct again. Sunny San Antonio’s temperature reached 91 Fahrenheit. and the heat conditions inside SAMMC’s Jimmy Brought Fitness Center easily approached 100 Fahrenheit.

With Army athletes coming from as far as Fort Drum, NY where snowmen and igloos are likely the prevalent features this time of year, the weather is an adjustment. SSG Christian Hughes from Northern Regional Medical Command in Fort Drum likes the weather and isn’t complaining about experiencing spring earlier than normal—conditions like those he is experiencing in Texas are still months away, up north

In the 2010 inaugural Warrior Games, the Army Sitting Volleyball Team reached the championship game but lost in a nail-biter to the Marines. Coaches and players vow not to let that happen again in May.

“It really makes me train harder knowing we lost to the Marines last year,” said SPC Robert Nuss, Southern Regional Medical Command, Fort Benning, GA. “I’m a very competitive person and train hard for everything I do, so it only makes me train harder so we can go out and beat those guys!” Nuss knows what it is like to compete at Warrior Games. In 2010, he competed in Sitting Volleyball and several track events and was a near medalist for the Warrior Games top prize, Ultimate Champion.

This year he will compete in several track events and sitting volleyball. His training routine is high paced and includes running six days a week, biking four or five days a week as well as several days of weight training. “I stay motivated and keep my edge by eating the right foods and following my training regime. If I don’t feel like training one day, I tell myself that my competitors are out there training and if I don’t train, too, I’ll lose my edge. I can’t let that happen.”

Nuss’ experience and training excellence should serve him and his Army Warrior Games teammates well in Colorado.

After Day One, of repetitive drills, technical lessons, scrimmages, and coaches’ chalk talk sessions with the team by Blake and fellow coach Rik Mullane, everyone was getting into the groove. Their faces told their story best. They were tired with sore butts, backs, and arms—even though some were too proud to admit it.

“Hey, gather around,” said Blake as he quickly tracked down some ‘runaway’ balls that were afoot. “You’ve got to get serous here, I want to see the intensity that I know each and every one of you have. The thing is, I have you for a total of 19 hours of training at our clinic. Athletes on the U.S. Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team intensely train for hundreds and hundreds of hours each year. I wish we had more time but we don’t. We’ve got to get the fundamentals right and use all of our time wisely.”

The camp will continue over the weekend with more training, drills and additional scrimmages and games with elite teams. Blake did his homework and set up games and joint training sessions with additional athletes that are training and competing for slots on the U.S. Paralympic team. “In sitting volleyball and other sports you rise to the level of the competition and the Army Team practicing and competing against other sitting volleyball players will be very beneficial.”

Army Sitting Volleyball Team athletes preparing for Warrior Games in San Antonio include:

SPC Peter Danielson, SRMC/Benning
SSG Christian Hughes, NRMC/Drum
SPC Robert Nuss, SRMC/Benning
SGT Ruben Pedro, SRMC/Gordon
SPC Zachariah Smith, SRMC/Stewart
Retired SGT Margaux Vair, Veteran
SGT Illja Zafiroski, SRMC/Benning
SPC Jose Alfaro, SRMC/SAMMC
SGT Giovonttie McLemore, SRMC/SAMMC
SPC Damion Peyton, SRMC/Gordon

In addition to sitting volleyball, Army wounded warrior athletes will compete in track and field, swimming, shooting, archery, cycling, wheelchair basketball and the ultimate warrior competition.

Army Announces 2011 Army Warrior Games Team

Filed under Warrior Games by on February 18, 2011 at 4:28 pm {no comments}

Warrior Games Logo

By Erich Langer, WTC Stratcom

The U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) announced the selection of wounded warrior athletes that will represent the Army at the 2011 Warrior Games.  The Army team consists of active and reserve component Soldiers stationed in commands around the world as well as Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Soldiers and Veterans.

The competition, which is a joint effort between the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Department of Defense, will take place May 16-21, 2011, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.  The second annual Warrior Games will feature 200 wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from all branches of the U.S. armed forces.  Competitors will compete in several sports including shooting, swimming, archery, track and field, cycling, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.

“Working with the USOC team for the benefit of our Army athletes is truly inspiring,” said BG Darryl Williams, WTC Commanding General. “Warrior Games 2010 was an overwhelming success for athletes, Families, and spectators.  I am excited for the opportunity our Army team will have to compete and win at the USOC National Training Center in May.  I am confident that the memories our athletes will make will be carried with them for a lifetime.”

The concept for Warrior Games was conceived in 2009 with inspiration from former WTC Commander BG Gary Cheek, USOC, United Services Organization, and Ride 2 Recovery with the goal of empowering wounded warriors to use adaptive sports to accelerate the healing and rehabilitation process.

“Warrior Games has proven to be a galvanizing effort that has helped Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers and AW2 Veterans get excited and motivated about participating and competing in sports,” said MSG James Shiver, WTC non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge of Adaptive Sports. “Physical activity has been proven to be important in mental and physical well-being; and, if we can help facilitate Soldiers getting off the couch and away from video games and other sedentary activities, everyone will benefit.” (more…)

Army Wounded Warrior Athletes Aim to Dominate Shooting Competition at Warrior Games 2011

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by on February 1, 2011 at 8:43 am {2 comments}

By Erich Langer, WTC Stratcom

PFC Latoya McClain takes a shot during a shooting clinic at the Army Marksmanship Unit

Last week, Army wounded warrior marksmen took aim at becoming members of the Army’s 2011 Warrior Games team at a special shooting clinic conducted by the elite Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU). Throughout the week, warrior athletes learned shooting skills and techniques from some of the world’s finest instructors and shooters; AMU cadre include Olympic champions, world champions, and U.S. national champions who have responsibilities of training Soldiers and competing in world-class venues that highlight the Army’s expertise in all things shooting.

In both civilian and military marksmanship circles the AMU is recognized as the very best of the very best or “‘gold standard”–similar to the Army Golden Knights, Air Force Thunderbirds, or Navy Blue Angels.

In 2010, Army athletes took nearly every gold medal and the lion’s share of silver and bronze medals in numerous Warrior Games shooting events.  Building on that success will be difficult but with training, instruction, and mentorship from the AMU, MSG James Shiver, Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of Adaptive Sports, believes the Army is raising the bar.

“The Army Marksmanship Unit has been extremely supportive of our Warrior Games shooters,” said Shiver. “In 2010, they hosted clinics and sent coaches and support staff to the Games. This year they are building on that even more. It is awe inspiring, quite frankly jaw dropping for our athletes to have this opportunity to learn from these outstanding shooters. I hope each will seize this opportunity and, hopefully, by working hard this week, we’ll ultimately improve on last year’s success against the other services.”

The second annual Warrior Games, scheduled for May 16-21, 2011, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, will feature 200 wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Competitors will compete in several sports including shooting, swimming, archery, track and field, cycling, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.

One of the youngest prospects for the Warrior Games shooting team is PFC Latoya McClain from the Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Unit (WTU).  The South Carolina native was conducting physical training in stifling 125 degree weather in Kirkuk, Iraq, when she suffered a heat stroke that nearly killed her on May 31, 2010. Fortunately an Army medic was nearby to render prompt medical assistance.  Initially confined to a wheelchair as she learned to walk again, her recovery has included stints in Army hospitals in Balad, Iraq, Germany, and Texas. 

McClain’s focus on succeeding in this year’s Warrior Games is evident in her captivating smile and positive attitude.  “I never shot a weapon before basic training,” she said. “I kept messing up when it came to shooting, but my drill sergeant and the trainers were patient and worked with me. I paid attention and got better. I shot sharpshooter at Basic Training and then expert at AIT [Advanced Individual Training]. Shooting is fun and I really like the sport and I think I’m pretty good at it. I think the reason I do so well is that I follow instructions and do what I’m told.”

Her hard work and commitment to excel has paid off as McClain earned a silver medal during the clinic’s rifle competition shoot off. McClain wants to round out her stay in the Army and is looking at future options that will allow her to finish her education and possibly work in the medical field. She represents the many wounded warriors who have applied their diligence in athletics to other areas of their lives in order to achieve a successful transition post injury.  

Medalists in the AMU shooting clinic were

10-Meter Pistol

SSG Michael Strong, Fort Gordon WTU – Gold
SGT Erin Bell, Fort Knox WTU – Silver
SFC Benjamin Trescott, Fort Jackson WTU – Bronze

10-Meter Rifle

SSG Kory Irish, Fort Drum WTU – Gold
PFC Latoya McClain, Fort Bliss WTU – Silver
SFC Benjamin Trescott, Fort Jackson WTU – Bronze

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.

Army 2011 Warrior Games Basketball Team Shapes Up

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on December 16, 2010 at 4:25 pm {no comments}

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

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SSG Shaw Alexander, SPC Craig Smith, SPC Lorena Pratt, CPL(R) Perry Price, MAJ Christopher Cooper, and 1LT Taylor Ward (left-to-right) huddle-up during their wheelchair basketball clinic at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Competition is something that resonates with each Soldier–a foundation for achievement and success. For a certain group of Army wounded warriors, it’s the way that 10 of them will have a chance to earn a spot on the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.

Last weekend, 27 wounded warriors travelled from around the globe to the University of Texas–Arlington (UT–A) and participated in a basketball clinic with the UT–A Movin’ Mavs Basketball Team, one of the premier wheelchair basketball teams in the country. The clinic is one of the qualifying tournaments that will eventually determine the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.

Last year, the U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team won the silver medal in a fierce competition against the U.S. Marines. However for MSG James Shiver, who is the Army’s liaison for the Warrior Games, placing at Warrior Games is not the only goal. Shiver explains, “The Warrior Games, along with adaptive sports in general, offers wounded warriors the opportunity to continue to excel in athletics, while enabling them to succeed in other areas of their lives.”

A Department of Defense initiative with the U.S. Paralympics and the military branches, the Warrior Games offer wounded warriors the chance to compete against each other in numerous sports. Warrior Games athletes compete in 7 sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, cycling, swimming, archery, shooting, and track and field.

Athletic competition is no stranger to Soldiers. The Warrior Games allows wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers to pursue their love of sports while excelling at something that can assist in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Army beat Navy?

Soldiers interested in being considered for the U.S. Army’s 2011 Warrior Games Team can submit applications by contacting their chain of command. Soldiers in the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) can contact their AW2 Advocate for more information.

Admiral Mullen Kicks off Warrior Games 2011

Filed under Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Command by on September 24, 2010 at 5:30 pm {no comments}

By Erich Langer, WTC Stratcom

Members of the Army's wheelchair basketball team display their silver medals following the Warrior Games matchup with Marines on May 13 2010, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

I was very fortunate to be with Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and 11 of last spring’s Warrior Games servicemember athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force at a Pentagon press conference earlier this week.

Spirits were high and smiles were broad from the athletes who took time from their recovery and careers to join Admiral Mullen as he announced DoD’s continuing partnership with the U.S Olympic Committee (USOC) and the United Services Organizations (USO) for Warrior Games.

The Games will return to the USOC’s National Training Center (NTC) in Colorado on May 16–21, 2011. Mr. Charlie Huebner, the USOC Paralympics Chief welcomed wounded warriors from all branches of service to run, dribble, bike, or swim their way back to Colorado Springs for next year’s Games.  

The USOC will again host and manage the Games with assistance from corporate partner Deloitte LLC and an echelon of dedicated professional Olympic Committee staff and passionate volunteers. In addition, the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) will continue to coordinate efforts to support Warrior Game Soldier athletes who will participate next spring.

I really enjoyed seeing the athletes exchange stories and re-acquaint themselves with fellow wounded warriors, competitors, and friends from across the country. No doubt the spirit of Warrior Games lives beyond the competitive venues that initially brought nearly 200 warrior athletes to Colorado this past spring.

Admiral Mullen reiterated throughout his remarks that the athletes who compete in the Warrior Games demonstrate that regardless of circumstances, physical fitness, and a passion to win will remain at the of core our Nation’s military culture. With continued focus on abilities, rather than disabilities, physical fitness and sports have proven to have a healing effect on the mind, the body, and soul.

As the cameras rolled and remarks were made about what Warrior Games meant to the athletes and Families, you could see the excitement building. Our nation’s finest welcomed the opportunity to tell the world about their experiences but by golly they sure wanted to rekindle that athletic and competitive spirit that brought them together in Colorado last spring.

As I watched our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen talk about their shared Warrior Games experiences, it was heartfelt to see the bonds  they formed.  As U.S. Marine Master Sergeant and 2010 Warrior Games athlete Williams “Spanky” Gibson expressed during the conference, “Whether you won a medal or didn’t win a medal, whether your team was first or last, there was no better opportunity than for the 200 of us servicemembers to get together, compete in a safe environment, and have one of the best times of our lives, especially post-injury.”

To me, it was a real tearjerker–a flashback to The 2010 Warrior Games’ opening ceremony when servicemember athletes walked the National Training Center grounds in their colorful uniforms–a ceremony filled with the cheers and applause from the Colorado Springs community to honor their service and sacrifice.

Wounded warriors from all services with a desire to compete in the 2011 Games are encouraged to notify their chain of command as soon as possible.  The Army’s athlete nomination process will be released soon by the Warrior Transition Command.  Soldiers are encouraged to talk with their WTU squad leaders and about their interest in representing the Army next May.

Let the Games begin!

Memorial Day

Filed under Holiday by on May 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

On Memorial Day, Americans pause to remember the servicemembers throughout our history who have fallen in the line of duty. We also reflect on the true cost of freedom and the impact defending our freedom has on military Families.

On this important national holiday, I think about the wounded warriors and Family members I’ve gotten to know during my time at AW2. I’ve served in the U.S. Army for more than thirty years, most of my time in the Army Medical Department. From company grade time in Desert Storm to OIF tours as both a battalion and brigade commander, my units tried to ensure Soldiers were treated and evacuated timely and effectively. The response and treatment times for casualties have improved dramatically and have resulted in a significant reduction in combat deaths. The most severely wounded are moving forward post-injury, post-treatment to create new careers and achieve amazing goals due to their Families, great medical teams, and nationwide community support. Just two weeks ago, I was at inaugural Warrior Games watching 200 wounded servicemembers compete at the Olympic Training Center and watched as some realized for the first time that they were seconds away from qualifying to compete at the international Paralympic athlete level. It was powerful to see but only a small representation of the success ALL of our Wounded Warriors can achieve.

As we spend Memorial Day at barbecues and enjoying friends and Families, I’ll be thinking about those who struggle with this holiday due to the loss of a loved one. While the loss may lessen over the years, it’s always there. My hope is that those left behind can find some level of solace knowing how many around the world appreciate—every day—their loved one’s sacrifice serving our country.

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.

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