The Air Force will host the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games June 1-9 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will participate in the competition. The athletes will represent the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. Athletes from the U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces will also compete.
WHY COMPETE AT WARRIOR GAMES?: It allows me to compete in an adaptive manner that allows me to still be competitive even with my injuries. It allows me to be part of a great big amazing military family and gives me a purpose and motivation by all those around me
Air Force Wounded Warrior program offers Airman a second chance at service
To the casual observer, Rafael Morfinenciso seems like a healthy, normal individual. He doesn’t limp when he takes his dog on walk, he doesn’t have any scars or burns covering portions of his body and he looks like someone who knows his way around a gym.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein spoke about teamwork and resiliency during the opening ceremony of the Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 2, 2018.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- She’s competing in track and field and indoor rowing, but medically retired Air Force Senior Airman Karah Behrend couldn’t concentrate on training yesterday for the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy here.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Chants, cheers and whistling engulf the competitors as they emerge in front of a crowd of fans, family, and fellow wounded warriors. It is an unusual environment, unique to the Wounded Warrior Games, where everyone who competes is already a champion in the eyes of the audience.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Lt. Col. Audra Lyons, Headquarters Air Force branch chief of policy integration, joined the Air Force June 26, 1997. She attended the Air Force Academy, graduated in 2001, and got married the next day.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Lt. Col. Julie Walker graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, beginning her career as a supply officer under Air Mobility Command at Norton Air Force Base, California.
Walker was immediate described as an aggressive, mature and confident leader. Today, she serves not only as an athlete, but an Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program mentor, a position that affords her the opportunity to aid fellow warriors through their recovery process.
