The journey towards recovery
By Senior Airman Daniella Peña-Pavao, 33rd Fighter Wing
June 27, 2019
Tampa, Fla. -- “Life can change in an instant and sometimes, for some of us, it’s like hitting a brick wall.” said Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, 33rd Fighter Wing wing staff unit deployment manager.
Martinez suffered a leg injury during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2017. Her journey to recovery has not been easy, but she is excited to share what has really helped her during this difficult journey.
“There's something about sports that I would've never guessed would help me out in my recovery,” said Martinez. “After my injury, I fell into this really dark spot but the [Air Force Wounded Warrior] program showed me that I could still get out there and be competitive.”
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, Team Air Force athlete, poses for with the Air Force flag after receiving three silver medals during the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games Air Force Medal Ceremony in Tampa, Fla., June 24, 2019. Martinez earned her medals by coming in second in the 2019 DoD Warrior Games Women’s 400 Meter Dash, 800 Meter Run and 1500 Meter Run. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Daniella Peña-Pavao)
“Winning these medals made me feel amazing but it’s not all about the medals and winning,” said Martinez. “It is really all about going out there and doing your best, and watching people push themselves.”
Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez adjusts her steering compensator during competition in wheel chair racing at the 2019 DoD Warrior Games at University of Southern Florida. Warrior Games is a Paralympic style sporting event with 300 athletes from all DoD service branches and five international coalition partners. Active duty and veteran wounded warriors compete in 13 adaptive sports to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Master Sgt. David Long)
She went to her first Warrior Camp on Eglin Air Force Base in 2018 where she was introduced to all the adaptive sports she could compete in. In March, she was selected to compete with the Air Force team in the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games where she competed in wheelchair tennis, indoor rowing, and track and field. She left the competition having earned three silver medals and two bronze medals.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, Team Air Force athlete, prepares to return a serve during the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games wheelchair tennis competition in Tampa, Fla., June 23, 2019. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Daniella Peña-Pavao)
“Winning these medals made me feel amazing but it’s not all about the medals and winning,” said Martinez. “It is really all about going out there and doing your best, and watching people push themselves.”
With the support of her family, Martinez has made great strides towards recovery through the Warrior Program.
“Ruben, my husband has been by my side through all of it and my children see ‘mommy’ going out there doing things that I would have never done before,” said Martinez. “Plus, the support I’ve gotten from the 33rd Fighter Wing has been incredible, I couldn’t have asked to be in a better unit.”
Martinez arrived to the 2019 DoD Warrior Games ready to give it her all and she succeeded in making her family, unit and Air Force proud.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, Team Air Force athlete, launches a shot put during the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games field events in Tampa, Fla., June 23, 2019. The Warrior Games features athletes from all four U.S. military branches and various partner nations who have overcome illnesses and injuries. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Daniella Peña-Pavao)
“To be able to represent the Air Force and the 33rd Fighter Wing and to be part of something that is bigger than myself is truly humbling,” said Martinez. “From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful to be here.”
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, Team Air Force athlete, and Chief Master Sgt. Juliet Gudgel, Air Education Training Command command chief, take a celebratory photo after the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games Air Force Medal Ceremony in Tampa, Fla., June 24, 2019. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Daniella Peña-Pavao)