Warrior Profiles

A little about Me

Q. How did your Service’s Wounded Warrior Program (Warrior Transition Unit, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Other Service Wounded Warrior Unit) assigned or previously assigned to enhance your recovery?
A. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program reminded me that I was not forgotten and gave me a reason to push on. They also taught me how to be active again even with my multiple physical issues and gave me a purpose in life as a mentor. These guys saved my life, they literally saved my life.

Q. How has adaptive reconditioning and sports helped in your transition and recovery? What adaptive reconditioning activities do you participate in?
A. I have been a competitive athlete my entire life, I’ve been a winner my entire life, nationally ranked. I couldn’t do that stuff anymore, I couldn’t even ride a bike. The first adaptive sports camp I went to I thought I would try everything available. I loved wheelchair basketball, the recumbent and seated volleyball. The caliber of the coaching staff, the passion that they have with what they are doing, the passion that they have in helping us be able to get off the couch is amazing. There are no words that can speak for the feeling that we get when we get out there. It doesn’t matter if you suck or not. After I got hurt in Afghanistan, I have never been able to stand up on my own two feet and close my eyes without falling over. I was in the prone position shooting an air rifle and my shoulder couldn’t handle it. The coach asked if I had tried standing and shooting. I tried standing, had a good cluster, worked on stance and coach told me to just close my eyes and I closed my eyes and stood there for about 40 seconds and didn’t fall over.

Q. What advice do you have for future athletes?
A. Just roll with it.

Q. 11. Any words of inspiration/quote you would like to share with other wounded, ill or injured service members?
A. I would like to say to all wounded, injured, and ill warriors, no matter how black the dog gets you’re never alone.