Warrior Profiles

A little about Me

Q. Describe your illness or injury:
A. In Nov 2010 I had surgery on my right foot. In Dec 2010 I started to notice and feel changes that I shouldn’t have been. It took a while, but ultimately was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

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. While stationed at Ft Campbell Kentucky, I received a lot of treatment and spent Recovery time at SAMMC in San Antonio. My Pain Management Doc was instrumental in my treatment, therapy and recovery. Ultimately he helped me get assigned back in San Antonio to the Patient Squadron at JBSA Lackland. From there I met up with AFW2. Both the Pain Management Clinic and AFW2 were instrumental in helping me overcome, adapt, and stay active.

Q. What is the significance of sports/competition? How has it helped you? What does it mean to you?
A. I think everyone has some level of competition in them; some more, some less. Competition at this level shows me as an individual, my teammates, and all those who will be competing, that no matter what our condition is, we can compete at high levels and be competitive. It's helped me to continue to strive to be better than I was yesterday and today.

Q. What advice do you have for future athletes?
A. I wear a bracelet on my right arm almost 24/7. The last line says "Never Give Up". Doctors once told me that I would never run fast/far or upright cycle. I'm doing all of the above and more. Don’t worry about what you've been through and what you think you can't do. Be ready for change, adapt, overcome, and know that you can be an athlete. This program can change your life in so many ways.

Q. Any words of inspiration/quote you would like to share with other wounded, ill or injured service members?
A. Aside from "Never Give Up", try to smile more often. It's a small curve that can be seen and felt from miles away and invokes feelings of happiness, even from people you've never met. It takes more energy to be sad and think about the bad things that have happened in our lives. Knowing that sometimes it can be extremely hard so be thankful for the bad things that have happened in your life. Those path changes lead to all the good, great, amazing things you have experienced up to this point, and those you've yet to experience.