Photo By Ronald Wolf | First Lt. Christopher Parks, center no. 10, and his team get instructions from coach...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - First Lt. Christopher Parks makes it clear that participating at the U.S. Army Trials mean something special to him: He is grateful for a second chance at life.
Parks had an unusual injury that led to his losing his right leg. A cut on his heel caused an infection. He properly provided first aid to his cut, care he knew how to provide because his military occupational specialty is 65 delta – physician’s assistant.
The cut, however, resulted in a severe, life threatening bacterial infection. Two days after the injury, his wife took him to the emergency room for treatment. He soon lapsed into a coma. By the time he woke six weeks later, surgeons had removed his right leg to save his life.
Today Parks is at the U.S. Army Trials aiming for a place on the Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015 Army Team.
The Army Trials, conducted by the Army Warrior Transition Command, Army Trials, March 29 – April 2, hosted by Fort Bliss, Texas. About 80 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans are competing for a spot on the Army Team. The Department of Defense Warrior Games will be held June 19 - 28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and will include teams from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations.
Parks is competing in a number of events: Swimming, cycling, sitting volley ball, wheelchair basketball, and shot put and discus. Parks thinks water sports are in his blood; as far back as high school he was on the swim team and played water polo, but refuses to pick a favorite.
Because the entire team is limited to 40 individuals and 3-5 alternates, those who make the team must compete in multiple sports; many athletes are learning new sports during the trials. There is a ratio of coaches to athletes of about 1 to 3, so an intense focus on teaching new sports for the athletes is possible.
This year’s competition is his first invitation to the Army Trials, and Parks called it a wonderful experience. He credits Army Trials as the “answers to frustrations” that naturally come during a long recovery.
Parks said one of his goals is to make the team was to help get back into shape. Training often runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and getting back into shape is critical for all the participants.
Parks has received close attention from the coaches and trainers. A special technique to launch him into the pool during swimming events was developed to help him get a better start.
Although he previously had deployed to Qatar and Iraq, he currently is assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Hood, Texas.
Like many of the athletes who are recovering from their injuries or illness, Parks is being revitalized as he can spend time focusing on the specific goals of each sport and the major goal of making the team.
He admits his recovery and return to fitness continues and the Army Trials are a key part. Nevertheless, Parks emphasizes that for him and his family - he has two children – it’s all about a second chance at life.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2015 16:21 |
| Story ID: | 159002 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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