Wounded Warrior training camp begins

Photo By Samuel King Jr. | Jesse Graham, an Air Force Wounded Warrior athlete, listens to his coach, Saul Mendoza, on how to increase his speed at the start line during the first day of the DOD Warrior Games training camp at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 18. The five-day training camp for the Air Force’s athletes serves as their last practice session before the DOD Warrior Games June 19-28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)  

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

04.20.2015

Courtesy Story

96th Test Wing

By Kevin Gaddie
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Air Force Warrior Games training camp began here today following the adaptive sports and rehabilitation camp last week.

More than 40 athletes arrived Friday to participate in the training camp. Three Wounded Warriors moved on from the adaptive camp to the training camp.

"We saw a week of healing and recovery in which the warriors came together as a family, further aiding their rehabilitation," said Marsha Gonzales, warrior and survivor care division deputy. "Many of them vowed they would return in the future to compete."

Scott Addington, a former chief master sergeant and 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron member, attended both camps - last week as a mentor and this week as an athlete. Addington was medically retired from the Air Force in 2008 due to complications from cancer in his immune system. He said the warriors' experiences helped them form a bond.

"When everyone first got here, most people were kind of timid," said Addington. "That didn't last. When everyone started talking about the events that brought them here, the camaraderie kicked in. People who haven't had smiles on their faces in years started saying 'Wow, I can do this.' It was absolutely fantastic."

This training camp is the final event prior to the DoD Warrior Games June 19-28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

There, the Air Force athletes will compete with representatives from the service branches and U.S. Special Operations Command.

In 2011, the Department of Defense created the Military Adaptive Sports Program to enhance warrior recovery by engaging wounded, ill and injured service members in ongoing, daily adaptive activities, based on their interest and ability.

Since its inception, the Military Adaptive Sports Program has assisted more than 158,000 wounded, ill and injured service members at 325 structured camps and clinics, for activities, according to a DOD news release.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2015
• Date Posted: 04.20.2015 14:25
• Story ID: 160556
• Location: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US