Archive | Warrior Games | Warrior Transition Command

It Feels Right

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Leadership, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 25, 2011 at 12:42 pm {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom

GEN Martin Dempsey, Chief of Staff of the Army, addresses the athletes at the 2011 Warrior Games Awards Ceremony.

The 37^th Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Martin Dempsey spoke Saturday night at the Air Force Academy’s Clune Arena at the 2011 Warrior Games Awards Ceremony. His message resonated with the athletes and other servicemembers as well as the public attending the ceremony as he shared the words: “It feels right.”

Dempsey highlighted many areas that capture the “rightness” of the event and what it means to the military community. It feels right to have wounded, ill, and injured athletes come together to compete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. It feels right that “Corporate America” sponsors like Deloitte, non-profits like the United Service Organizations, and government organizations like the city of Colorado Springs contributed both financially and through the organization of volunteers to help make the competition happen.

Sharing the past two weeks with the Soldiers and Veterans who competed at the Warrior Games, I wholeheartedly agree with the general. It is right to gather these wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans together in a spirit of competition and the brotherhood and sisterhood of arms. All of the Soldiers and Veterans I had the pleasure of speaking with, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate. They also explained to me the honor and humility they felt in the presence of other warrior athletes who shared in their experience.

Although each athlete has his or her own unique story, there are common themes interwoven between all of them. The beginning of each story may be uniformly tragic, but these stories unfold and fill with hope and positive circumstances as these Soldiers and Veterans learn to reshape their lives. Their minds and bodies changed, but the will that drives them to succeed, overcome, and persevere remains strong.

These athletes are, as Dempsey concluded in his remarks, “all heroes.” Having gotten to know several of the athletes over the past two weeks, I can safely conclude that the sound of this word is unusual and uncomfortable to most of them. In fact, I know that most of them would simply shrug it off and say they were only doing their job.

This discomfort and denial is as right as the Warrior Games itself. Heroes don’t take the title for themselves, it is given to them by those who watch and judge their actions. As much as they would like to cover their amazing performances, their indomitable will, and the strength of their character with a job description, no one in the Clune Arena was buying it.

We saw them in action and judged for ourselves. The courage, fortitude, and esprit de corps on display left no doubt that we were in the presence of heroes. As representatives of all wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers we could not have asked for better than those who made the journey to Colorado Springs this year.

As the torch was extinguished over the 2011 Warrior Games, I know many of the wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers left the arena plotting their next move. Some will return next year for the 2012 Warrior Games, perhaps others will try for a spot on the United States Paralympic team, and many will apply their drive to succeed to some other worthy goal in their lives.

Wherever they go and whatever they do, I know the memory of these Warrior Games will remain with them and with us as a shining example of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Congratulations to all the Soldiers and Veterans who participated and represented the Army and I hope to see you again next year.

I’m not a Hero—I’m a Soldier

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by jvargas on May 24, 2011 at 11:59 am {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

On Saturday, AW2 Soldier CPT Ivan Castro appeared on MSNBC to discuss the Warrior Games and his commitment to long distance running. He competed for the Special Ops team on the ground this week at Warrior Games.

“I’m not a hero,” CPT Castro, who is blind, told the host, Dylan Ratigan. “I’m just a Soldier doing his job…I’m a leader and an officer, and a Soldier.”

When asked about what makes the Warrior Games special, he explained, “If you were to come out here, you’d see that these warriors never quit. We didn’t do it on the field of battle, and we won’t do it here. Regardless of whether we’re injured, we’re still human beings,” he added. “We can continue to serve and show the world what we’re made of. “

CPT Castro continues to serve on active duty at Fort Bragg. “I have a great command that supports me and is willing to employ me to fulfill my abilities,” said Castro.

Watch the full nine-minute interview online at MSNBC.com.

Presenting the 2011 Warrior Games Wheelchair Basketball Champions

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 24, 2011 at 11:53 am {no comments}

By Patricia Sands, WTC Stratcom

The U.S. Army Warrior Games wheelchair basketball team won gold after defeating the Marines on Friday evening.

The score was 44 to 19, and what a game it was!

It was the clash of the Titans. The Army had to closely hold the Marines in the last half. They were putting on the pressure to turn the game, but the Army was on it. The Marines did not easily surrender the championship from last year. The Army team, under the guidance of coach Doug Garner, came together as a rolling force that could not be stopped. The team of ten wanted it and they got it. They made us proud last Friday night. It was a very rough game with many crashes and wheelchairs turned over. My jaw dropped at the speed and aggression that this game is played. Their skill and dexterity is tremendous and appears to be a full contact sport. The Army won, and they won with honor.

A Marine player’s fall on the court demonstrates the intensity during the Warrior Games wheelchair basketball championship game.

Winning. That phrase is often misused. Look at the folks in the photos on this blog. They were winners even before they rolled onto the court. There are no actors at the Warrior Games. The men and women are the real deal. They are Soldiers that gave of themselves and their bodies to be the frontline of defense for freedom. Even after becoming injured, they stood up to show us a whole new gear at the Warrior Games. They are the definition of integrity, resiliency, and determination. Yes, they have injuries, but they are not defined by them. They push the envelope to find new skills and new successes. That is winning.

Read the blogs about these folks, they are incredible and they are going places. I met each of the players, and many of their Family members, and I count them among my friends. They are outstanding. I am certain this is just the beginning for them and their success in many directions of their lives. Garner said he doesn’t just want them to win at basketball. He wants them to win at life—a balanced life. He hopes that all the coaching, goal setting, and connections keep in the forefront of their minds and carry over to all aspects of their lives. The Army is committed to their success.

In conclusion, the difference between these games and a professional sports game was clear to me at the very end. I saw the flip of a switch when all the players lined up to shake hands at the end of the game. They were once again brothers and sisters in arms again, unified. In that regard, as tough as all the other teams were, I am glad we are on the same team when the branch jerseys come off. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave, because of men and women like these.

In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I extend my deep appreciation to all the Warrior Games teams. You have my respect and admiration. I know that next year, the other services will be hot on the Army team’s heels to try and take their win. It is going to be a long year to have to wait for such excitement again.

Army Sweeps Swimming Finals

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 24, 2011 at 11:25 am {one comment}

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

MSG Rhoden Galloway after the swimming finals. He won four of the Army’s fifteen medals, three of them are first place finishes.

The Army athletes came to the finals focused on one thing, a medal. Little did they know they would be taking home 15. The swim team proved they are a force to be reckoned with after winning four gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals in the swimming finals during the 2011 Warrior Games.

“What we did was phenomenal,” said Holly Roselle, the Army’s swimming coach. “They came together this week and supported each other. Nice work.”

“They did things they hadn’t done before,” Roselle said. “They really stepped up and performed at a higher level.”

From Wednesday’s preliminaries to Friday’s finals, many of the finalists decreased their swim times by seconds, which helped them seal the win in a couple of swim meets.

“Many of them did better than they thought they would,” Roselle added. “We actually won more than we were slated to coming into the finals.”

MSG Rhoden Galloway, who won three of the four gold medals and one of the silver medals, agrees with Roselle.

“After you’re injured, you’re told you can’t do things and that’s crushing,” said Galloway. “Knowing you’ll never be able to run again, especially being in the military where you have to complete physical fitness tests, being able to run is important. Having the chance to swim gave us a chance to compete in adaptive sports again.”

The Army’s swimming medals are broken down as follows:

MSG Rhoden Galloway – 3 Gold, 1 Silver
SSG Kenny Griffith – 1 Bronze
SPC Michael Grover – 1 Bronze
SPC Andy Kingsley – 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
SSG Stefanie Mason – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze
SFC Landon Ranker – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
CPL Harrison Ruzicka – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
SPC Galen Ryan – 2 Silver
SGT Gavin Sibayan – 1 Bronze

Congratulations to all winners and to all who participated.

The day is now over. The swim goggles are hung up or folded away. These nine athletes will never forget last week. They showed that an illness or injury would not stop them from setting and reaching a goal, and they have the medals to prove it.

Equipment Malfunction is No Excuse

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by jvargas on May 24, 2011 at 10:27 am {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

YouTube DoDLive

Here at the Warrior Games, everyone is buzzing about cycling. Yes, we’re ecstatic about the Army team winning four medals—two golds, two silver. Yes, we’re buzzing about the three Army Ultimate Champion candidates who rode across the finish line together, as a team. But most of all, people are talking about one AW2 Veteran, Freddie de los Santos.

De los Santos didn’t win his race, but in my mind, and the minds of most of the people here, he represents the true spirit of the Warrior Games and the Army: completing the mission, against all odds.

De los Santos started out Friday like any other race—focused, committed, and ready to give his all. But shortly after the starting gun, he noticed something wasn’t right. And with 2km to go, he realized the chain on his recumbent bike was broken.

At this point, most people would have called it a day. They’d rationalize that they’d trained hard and done everything they could to prepare. It was an equipment failure, something they couldn’t do anything about.

Not de los Santos. This Special Ops competitor wouldn’t take no for an answer. Instead of giving up, he used the equipment he had—his hands. He hand-walked himself and the bike for the last two kilometers of his 10k race, refusing to forfeit.

And the crowd went wild—people walked out onto the track behind him, cheering him on, showing their support. De los Santos didn’t let an above-the-knee amputation stop him from living life to its fullest, and he wasn’t about to let a bike chain stop him from crossing the finish line at the Warrior Games.

Check out this compelling video captured by the USO staff onsite at the race.

Leading the Way

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Guest Blogger, Warrior Games by jvargas on May 21, 2011 at 5:03 pm {no comments}

By Tom Sileo, USO Director of Story Development

Editor’s Note: The USO is a participant in the AW2 Community Support Network.

If you take a stroll around the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, this week, the first thing you would notice is the sacrifice in your midst.

It’s hard to describe the emotion that overtakes every bone in your body when your eyes meet those of a fellow American who has sustained visible or invisible wounds while protecting our freedom. These men and women have already fought so hard for our nation, yet show the same courageous spirit while competing against one another in seven different sports.

The second thing you might notice, perhaps, is the presence of the USO at this joint U.S. Department of Defense / U.S. Olympic Committee event. While one might initially wonder what role the USO plays here, one might be wise to let Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Director COL Greg Gadson explain the meaning of the USO logo and the friendly face that always accompanies it.

“What really impresses me about the USO and their support of the men and women of the wounded warrior programs and events that go on throughout the country is that they’re always in the background,” Gadson said Thursday. “That says a lot, I think, about their organization.”

What Gadson thinks says a lot, as very few Americans have sacrificed more to give us all the right to think freely. In 2007, both of Col. Gadson’s legs were amputated above the knee after being struck by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Instead of retreating, he charged forward, devoting himself to fellow wounded warriors facing similar challenges, no matter how daunting. For the colonel, the Warrior Games is an annual culmination of the noble efforts of so many, as well as a part of his own healing process.

“To me, this event recognizes, on many different levels, the accomplishments of people who have really suffered severe and traumatic injuries, but now they can see promise in their life–they’re full of vitality and going for their dreams,” he said. “It’s about living life and being productive.”

As an adaptive, cutting-edge organization with an illustrious history behind it, the USO has made supporting wounded warriors, their Families, and their caregivers a top priority. The USO leadership team, which includes Susan Thomas, Vice President of USO Wounded Warriors, recognized the need for partnering with other fine organizations to ensure that the needs of the wounded are in the forefront of America’s post-9/11 consciousness.

“Once they’re back here from deployments, the journey’s that much longer,” said Thomas, whose husband deployed to Iraq twice as a U.S. Marine officer. “Given the landscape of the current conflicts, we had to expand our reach through our best in class partners.

“We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,” she continued. “We want to coordinate, collaborate, and communicate.”
Gadson made clear that the USO’s willingness to adapt means a great deal to the military, and particularly to the wounded, ill, and injured.

“They have a brand and a kind of universal recognition to them,” the colonel said of the USO. “There’s been kind of an evolution, I think, an evolution for America and how we support our servicemembers.”

There is a reason USO employees and volunteers are assisting the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Olympic Committee with Warrior Games 2011. It’s because, as Thomas noted, the event represents recovery through physical health and recreation, which leads to stronger military Families. It’s also because, as Gadson noted, it’s simply what the USO does.

“The war-wounded have made tremendous sacrifices,” he said. “The fact that the USO is now involved in that at many different levels really shows their commitment to our servicemembers and how they really continue to lead the way.”

When it comes to leading the way, few do it better than COL Greg Gadson who, through courage and foresight, turned a terrible day on the battlefield into the cause of his life. In his eyes, you see pride as he wheels himself around the U.S. Olympic Training Center, watching his brothers and sisters in arms making progress before everyone else’s.

The USO is at Warrior Games 2011 to help. Thank you to COL Gadson and his team of AW2 patriots for showing us the way.

Schooop…

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 21, 2011 at 2:15 am {one comment}

By Retired SGM Vondell Brown, AW2 Advocate Support Branch

Warrior Games archer SGT Kenneth Harker prepares to shoot an arrow at his target during practice.

SGT Kenneth Harker held his breath and kept his body steady as he zeroed in through the peep site. When he was sure of his shot, he let go of the release. The only sound that was heard was a whisper of the arrow leaving the bow, “Schooop…”

As the sound faded, it was quickly followed by a hard “thud” as the arrow hit its mark. Then, there was silence. “I was speechless,” Harker explained. He was very surprised since he had only picked up a bow for the first time three months prior.

“It is such a rush,” Harker from the Warrior Transition Unit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center exclaimed, as he qualified for the finals in the archery compound competition at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO. “I am very proud of him,” said his wife Heather Harker as she continued to cheer him on in the finals.

“After I was injured and my legs were amputated, life seemed uncertain. It seemed that much had been taken away,” Harker explained. After being in Baghdad for just six months, he was injured. He was part of a 22 vehicle convey on Route Gold. His vehicle was hit by an explosive formed penetrator (EFP). His injuries included a hole in his right forearm and the back of his legs were blown off. He had no feeling from his knee down, so he opted to have his legs from his knees down amputated.

Having already clinched the bronze medal in the seated discus last Tuesday, Harker stated, “I’m feeling overwhelmed.” He explained these feelings to me as each round went by and he heard his name called to advance. Harker was presented with the silver medal by MG Gary Cheek, Director of Military Personnel Management for the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. After receiving his medal, Harker stated,“I am going to train and annihilate the competition next year.” He plans to practice hard all year and take up bow hunting. In support of this, many people have told him to check out the AW2 Community Support Network for organizations that help bring recreational opportunities, such as hunting to wounded warriors. He said that when he returns home, he is going to check them out.

Full Court Press

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 21, 2011 at 2:08 am {no comments}

By Patricia Sands, WTC Stratcom

Warrior Games wheelchair basketball player SPC Anthony Pone receives the ball during one of this week's games.

“I can do it with one arm behind my back…” That phrase takes on a whole new meaning at the Warrior Games. Whether it’s one arm, one leg, or one eye, it doesn’t matter: these Soldiers have come to win in life. They bring what they have and give it their all. And no, it is not just testosterone speaking, there are tons of women representing the Army. It is internal strength and fortitude that rises from the deepest center of their soul that fills in what was lost. Life is not fair, but life is what you make of it.

After spending a week in their midst, the admiration I have for all of warriors is immense. I might as well be looking at the face of my son when I am watching the basketball team. My oldest is approximately the same age and is an Army 2LT in Korea. The Warrior Games and the healing of all wounded warriors are very personal to me, as both a military widow and a mother of a Soldier.

Look in the mirror and ask yourself how you would have reacted at 25 years old, in the face of such a life-changing event? Would you be on the court steering headlong into a crushing pile of wheelchairs and maybe landing hard across the floor—while being happy about it? After watching them play, I can say for myself even at my age “I would!” I might not win…but I sure would play. It looks like a lot of fun. These warriors show the way for all with “disabilities.” To me they are justdifferently abled. And they are very abled at that.

Coach Garner has seen players grow and develop on and off the court due to sports. Sports can give a person confidence and friendship to succeed in other areas of their recovery. He has said it is so important for them to get out early and push their bodies in a way that is challenging and developmental, but also fun. “Fun is something that is often missing in the lives of a lot of people with disabilities. Because many times they are very limited in their options of what is available to them.”

Next week the competition will be over for these wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, but not the forward motion in other directions in their lives. I would like to highlight an example of how yet another Soldier is succeeding off the court. SPC Anthony Pone was injured and lost one leg in a car accident in 2002 while serving at Ft. Lee, VA. He will tell you that his inspiration to succeed and go forward is his two daughters, Shakiya and Anyea .

I am sure his daughters—as well as his whole extended Family—are extremely inspired and proud of SPC Pone. Last week, they saw their dad in a cap and gown being handed a hard-earned college diploma. Pone earned a BS in Social Work and a Minor in Psychology. When asked what his plans are, he said he is not stopping until he has his Masters. His goal is to work with Veterans. He said he knows he can be of help.

This is quite an accomplishment for anyone. Yet doubly exciting as SPC Pone is the first person ever in the history of his family to graduate from college. He did it. And he did it with only one leg, rolling in a wheelchair.

You Can Get There From Here

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by jvargas on May 21, 2011 at 2:00 am {no comments}

By Retired SGM Vondell Brown, AW2 Advocate Support Branch

Warrior Games wheelchair basketball player SGT Kinga Kiss-Johnson prepares to take a shot.

SGT Kinga Kiss-Johnson wrote these words in magic marker on the belt of her wheelchair: “You can get there from here.” She explains that it was a big change from standing to sitting playing basketball; “life doesn’t stop” is what she sums that statement up with. Every time Kiss-Johnson sits in that chair, she sees and holds those words close to her as she straps herself in. Then it’s game on from there.

Kiss-Johnson is “KJ” on the Warrior Games Army wheelchair basketball team. She is very well loved. In fact, when the team won against the Marines the other day, SPC Juan Soto looked around and took count. He said, “Stop…where is “KJ”? Wait for ‘KJ’.” The team is not a team without “KJ” and her service dog, Balto. And soon, she and Balto completed the photo, with her dog lying down next to her.

It is remarkable that “KJ” plays basketball at all after sustaining her injuries. Kiss-Johnson was medically retired out of the Fort Gordon Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) in November 2010, receiving 100% permanent disability ratingfor combat-related injuries, including TBI, PTSD, left and right hip injuries, and spinal cord injury. It has taken years for her to recover and is an ongoing process. A true inspiration.

Sports are in her blood—she has played basketball since she was a kid. She’s a natural athlete. Standing over 6 feet tall, she takes on any competitor on the court. I remember playing against her in at one of their practices and she telling me as I tried to enter into the paint, “this is my house, get out.” And that is exactly what I did.

I asked “KJ” about her prediction for the Army wheelchair basketball team at this year’s Warrior Games. She said, “Gold. We are here for no other reason.” And from the way they beat the Marines and Navy, I totally agree.

Army Soldiers, Warrior Games Cyclists, and True Champions

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by alanmorales on May 21, 2011 at 1:39 am {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom

(Left to right) Sailor Brandon Norris, SSG Kenny Griffith, SSG Robert Laux, and SFC Landon Ranker cross the finish line together at the 2011 Warrior Games cycling event at the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO.

The Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium teemed with race officials, volunteers, athletes, VIPs, spectators, and media Friday morning to watch the 2011 Warrior Games cycling finals. Wounded, ill, and injured men and women from all branches of service and the Special Operations Command were ready to demonstrate their training, technique, and heart as they tackled the Warrior Games cycling course. In terms of expectations, the Army team was uniformly humble to represent their branch, to be given the opportunity to race, and to give everything they had to win.

The cycling events began around 8:30 a.m. with the 20K men’s recumbent bike race as the cyclists made two laps around the 10K course. For one Army cyclist, it was a gift to even be riding in the race. SPC Justin Minyard came to Colorado Springs with some unexpected equipment trouble. As his cycle went through airport screening, his careful packing job was undone and his cycle made a very rough trip from Fort Bragg to Colorado Springs, CO. His cycle’s frame was damaged so badly that he was not going to get a chance to compete—until a local cyclist decided to donate his own cycle frame and allow Minyard his chance at Warrior Games gold.

Making the most of this generous offer, Minyard outdistanced all opposition as he smoked through the course to reach the finish line. “It felt incredible,” he said. “The bike was completely dialed-in, can’t ask for a more beautiful day, and I felt like going fast, so it was good.” The cheers of the Army fans were deafening as Minyard crossed the finish line without any other recumbent competitors in sight.

Fort Knox Warrior Transition Brigade Commander and wounded warrior LTC David Haines made a surprise leap to the podium, earning a silver medal in the 30K men’s cycle race as he hung very close to the leaders throughout the course and deftly outraced his fellow competitors coming into the home stretch.

Army also dominated the 10K women’s cycle race as PFC Christina Mitchell took silver and CPT Lisa Merwin dashed to the finish and won gold. For Merwin, as a breast cancer survivor, nothing is taken for granted. Her eye was firmly fixed on the top prize, and she also broughta desire to achieve a personal goal.

When asked about the race, she stated she wanted to finish the race in 18 to 20 minutes, but she was held back by an unexpected headwind in the final downhill leg. Despite missing her personal mark, she took gold and concluded by saying, “It is awesome to represent the Army at the Warrior Games, I am very proud to be an Army officer, and I feel honored to be here with all these other Soldiers and servicemembers who are wounded.”

All of the athletes came to win, but winning isn’t everything. What most of the spectators, VIPs, and media saw on the course was the heart of the men and women who sacrifice themselves in the defense of our nation. LTC Haines, CPT Merwin, SPC Minyard, and PFC Mitchell distinguished themselves by earning medals, but all of the competitors brought the heart of true champions.

The lasting image of the cycling event may not be a photo of an athlete earning a medal. Perhaps it is captured in the three Soldiers and a Sailor who, after being knocked out of medal contention in the 30K men’s cycling race, decided to support each other by riding and crossing the finish line together. That is the true nature of the brotherhood and sisterhood of arms. That is the heart of a true champion.

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