Stories

Tag: Army Trials

Targeting Soldiers with archery
October 16, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class David Ware, a medically retired infantryman and human intelligence collector, found recovery through adaptive sports after a 2013 motorcycle accident led him to the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Ware, who grew up practicing archery as a family hobby, rediscovered his passion for the sport and joined Team Army in 2022 as a competitive archer. Now an archery coach, Ware is committed to helping others find healing through the sport. He encourages Soldiers at the SRU to explore the many recovery programs available and to find their new purpose after injury. Recently ranked 23rd in the nation for archery, Ware continues to compete and coach Team Army in preparation for the Army Trials and Warrior Games. Alongside his wife, Emily, also an Army veteran, Ware volunteers with Veterans and first responders, sharing the calming and therapeutic benefits of archery with others... MORE

Coach David Ware is working with Soldiers at the range at Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Cpl. Patrick Dayton: “Adaptive sports are a lifeline to a life with others like me.”
June 21, 2024 — Retired Army Cpl. Patrick Dayton, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2022, found a renewed sense of purpose through adaptive sports and the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Initially not athletic, Dayton discovered the camaraderie and team spirit he missed from the military through the Warrior Games. After extensive rehab at the Center for the Intrepid, he embraced his new life as an amputee and immersed himself in adaptive sports. Now a proud member of Team Army, he competes in powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming, and track, finding emotional and physical strength among fellow warriors. Dayton highlights the importance of adaptive sports in providing a new purpose and a supportive community for those with visible and invisible injuries... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Cpl. Patrick Dayton waits for his turn to compete in the field event at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Team Army Ultimate Champion: “I had let go of the crutches in life, and the word can’t.”
June 6, 2024 — Retired Army Sgt. Justin Mathers, after a severe motorcycle accident left him unable to feel his legs, embarked on a remarkable recovery journey through the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), leading him to compete in the Department of Defense Warrior Games. Following injuries sustained in Iraq and subsequent surgeries, Mathers discovered adaptive sports at the SRU, initially struggling but eventually finding inspiration from fellow veterans. Encouraged by his wife and a dedicated physical therapist, he shed weight and successfully competed in the 2022 Warrior Games, earning multiple medals. Determined to push his limits, Mathers transitioned from recumbent cycling to becoming a USA para-cycling national champion. Now, as he prepares for the 2024 Warrior Games, Mathers reflects on his transformative experience, crediting the SRU and adaptive sports for his recovery and renewed sense of purpose. With aspirations for the Paralympics and Team US at Invictus, he emphasizes the vital role of adaptive sports in helping veterans feel relevant and connected... MORE

Ret. Army Sgt. Justin Mathers trains with Former Team Army and Team US athlete Mike Murphy.

Catch me if you can!
June 6, 2024 — Retired Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc is set to compete in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games, held from June 21-30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. After losing his left leg above the knee following a motorcycle accident in March 2020, Calantoc discovered adaptive sports through the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Joint Base San Antonio. An avid athlete before his injury, he embraced sports like archery, powerlifting, rugby, cycling, wheelchair basketball, and rowing to aid his recovery. Weighing 130 pounds, he can bench press 259 pounds and aims to double his weight. Training five times a week, he strives to improve daily, driven by his personal motto of outdoing his previous performance. Calantoc is determined to make Team US and compete in the Invictus Games, with aspirations for the Paralympics in archery and powerlifting. His positive outlook and discipline are bolstered by the camaraderie of his teammates and the support of his family. Excited to compete and help fellow athletes facing similar challenges, he emphasizes that an injury or illness is not the end but a new beginning. Known for his speed and competitive spirit, Calantoc is ready to showcase his skills at the Warrior Games, particularly in wheelchair basketball and rugby, with a playful warning to his Air Force competitors: "Be ready – you gotta catch me!"... MORE

Retired Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc steals the ball and makes the basket in a wheelchair basketball competition at the 2024 Army Trials

“I’m most proud of myself for not giving up” ~ Capt. Victoria Rollin
May 26, 2024 — Veteran Captain Victoria Rollin, recently retired from the Army, has been selected for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando. Her journey to the games marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the severe emotional distress and mental health challenges she faced, including psychosis and a bipolar disorder diagnosis, stemming from sexual harassment and trauma during her military service. Rollin credits the Army Recovery Care Program and adaptive sports for her ongoing rehabilitation and newfound sense of purpose. Grateful for the support she has received, Rollin is determined to share her positive experience with the Soldier Recovery Unit and encourages others to seek help without fear of ending their careers. Now, as she trains for the Warrior Games, she finds strength and camaraderie among her teammates and competitors, proud of her resilience and commitment to recovery... MORE

Christina O'Brian (L) and Victoria Rollin run in a cross-country competition.

From Team Army to Team New Orleans Saints & Pelicans… Capt. Nate Degen Scores!
May 26, 2024 — Captain Nate Degen, a resilient and adaptable Army helicopter pilot, is set to compete as a Team Army athlete at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Alongside this achievement, he has been offered a groundbreaking opportunity to work with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans through the DOD Skillbridge program. Having recovered from multiple injuries at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Degen found support in planning a career in sports management. He expressed excitement about joining the Saints' business operations division, particularly in Fan Engagement Experience, marking a full-circle moment as he grew up a Saints fan. Degen, who will compete in archery, air rifle, shotput, discus, and team sports, attributes his recovery to adaptive sports and the support of his family, team, and fans. Awaiting the birth of his second child, he balances his roles with enthusiasm and determination, sharing words of encouragement and a competitive spirit with his fellow service members... MORE

Capt. Nathan Degen on deployment in the Middle East.

Team Army Ultimate Champion says every day is a new day to get better!
May 26, 2024 — 1st Lt. Hannah Wright of Team Army reflects on her journey to the 2024 Warrior Games, which began as part of her recovery from ovarian cancer. After intensive surgery and chemotherapy, Wright found solace and strength in adaptive sports, significantly improving her stamina and endurance. Now, at 26, she competes for the title of Ultimate Champion, a role she humbly embraces despite initial surprise. Training rigorously under the guidance of recreational therapist Lorraine Currow and former champions Ross Alewine and Lorraine Currow, Wright balances her recovery with her new assignment at Fort Moore, Georgia. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, encouraging others not to discount their abilities despite medical challenges. Grateful for the support from Team Army Nation, Wright is dedicated to representing the Army with pride and determination... MORE

1st Lt Hannah Wright is warming up for track competition at the 2024 Army Trials

A Soldier who lost his sight says adaptive sports brought him back to life.
May 26, 2024 — Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo, who is blind, faced a challenging journey after concussions from his deployments triggered a rare genetic condition, Leber’s Optic Neuropathy, causing his vision to fade. Despite his initial despair and struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Escobedo found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Myra, an Army Veteran, and his family provided unwavering support. Escobedo discovered adaptive sports like beep ball and eventually set his sights on the Warrior Games. His hard work paid off, and he will compete in track, cycling, rowing, and field events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Escobedo credits adaptive sports with significantly aiding his rehabilitation and recovery, allowing him to regain his independence and confidence. His message to others facing health crises is to focus on solutions, seek assistance, and use available resources... MORE

U.S. Army Veteran Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo practices sprinting with his running guide Preston Gantt at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

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