Wounded warriors compete in archery and field events as part of their rehabilitation

 

By Lori Newman
JBSA-FSH News Leader

 

Photos by Lori Newman

Soldiers from the Warrior Transition Battalion hurled javelins, threw the shot put and discus and competed in archery at the Fort Sam Houston Equestrian Center April 3.

The WTB works closely with the U.S. Paralympic Military Program and the 502nd Force Support Squadron to develop adaptive sports and fitness programs for injured service members to participate in throughout the year.

“We do two different adaptive sports each month,” said Jennifer Cooper, U.S. Paralympic Military Program coordinator.

The Soldiers practice for three weeks, with a competition at the end of each month, Cooper explained.

“These sporting events challenge the wound warriors mentally and emotionally as well as physically,” she added.

Three areas were set up, with one area for the shot put, another for the javelin and discus, with the third for archery for the recurve and compound bows.

The warriors were encouraged to compete in all the events or just the ones they were interested in doing.

“We want to get these Soldiers to see what they can do, not worry about their disabilities and what they can’t do,” said Earl Ryburn, certified occupational therapist for the WTB.

“These types of events help with strengthening, mental focus, eye-hand coordination and trunk stability, Ryburn said. “But, the most important thing is that they come out and have a good time.”

“Archery is a very rewarding sport. It’s a sport where you can compete against yourself or against others. You can do it for recreation or to take out frustrations,” said Gary Gassman, owner of Gassman’s Archery & Air Rifle Headquarters. He and his wife, Lucy, volunteered to help with the archery event.

Gassman expressed a heart-felt thank you to the warriors for their service.

“Because of you we have our freedom and the ability to do what we want, when we want, in this fantastic country.”

More from this edition . . . . .