NNMC Promotes Rowing for Wounded Warriors

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

April 25, 2010 - BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Wounded Warriors at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) trained on rowing machines in Bethesda, Md., April 23 to rehabilitate their injuries.

The rowing machines were provided free of charge from the Capital Adaptive Rowing Program, a volunteer military group who works with veterans from NNMC and Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), as well as the U.S. Paralympic Team.

"It's a great way for the [Wounded Warriors] to get out of their zone and try something new, instead of sitting around and only talking about their injuries," said Musician 1st Class Patrick Johnson, director of coaching at Capital Adaptive Rowing Program. "It's so much better than some alternatives like smoking."

The program is catered to individuals with disabilities that include spinal cord injuries, amputations and visual and cognitive impairments, not only to rehabilitate and heal, but also to decrease stress and anxiety.

"It's the best exercise ever and anyone can do it," said Marine Sgt. Adam Sanchez, a Wounded Warrior at NNMC. "Due to my injury, I can't run, but I can do this."

The rowing machine provides a low-impact exercise. Despite having an injury affecting Sanchez's lower leg, participation is still possible.

"The U.S. Paralympic Military Program is scouting him to join their team," said Johnson, regarding Sanchez's ability at rowing.

"We have seen that the program also brings out their social side as well," said Johnson. "We see it with not only the [veterans], but also with kids and adults because they are curious and start talking."

The change in the Wounded Warriors is drastic, said Johnson. When first starting the program, many of them were shy and did not want to talk; however, positive personality traits emerge every time they train.

"There is a need for this, for our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, because they are real people," said Johnson. "This takes away from the separation they may have in their lives [because of their injuries] and brings them closer to other people."

Heather Campbell, Paralympic Military Program site coordinator for NNMC and WRAMC, works closely with the Capital Adaptive Rowing Program to improve the lives of the veterans by helping them to compete in national competitions.

"We want to get more people interested and more people on a level to compete," said Campbell. "We want to help those people make it to the next level."

The program has been expanding since 2004 with corroboration between the Paralympic Military Program and Capital Adaptive Rowing Program with a primary focus on the veterans, said Campbell.

"We're trying to work together to make sure we support [Capital Adaptive] so they can continue to support the people we want to help," said Campbell.