4th SOS Air Commando to compete in Warrior Games

by Airman 1st Class Jeff Parkinson
1st Special Operation Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2014 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Staff Sgt. Erin McLoughlin, 4th Special Operations Squadron special missions aviator, has been selected to compete in the Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center, Fort Carson, Colo., Sept. 28 through Oct. 4.

The Warrior Games take service members who were wounded, ill or injured during combat or training and allows them to compete against each other in various events including shooting, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

Approximately 250 athletes are expected to participate in the 2014 games, according to U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ligia Cohen, U.S. Special Operations Command public affairs officer.

Cohen said there will be five teams, representing each of the four branches of the U.S. military and USSOCOM.

The USSOCOM team is compiled of 40 wounded warriors, including an Air Commando from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

McLoughlin will be representing the 1st Special Operations Wing on the USSOCOM team.

"Being part of the SOCOM team is great," she said. "Being around these people, while training, brings a lot of camaraderie, teamwork and things that I have been missing while coping with my injuries.

Two years-ago McLoughlin was hurt in an altitude chamber, where she developed type-two decompression sickness, affecting her brain and central nervous system causing lingering injuries and minor brain damage.

McLoughlin has suffered from neurological issues ever since.

McLoughlin said she is training to compete in the shot put, discus throw, seated volleyball and backstroke and freestyle swimming events.

Since 2010, the Warrior Games has showcased the resilient spirit of today's wounded, ill and injured service members from all branches of the military.

After overcoming significant physical and behavioral injuries, these men and women demonstrate the resilience of today's force and the spirit of competition.