Air Force Team completes training camp

by Senior Airman Daniel Asselta
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

8/13/2014 - Colorado Springs, Colo. -- The Air Force Wounded Warrior program Warrior Games team completed a week-long training camp Aug 8. Airmen from throughout the country gathered here to train at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center to prepare for the 5th annual Warrior Games in September.

Team members are healing from both visible and invisible wounds, suffered on active-duty or after joining the service. The training camp allowed Airmen to train for adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, cycling variants, target shooting and more.

Air Force Space Command supported the training camp with visits from the commander, command chief master sergeant, and members of the Colorado Springs Area Chief's Group.

"Those in leadership positions in the Air Force are very, very proud of you -- for what you've done, what you've accomplished, the way you've carried on with your lives with very difficult circumstances. We couldn't be prouder of you and it's good to see you out here competing, having fun, and representing the Air Force so well," said General William L. Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command, during opening remarks at the start of the camp.

The Warrior Games provide athletes an opportunity to show the world they are still more than capable, and feel a sense of camaraderie that aids in the healing process, according to one competitor.

"I think the opportunity to see others who have gone through their own challenges is the most inspiring. I think we all have challenges and we see that others have challenges too and are finding their own way through it. I think as military people, we are good at setting goals, challenging ourselves, and competing, so all around, I think this is a great program for healing," said retired Capt. Jeff Haugh, a cycling and shot-put competitor.

Haugh, a former Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989, and was wounded in Operation Iraqi freedom while conducting counterintelligence. While deployed, Haugh was involved in a high-speed vehicle accident, suffering a traumatic brain injury and a spinal injury. He said training with fellow wounded veterans and active-duty Airmen helped in his recovery process.

AFSPC Command Chief Master Sergeant Douglas McIntyre met with coaches and athletes on and off the court to show his support and learn more about the Warrior Games.

"My visit is two-fold. It's for me to come out and support these individuals who have given a lot for our nation, and to learn. I want to learn more about the program, and how Air Force Space Command can support it, and partner with the command chiefs and senior leaders to get more support when they come back in the fall," said Chief McIntyre.

Twenty-two Airmen will become part of a 103 person team of wounded warriors from throughout the Defense Department, Sept. 10 to 14 in London to compete in the Invictus Games, the first international adaptive sports event dedicated solely to wounded military veterans. The 5th U.S. Warrior Games are Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 in Colorado Springs at the USOTC, and Fort Carson.