Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team Defeats Navy Commanders

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Furey, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST) gathered to play against Navy Commanders, a team comprised of various commanding officers from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, at Millican Field.

The WWAST is comprised of veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs while serving their country in the military.

"We're playing the Navy officers and in doing this we share our mission that life without limbs is limitless," said retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gregory Reynolds. "I think we are going to portray this really well tonight. We are on a winning streak right now, it feels good."

According to Capt. Wallace Lovely, Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 31, the game was an excellent opportunity to show their drive and determination as they overcome their respective conditions and continue on with their lives in a meaningful capacity.

"The reason for this game is camaraderie always," said Lovely. "It's an opportunity to highlight the skills how capable the Wounded Warrior Community is."

The mission of the team is to raise awareness, through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge. WWAST represents some of our nation's bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again.

The WWAST is comprised of young, competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving their country in the military/war. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Some are still in the service, others are attending college thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill while others have moved on to new careers.

The game concluded with the victory for the WWAST with a score of 20-13.