Monday, May 18, 2015

Wounded Warrior Program Sports At Eglin Air Force Base

Wounded Warrior competition provides new mission, comradery for severely injured veterans
Associated Press
By MELISSA NELSON-GABRIEL
MAY 18, 2015
"I lost my identity after the military. I felt lost. Being part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, it helps you to know that there is more to life than the military. I am proud of my service but I have more to accomplish," the Las Vegas, Nevada, native said.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — As an Air Force crew chief in Afghanistan and Iraq, part of Sgt. Tim McDonough's dangerous mission was recovering the remains of soldiers killed in combat.

An explosion in Afghanistan in 2005 changed his life. He suffered a brain injury and nine surgeries later, McDonough has seizures, limited range of motion and host of other medical problems. Even worse, he lost the camaraderie he had with other airmen.

"You are the cream of the crop, the best of the best. You get injured and put off to the side," said McDonough, 40, of Spokane, Washington.

But he has a new mission that has given him much-needed focus and self-esteem. He will represent the Air Force at the 2015 Department of Defense Wounded Warrior Games in Quantico, Virginia, next month.

His sport? Archery.

McDonough is one of about 200 athletes from the Air Force, Marines, Navy and Army who will compete in eight sports, including basketball, swimming and track and field.
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