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The inaugural Warrior Games will be in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 10 to 14. (U.S. Air Force graphic)
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Call for warrior games coaches
Posted 1/26/2010
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by Maj. Belinda Petersen
Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs
1/26/2010 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- If you have ever wanted to follow the footsteps of legendary coaches like John Wooden or Ed Owen, staff members in the Air Force Services Agency Fitness Branch are looking for you.
The Air Force team for the first Warrior Games needs coaches for shooting, swimming, archery, volleyball, cycling, track and field (discus, shot put) and basketball.
"If you have any experience in these sports, especially the team sports of sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, and are interested in supporting this event as a coach, please contact me," said 1st Lt. Hannah McDaniels, an action officer at the Air Force Services Agency. "Individuals who have any experience coaching people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply."
Defense Department officials announced Jan.7 that approximately 200 wounded warriors will compete in the inaugural Warrior Games May 10 to 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Wounded, ill and injured servicemembers will compete across all branches of the military in a joint effort between the Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic Committee. Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members as well as retired personnel and veterans are eligible to compete regardless of their injuries, including those diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
In preparation for this event, Air Force officials will host a one-week training camp prior to the games in Colorado Springs.
"We understand that several of our athletes cannot take three weeks off from their full-time jobs to dedicate their time for the competitions, so we have reduced the training camp from two weeks to one week," said Capt. Sarah Bruno, Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care action officer at the Pentagon.
"We need a minimum of one week for the volleyball and basketball teams to train together. But for the other events, we can reduce the training time to three or four days on a case-by-case basis," she said. "Also, during the training camp, Air Force participants will receive the full per-diem of $61 per day."
The Army will be represented by 100 soldiers chosen from a pool of almost 9,000 wounded warriors. The Marine Corps will send 50 competitors, while the Air Force and the Navy/Coast Guard will send 25 each.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family, a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of, and commitment to, the entire Air Force family.
"As part of our commitment to Airmen, we, in collaboration with the rest of the Department of Defense, are strengthening our focus on wounded warrior care. The importance of ensuring that our wounded warriors receive the service and support they need throughout the recovery process cannot be overstated," said Secretary Donley and General Schwartz.
For more information or to apply as a coach, contact Lieutenant McDaniels by Feb. 15 at (210) 652-7021 or e-mail hannah.mcdaniels@randolph.af.mil.
For more information on the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, contact the Air Force Wounded Warrior office at (800) 581-9437 or e-mail afwounded.warrior@randolph.af.mil.
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