Officials announce Air Force Warrior Team training camp attendees

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Forces Services Agency officials have invited 32 athletes to the 2011 Air Force Warrior Team training camp Feb. 7 through 11 in San Antonio.
 
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Damian Orslene, one of the members of the 2010 Air Force team, will be at the training camp, hoping to be selected for this year's games.

"It's an honor to be considered for selection again," the chief said.

Of the athletes attending the Air Force Warrior Team training camp, 25 will be selected to represent the Air Force in the 2011 Warrior Games, an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans May 16 through 21 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"I'm confident we'll have a great team this year," said Capt. Courtnee Cruz, the Air Force warrior and survivor care policy chief. "We're looking forward to getting an outstanding team together and represent the Air Force well at the games."

This year's team will consist 25 Airmen from a variety of backgrounds.

"It is my hope to be given the privilege to represent my United States Air Force in this spirited competition between the U.S. services," said Tech. Sgt. Francis Reilly, a 2011 Air Force Warrior Team hopeful from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

These are the athletes attending the 2011 Air Force Training Camp:

Retired Maj.Gwen M. Sheppard, Brown Deer, Wis.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Damian T. Orslene, Ocean Springs, Miss.
Retired Senior Master Sgt. Noel Sepulveda, Severen, Md.
Retired Master Sgt. Kimberly K. Bradshaw, Yorktown, Va.
Retired Master Sgt. Thomas E. Sansone, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
Master Sgt. Simon J. Wess, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
Tech. Sgt. Jason T. Butterfield, South Jordan, Utah
Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro, Lackland AFB, Texas
Tech. Sgt. Francis X. Reilly, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Retired Tech. Sgt. Christopher M. Slaydon, Avondale, Ariz.
Retired Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Anderson, Warner Robins AFB, Ga.
Retired Staff Sgt. Scott Bilyeu, San Antonio
Staff Sgt. George C. Campbell, Danese, W. Va.
Staff Sgt. Shannon Cavasos, Dyess AFB, Texas
Staff Sgt. Christopher E. D'Angelo, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
Staff Sgt. Marc D. Esposito, Pope AFB, N.C.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jeanne A. Goldy-Sanitate, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Retired Staff Sgt. Gregory J. Miller, Wentzville, Mo.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jason M. Morgan, McKinney, Texas
Claude E. Owens, Beavercreek, Ohio
Retired Staff Sgt. Stacey L. Pearsall, Goose Creek, S.C.
Michael P. Rushton, Cameron, N.C.
Elmer M. Sanders, California City, Calif.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jack L. Shaw, Marine on the Croix, Minn.
Retired Staff Sgt. Ricky M. Tackett, Tucson, Ariz.
Matthew Bilancia, Fairfax, Va.
Retired Senior Airman Eric M. Grubbs, Roseville, Calif.
Retired Senior Airman Jennifer M. Stone, Denver, Colo.
Retired Airman First Class Chatriex Goodson, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Cadet Matthew L. Pirrello, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas

Approximately 200 warriors from all services will compete in the 2011 Warrior Games. Athletes will compete in such events as archery, cycling, basketball, shooting, swimming, track and field and volleyball.

"The goal of these games isn't necessarily to determine the best athletes," Capt Cruz said. "The goal is to maximize wounded veteran's abilities and to show them their true potential through competitive sports."

The Warrior Games are developed through the partnership among the United States Olympic Committee, Department of Defense and sponsors. For more information about the Warrior Games, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.