Timothy Babb takes a breath during a swimming practice session Feb. 27, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The Air Force Trials are an adaptive sports event designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of seriously ill and injured military members and veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika)

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Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Zukauskas aims at a target during an archery practice session Feb. 27, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Zukauskas suffered multiple injuries from a rocket attack during a deployment to Iraq in 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika)

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Ryan Delaney peddles across a parking lot to test a newly adjusted bike during a cycling fitting session Feb. 26, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Service members are participating in adaptive athletic reconditioning for lasting effects on physical and emotional recovery. Delaney is a 2015 U.S. Air Force Trials cycling team member. (U.S Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Young)

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Maj. James Ross demonstrates proper arm motion Feb. 27, 2015, during a 2015 U.S. Air Force Trials swimming team practice session at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Ross and more than 200 members of Nellis and Creech AFBs volunteered to help out during the trials, which will run Feb. 27 to March 5. Ross is the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron air battle manager. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika)

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Edward Newbern aims at a target during an archery practice session Feb 26, 2015, on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Archery is one of 13 adaptive sports that athletes will be competing in throughout the trials. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis)

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Members of the U.S. Army’s wounded warrior sitting volleyball team practices with members of the British wounded warrior team Feb. 27, 2015, during the 2015 U.S. Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Participants in the trials will compete in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, air pistol and rifle shooting, archery and cycling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika)

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Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Zukauskas prepares to shoot a target during an archery practice session Feb. 27, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Zukauskas is naturally right-handed, but has learned to shoot archery left-handed after sustaining multiple injuries to the right side of his body during a deployment to Iraq in 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika)

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Garith Golightly, adjusts his bike during a cycling fitting session Feb. 26, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Golighltly is a 2015 Help for Heroes cycling team member. The British Help for Heroes team was invited to the 2015 Air Force Trials as a way to enhance international partnerships. (U.S Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Young)

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AF trials underway for 2015 Warrior Games

Published March 3, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, British and Australian wounded warriors here are fighting for a chance to compete at the 2015 Warrior Games during the Air Force Trials Feb. 27 through March 5.

The trials are an adaptive sports event designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of seriously ill and injured military members and veterans. Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, has been the host of the trials since its inception last year.

More than 100 wounded, ill or injured service members from around the country along with their support teams have gathered for the trials.

"Hosting the Air Force Trials is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Col. Richard Boutwell, the 99th Air Base Wing commander. "Here at Nellis (AFB) and Creech (AFB), and the Nevada Test and Training Range, one of our priorities is continuing to foster a climate of dignity and respect. Hosting these games gives us the opportunity to help these warriors maintain their dignity. If you've ever seen them compete, they certainly deserve our utmost respect."

During the trials, participants are competing for a spot on the 2015 U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Team, which will represent the Air Force during the 2015 Warrior Games in Quantico, Virginia, this June.

Competition events include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, air pistol and rifle shooting, archery and cycling.

"We're happy to be hosting the trials again this year," said 1st Lt. Liza Flint, the 99th Force Support Squadron unit fitness program manager section commander. "We're glad to have received such positive feedback of the last trials and to learn and grow to better support the athletes this year."

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