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Challenge Magazine Fall 2007  |
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U.S. Wounded Warriors join British
Capt. Jonathan Pruden (Ret.) and Lance Cpl. Alex Nicoll joined BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Members Association) in September for nine days of sailing the English Channel and the French Bay of Biscay. The 10-person crew were all amputees that lost limbs in conflicts overseas from Rwanda and Northern Ireland to Iraq and Afghanistan. The crew of “Spirit of Minerva” visited local ports and learned how to sail a 65-foot yacht. Both Pruden and Nicoll enjoyed collaborating with their British counterparts. “It was the first time since my injury in 2003 where I’ve been with such a group of all amputees,” said Pruden. “It was inspiring to watch the camaraderie and friendships that formed as we worked together as a team.” |
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Bonaire 2007 Six Wounded Warriors completed their PADI Open Water Dive Certifications this August in conjunction with DEMA in beautiful Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. This was the second year that WWDSP partnered with DEMA to provide this experience. |
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Challenge Aspen Hosts Inaugural TBI Camp Challenge Aspen welcomed Iraq veterans to the Challenge Aspen Rocky Mountain Expedition in early September — the first camp specifically designed to facilitate outdoor recreational therapy for veterans healing from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). At the inaugural event, 16 Iraq War veterans participated in white-water rafting, equine therapy, hot-air ballooning, hot springs visits, picnics, and special dinners. Specialists, caregivers and physical therapists from Tampa, and Palo Alto, Calif., provided recreational therapy for the veterans at the event. “After working with a couple of TBI patients last summer on the Challenge Aspen trip to the Grand Canyon, it became evident that there are extremely specific needs for the TBI population,” said Challenge Aspen Director, REC Programs, Sarah W. Volf. “There is direct evidence of an increasing number of soldiers returning from the current conflict with varying levels of TBI, and unfortunately, it’s become considered one of the signature injuries of the Iraq conflict. The undeniable, positive impact of recreation has been clearly demonstrated for these young men & women and Challenge Aspen believes it’s imperative to respond with innovative, recreational services for them, to aid in their healing,” she said. Visit www.challengeaspen.org for more information |
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ASC of Crested Butte hosts Wounded Warriors for Summer Experience The Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte hosted a group of Wounded Warriors from Brooke Army Medical Center in September to experience rafting, mountain biking, hiking and navigating a ropes course. Participants climbed to the peak of Mount Crested Butte as well as many other activities. Photo caption: Michael Dunn on the ropes course at the Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte. |
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California Surfing! WWDSP partnered with the Naval Medical Center San Diego and Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) to offer a unique surfing experience. The Billabong Surf School along with many other supporters such as Surfing Magazine provided an incredible experience at Trestles Beach on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. More than a dozen patients were joined by their family and medical support staff to hit the beach and enjoy a weekend of relaxation as well as trying to catch the perfect wave. Surfers were offered tuition and inspiration by South African surfing champion Shaun White. BAMC patient Staff Sgt. Justin Lynn said of his experiences, “Balboa knows how to have a great time and put on a great event with WWDSP. Surfing all weekend really made the rehab progress. All around a great weekend. Thanks!” Photo caption: Navy HM3 Randall Leoncio catches a wave. |
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| Challenge • Fall 07 • Page 28 - 29 | ||
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