Soldier represents post at Military World tourney

By Mr. Matt Decker (Leonard Wood)September 4, 2014

Soldier represents post at Military World tourney
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Soldier represents post at Military World tourney
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Going by the number of wins in the scorebook, this year's Military World Softball Tournament was hardly a success for the Wounded Warriors team. However, it was a personal victory for Wounded Warriors' infielder Sgt. 1st Class Carlo Adame, who returned to the sport he loved more than two years after sustaining a life-changing injury.

"It's been a goal of mine since I lost my leg," said Adame, a member of the 832nd Ordnance Battalion, 59th Ordnance Brigade, Fort Lee, Virginia, who is currently stationed at Fort Leonard Wood as an instructor in the Engineer Explosive Ordnance Clearance Agent Course.

The tournament was played Aug. 14-17 at Panama City Beach, Florida, where the Wounded Warriors went 1-2 in their division. "We lost our first game, won the second, and lost the third, which put us out," said Adame, who transitioned between playing third and second base for the team.

The challenges Adame has had to face to get back on the field date back to a motorcycle accident in 2009 that severely injured his leg. After undergoing nearly three years of limb-salvage therapy, his leg was amputated below the knee in late 2011.

"I was sent to the Center for the Intrepid out in San Antonio for rehab, where I became part of the Wounded Warriors," Adame said. "Recovery was tough. My leg went through a lot of changes."

Before the accident, America's pastime had been an important part of Adame's life. He played baseball in both high school and college, and had played softball since he joined the Army, which included three tours as a combat engineer in Iraq.

At the time of the tournament, Adame had only been playing on his prosthetic leg for about three months. He's still overcoming challenges, including changing the mechanics of his playing style.

"Most of my leg, where it connects to my socket is now scar tissue. It still gets blisters and hot spots from time to time, but overall, it's not that bad," Adame explained. "As far as softball goes, I still haven't fine-tuned my swing. It's harder than it looks, but I do OK."

Being back on a team like the Wounded Warriors has also played a part in Adame's recovery.

"I feel honored to play with these guys," he said.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood