Warriors continue to show Endurance, Courage

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (May 28, 2014) - After countless hours of physical training, wounded warriors showed-off their endurance during the 7th Annual Center for the Intrepid Mini-Try at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Outdoor Aquatic Center May 22.

More than 100 wounded warriors, civilians and retirees participated in the annual non-competitive sports event that put their physical abilities to the test. Soldiers from Brooke Army Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center participated in the event.

The challenge consisted of a 500-meter swim, 10-mile cycle ride, and a 2-mile run/walk. Participants were given the choice to take part in one, two or three events solo or as part of a team.

Army Col. (Dr.) Donald Gajewski, CFI director explained why it is called the Mini-Try instead of Triathlon.

"A mini-triathlon is basically a triathlon comprised of three separate events," he said. "The word 'try' is just a way to let each patient 'try' to achieve their personal goals. We do not use this Mini-Try as a competitive event among the participants, rather a means for each to challenge their own selves and see what they can achieve functionally.

"Also, the event provides a community event where patients, staff and families can interact in a non-clinical environment," he added.

"It feels good to be out here," said Spc. Zachary Parker, who was injured in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device two years ago. "It's a great cardio workout and gives me an opportunity to challenge myself harder to get better." This is his second year participating in the cycling event.

A San Antonio native, Spc. Max Tenorio, also agreed. After his injuries, he never thought he would be participating in a sport event such as this and now that he is involved, he feels motivated to work harder to get to the next level of his rehab.

"I need to keep pushing myself to work harder to get better," he said. "My mom is here with me today, and I'm proud to show her how much I have accomplished and what I can do now."

Tenorio was injured May 2012 from an IED blast while helping his comrade, who was hit by the first IED.

"My son has gone through a lot," said his mother, Elvira. "But, being my oldest of my four children, he is very strong. I'm so proud of him and so happy that he can be out here with other warriors to participate in this event."

Jonathan Rylander, a CFI research intern who works with warriors in a Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, said, "We normally work with warriors inside our lab and don't usually see them outside of that. But today, seeing them actually perform outside of the lab is astonishing. These guys are truly amazing."

The event's success is thanks to a joint effort by many organizations, said Gajewski, noting his gratitude to the Paralympics Military Program, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Operation Comfort, Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA, American Medical Response, Morale Welfare and Recreation, the 502nd Force Support Squadron, Exchange, Alamo City Gator club and the Jason George Memorial Foundation.