House of Payne

FORT BLISS, Texas -- U.S. Army veteran Staff Sgt. Timothy Payne took a road less traveled and ended up at the 2016 U.S. Army Trials, March 6-10 at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Payne of Raleigh, North Carolina, was injured on his third deployment July 3, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where an improvised explosive device took both his legs requiring over 100 blood transfusions and surgeries.

"After being a squad leader for 11 years, it took me a long time to overcome my depression and suicidal thoughts." he said. Payne was prescribed numerous amounts of medication and physical therapy to overcome his injuries. Just as Payne was starting to overcome his situation, he lost his brother to an accident. "I questioned myself of why I survived and he didn't." he said.

Payne instantly knew that there was a higher calling for him and he had to find alternate ways to overcome his injuries and share his story with others. "I participated in various programs but I was turned to the Army Trials this year." he said.

Although Payne didn't have legs to easily get around, he didn't let that stop him and decided to go cold turkey and stop all medications and utilize adaptive sports to help overcome his injury. He started to participate in swimming, hand cycling, and seated discus.

"Ever since I found my spiritual faith and participated in adaptive sports, I have found a way to adapt my Army values to my health and everyday life." he said. Payne picked up right where he left off right before his accident.

"All of the positive things have been moving fast in my life and I have blocked out most of my injuries from my mind." he said. Through adaptive sports, wounded service members and veterans are given the opportunity to recover from their illness, wounds, and injuries by participating in the 2016 U.S. Army Trials hosted by the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Since utilizing adaptive sports in his healing process, he has written a book titled "Squad Leaders Bargain" which has been published and is in talks with several movie directors for an on screen adaptation of his story. Payne also received an achievement medal from President Barrack Obama and also had a house donated to him through a program that helps wounded warriors obtain the dream of owning a home.

More importantly, Payne has donated more than 100 copies of his book to various units and has met countless wounded service members and veterans traveling the same road. His story is about overcoming adversity. "The Army Trials is an opportunity to overcome my illness through competition and I know that I am not alone in the recovery process." he said.

After the Army Trials, Payne hopes to be selected to the U.S. Army team and compete at the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games scheduled to take place at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, June 14-22.