FORT BENNING, Ga. (Jan. 28, 2015) -- The Fort Benning Warrior Transition Battalion will host the Warrior Games Regional Trial from Feb. 23-27 to select a mentally and physically prepared team to compete in the 2015 Warrior Games. The trials give wounded, ill or injured active-duty Soldiers and veterans the opportunity to qualify for the national competition this summer in Quantico, Virginia.
Soldiers from three other Army installations under Southern Regional Medical Command-East will travel to Fort Benning for the regional trial and include Fort Stewart, Georgia, Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Approximately 60 to 80 service members and veterans from SRMC-East are expected to participate.
Lt. Col. R. Elaine Freeman, WTB commander, said the regional trial will provide additional training on the benefits of adaptive reconditioning, as well as highlight the health-care capabilities and community support available for veterans in the area.
Part of the WTB's comprehensive transition program, adaptive reconditioning is designed to highlight the physical and emotional needs of Soldiers and veterans with activities specific to their physical conditions.
"Adaptive reconditioning activities showcase the power of sports and competition in the rehabilitative process," she said. "As they participate, they really start to gain confidence and learn a new way of living.
"The program sets them up for success emotionally and physically, so going back to a different job with the Army or transitioning to veteran status and a new career can be done very successfully."
Freeman said the WTB is grateful for support from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and community partners who have helped wounded warriors learn new skills and prepare for the upcoming regional trial.
"It's a very close-knit, collaborative unit of people we have in the Fort Benning area that we can reach out to for support," Freeman said.
Qualifying events for the trial include: track and field, air rifle, air pistol, cycling, swimming, archery, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.
In addition to Soldiers with SRMC-East, Freeman said there are about 650 wounded, ill or injured Soldiers and veterans in the area eligible to compete in the regional trial.
The selection process will take place at Fort Benning Jan. 26-30 and Feb. 2-6.
To register or for more information, call the Warrior Transition Battalion Occupational Therapy Department at 706-626-2604 or 706-604-6637.
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