FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- He's often found with a smile on his face, giving a high five as others pass by or lending a helping hand to a fellow athlete. So it's no surprise that Sgt. Nicholas Titman, assigned to the Fort Carson, Colorado, Warrior Transition Battalion, won the Pride Award at the Army Trials in April for his sportsmanship and motivation.
He brings that same spirit with him to Fort Belvoir as he and the Army Team prepare for the Department of Defense Warrior Games, which begin June 19 at Marine Corps Base, Quantico.
"If it wasn't for the friends and the bonds that I've formed at trials and at regionals, I don't know if I would actually be here," Titman said. "Because, it's not about me, it's about everybody. And so, for me, ultimately, having that friendship and that bond with everybody here -- coaches, athletes, everybody -- it's an amazing experience. And I'm glad that I can be a part of it and make a difference in somebody else's life."
Titman will represent the Army in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, track and field, swimming and cycling.
An avid athlete, the Damascus, Virginia, native started playing volleyball at a very young age and played throughout high school. In eighth grade, he picked up track, running competitively at all levels by ninth grade and throughout his high school career.
"Sports have always played a huge part in my life ever since I was little," Titman said. "It's been my go-to, just to relax and take my mind off of things, just to do something that betters me, physically and mentally."
After, high school, Titman attended college, intending to continue his athletic endeavors, but after a year, he decided to join the Army.
"Growing up, I never in a million years thought I'd join (the Army)" he said. "Six years later, here I am."
Titman's family has a history of service -- his father is a Marine Corps veteran, and Titman convinced his older brother to serve in the Army as well.
As an Air Defense noncommissioned officer, Titman has served stateside as well as in Germany, Afghanistan and Qatar.
He sustained injuries to his lower back while overseas and stateside and has degenerative disc disease, and bulging and herniated discs from L2 to S1. He joined the Fort Carson WTB last October and will medically retire in July. He plans to finish his degree in nursing upon retirement.
"It's been a little bit of a struggle for me because after six years I never thought I'd be getting out, but I have to take care of myself," he said. That's what's most important."
The support from the WTB staff and the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports have made all the difference in Titman's recovery and transition, he said.
"The WTU leadership team has played a humungous part in my recovery," Titman said. "I was told that I would never be able to run again or to be able to play certain sports again, and for them to be able to assist me and try to get me better has been amazing. I never thought I'd be here on the track again, but here I am."
Because of the impact, sports that Titman previously enjoyed like standing volleyball and long distance running are difficult with his back injury. But running, swimming and cycling short distances and participating in seated sports offers a reprieve from some of the pain -- and the benefit of team camaraderie.
"I know everyone's always preaching medals, Chairman's Cup, and that's amazing. No one wants to come and compete and lose. I don't know anybody that does. So that is in my mind," Titman said. "But for me, ultimately, it's about the friends, and it's about the bonds. It's about getting out here and communicating with one another and talking about what you face in life and what your struggles are and helping each other overcome that."
Related Links:
http://armymedicine.mil/Pages/Home.aspx
Social Sharing