Army Trials 2017 is almost here…

By Christopher Fields, Warrior Care and TransitionMarch 27, 2017

Army Trials 2017 is almost here…
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BLISS, TEXAS -- Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division come to the Robert Loeza Soldier Activity Center to relax, study and climb the rock wall. But today, in the rear gym turned into a temporary storage facility, some of those same Soldiers are turning rows of boxes into mountains of packing debris as they unbox equipment and supplies. Rows of recumbent bikes, racing wheelchairs and other adaptive sporting equipment begin to take the place of the boxes. The first tangible sign that Army Warrior Care and Transition's 2017 Army Trials is almost here.

In a few days, more than 90 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans from across the country will descend on Fort Bliss for the third straight year to train and compete against each other in archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field and wheelchair basketball. In anticipation of their arrival, Army WCT staff is now at Fort Bliss to complete the final preparations for Army Trials.

"We are so excited to finally be here on the ground," says Master Sgt. Teresa Shoals-Green, non-commissioned officer in charge of adaptive reconditioning. "We've spent a lot of time planning everything and we can't wait to get into execution mode."

Since arriving at Fort Bliss, the staff has been trying to make sure everything is ready to go when the Soldier athletes arrive. Every detail from transportation to water needs is being reviewed in final planning meetings and reconnaissance of routes to venues are being conducted. With only a few days left before the athletes arrive, the staff is working hard to make sure everything is perfect.

"This is a huge event and it's very important to these Soldiers and veterans," says Jenny Sullivan, the adaptive reconditioning program manager for WCT and lead for Army Trials 2017. "They have all worked really hard for this opportunity and it's our job to make sure this is a great event and they have a great time here competing for a chance to be on Team Army and go to Warrior Games this summer."

The wait is almost over. The athletes will arrive and the training will begin. Soon volleyballs will be spiked, targets will be punctured and wheelchairs will race around the track and up the court. The competition will begin and medals will be given out. In just a few days, Army Trials 2017 will finally be here.