Staff Sgt. Rob Brown, Sgt. Ryan McIntosh and Staff Sgt. Michael Lukow have one mission; to help wounded ill and injured Soldiers reach their full potential.
The three Soldiers along with Capt. Kelly Elmlinger are currently mentors at the Army Warrior Care and Transition's 2017 Army Trials at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Approximately 80 ill and injured active-duty Soldiers and Army Veteran athletes will train to earn a spot on Team Army. If selected, competitors will participate in the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games, June 30 -- July 8 in Chicago, Illinois.
The athletes will compete in adaptive sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, and wheelchair basketball.
"When athletes reach their Warrior Transition Units in an effort to heal, they sometimes think this is the end. I want them to know this is just the beginning. Participating in these sports opens up a whole new world," Said Staff Sgt. Rob Brown.
After deploying to Iraq in 2006, Brown would endure multiple gunshot wounds and the loss of his right leg. An avid athlete himself, in 2015 he won a gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the Military World Games and a silver in the 200. He hopes to keep the athletes motivated.
"I've been in their shoes. I've been there, and I want them to know they have a purpose, it's more than just participating in sports," he explained.
Staff Sgt. Ryan McIntosh, a Paralympic Liaison for the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program echoed the same sentiment.
"My job is to find new Soldiers for the WCAP program. As a below the knee amputee, I can relate. I want to build and instill the drive to continue competing. But it also takes building the Soldier from the ground up from a recovery stand point," McIntosh said.
"All systems need to work on all cylinders. You have to help the Soldier emotionally, spiritually and physically in an effort to reach their potential, and that's why we're here," added Lukow.
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