Army Soldier finds peace in a childhood sport

By Annette P. Gomes, Warrior Care TransitionJune 26, 2017

Army Soldier finds peace in a childhood sport
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

While most 14 year-olds are feeling teenage angst, Sgt. Matthew Lumapas was focused in another direction.

"I came across archery in middle school, one of the activities provided at that time. Of course, I was eager to try," Lumapas said. "As it turned out, I had skills I didn't know existed with the sports and excelled. During our middle school competition, I came in first with a record-setting score; six of six bulls eyes to win it all."

Determination has always been at the core of Lumapas success. His family migrated to the United States from the Philippines. After High School, he joined the army.

"My mother moved us from the Philippines to have a brighter future. I've always believed that moving to the United States has given me lots of opportunities in life; joining the army is a way of giving back to the country that has given me so much," he explained.

During a deployment to Honduras, Lumapas tore his right Achilles tendon. After surgery, he was assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Joint Base San Antonio.

"In the beginning adjusting to post-surgery was difficult. However, the WTB provides such high-quality care to its members and what was once difficult became normal," Lumapas said. "I knew that my injury was not as severe as others in the program, and returning to duty was just a matter of time. Having spent time in the WTB, getting to know Soldiers, you come to deeply appreciate the sacrifice that they have given."

During his recovery Lumapas would revisit a passion he once deeply appreciated and often brought him success. "The last time I had held a bow was in middle school. But while at the WTB, I picked one up again and found that archery provided peace for me. As you get ready to aim you have tunnel vision. It's me standing alone in a field of grass, just me and the target. A certain amount of concentration is needed, fairly similar to shooting a rifle, however archery has something different about it. It has a more serene and graceful feeling.

Like Lumapas many wounded, ill and injured Soldiers have discovered the therapeutic benefits of archery and the many similarities it has to the military mindset.

"It's about discipline, focus, frequent training, fitness and clarity of the mind for absolute situational awareness. Even if you're "out of the fight," you still use the attributes that the Army has taught you. Those lessons never leave you."

After 10 years of service, Lumapas retired in May of 2017.