ARLINGTON, Va. - Several Soldiers assigned to the Fort Bragg Warrior Transition Battalion traveled to Charlotte, N.C. to experience a different type of team building, the sink or swim kind. The WTB's adaptive reconditioning program took the Soldiers in transition to the U.S. National Whitewater Training Center for a little "rapid" recovery.
At the USNWC, the Warriors were briefed on the basics of whitewater rafting before being guided along the rapids. Then, the Soldiers took to the water to work on the different techniques as a crew. Master Sgt. Rolando Colon picked a beauty of a first experience. "This was my first event with the WTB's adaptive reconditioning program. I have only been with the WTB for a short amount of time and luckily I got into the adaptive sports program right off the bat." Colon came to the WTB at FT Bragg with Post Traumatic Stress Disease and other injuries after multiple deployments that made him seek help.
Whitewater rafting works well as a team building event because of the trust and support required to navigate the waters and get through the ride. Those elements and the experience led to something else keeping Colon upright in the water. "On this trip, I immediately felt like one of the family. The sports staff, Robyn Womac and Chris Uggiano, and all the Warriors who participate are terrific to be around. I feel like everyone here truly cares about my recovery."
The time spent at this event has helped Fort Bragg WTB Soldiers focus on four of the six domains of the comprehensive transition plan; the physical, emotional, spiritual and social … and they did it as a team in the rapids. Master Sgt. Colon soaked it all in. "My confidence was lacking and I was second guessing my ability in everything. Since this event, I have stepped forward to participate in different events with Wounded Warriors, including the Atlantic Regional Trials at Fort Benning, Ga.
For Colon, the trip down the rapids also brought a bit of perspective. "The positive energy I got from this trip has given me an upbeat outlook for things to come." Hopefully, it will also help him have a "rapid" recovery!
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