Spc. Angel Euson: Facing life's challenges head on

Spc. Angel Euson: Facing life's challenges head on

By Annette P. Gomes Warrior Care Transition

ARLINGTON, Va. - Like the phoenix, Spc. Angel Euson is rising from the ashes and getting ready to face her next challenge.

"I can't even count how many times I've wanted to give up. It's so difficult to not get caught up in any setbacks or "failures" and there have been way too many to count," Euson said. "However, as cliché as it sounds, 'I don't give up' is the biggest motto I live by."

Currently Euson is looking to prove that motto at the 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games, June 2 -- 9 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She recently competed at the 2018 Army trials at Fort Bliss, Texas in which she won four gold medals in swimming, two in field and one in track. She is one of 40 athletes selected to represent Team Army at the Games.

"I'm super excited to go to Colorado! This is such a great opportunity and I feel so blessed to have made the team," she said.

Her journey to the Games began when she entered the Warrior Transition Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to heal after being injured. The recovery time brought about many changes for Euson including introducing her to adaptive sports. The Florida native says that she has a passion for learning new things and adaptive sports fit the bill.

"I was overwhelmed with how many different activities there were. I never thought I would have so many opportunities to try new things," Euson said. "I played sports my entire childhood all the way through high school and now I'm actively involved in swimming, shooting and shot-put. Adaptive sports taught me to get outside of my comfort zone and try something new!"

However, she says the biggest lesson she learned was "off the field."

[Adaptive sports] are a reminder of how far I've come in my recovery and how much stronger and happier I am now. The bonds formed and the support I've received from my teammates has been incredible."