Staff Sgt. Ashton Foster: The Motivator
By Annette P. Gomes, Warrior Care and Transition
ARLINGTON, Va. - In January of 2018, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ashton Foster suffered a shoulder and bicep injury while deployed to Romania that would change his position from the frontline to the sideline. Foster found himself at the Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina recovering from his injury and gaining the confidence to try something new.
"At first I was a little unsure about doing any sports post-surgery, but knowing that the staff is there to help you adapt to your new sport is great and it changed my mind about trying new things," Foster said. "I have several family members who were very athletic, however, it's interesting because in high school I was not an athlete, I was an athletic trainer. But I always enjoyed sports in church leagues and such," said Foster.
Foster tried all of the adaptive sports and has taken a liking to several including; shooting, cycling and sitting volleyball. He has also tried mountain biking several times. Now, seven days a week for nearly two hours a day, you can find Foster, with his iPod in tow, working out at the WTB gymnasium getting better and stronger.
"My workout varies among different sporting events like running, watt bike, walking and resistance training. I love cycling. I try to get out as much as I can. Granted, [it depends if] the weather is cooperating that day, but we know how that works in the Carolinas," the South Carolina native said.
Foster is heading to the 2019 Army Trials March 5 - 16 at Fort Bliss, Texas where he will join more than 100 wounded, ill or injured athletes competing for a spot on Team Army for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games, June 21 - 30 in Tampa, Fla. Foster will compete in shooting, cycling and sitting volleyball.
"I give 100 percent when it comes to competing in an effort to be the best I can be. I am excited to be participating this year at Fort Bliss. I've worked very hard alongside some other incredible athletes. We support and push each other to be our very best," he added.
Foster says while he's excited to participate, his time spent as an athletic trainer has helped him to train, adapt and get smarter as he adjusts to his new normal. He is thankful to the Warrior Care and Transition Program for helping to look forward, be happy and for setting him on a path that has given him a chance to compete at the 2019 Army Trials.
"I just feel honored to be invited to [the 2019 Army Trials] and to cheer on my fellow service members as we cross the finish line. As we start this event everyone will finish because as Soldiers, we finish Army Strong."
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