Soldiers assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) hosted Juan Manuel (JM) Correa, a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Formula 3 Driver, for a day of range shooting, drift-car racing and a tour of the units Combat Readiness Training Facility at Camp “Bull” Simons, Oct. 27, 2021.
JM Correa visited with a group of wounded warriors to share his own experiences of recovering from a horrific injury. Correa suffered significant trauma from a near career-ending accident in Aug. 2019 while driving in the Formula 2 championship at Spa-Francorchamps FIA in Belgium. After undergoing a full year of intensive recovery, Correa has been inspiring others who have overcome traumatic injuries and returning to service or their chosen profession. Throughout his journey, Correa has developed an even deeper respect for all wounded warriors and the challenges they face during their own recovery process.
“Before my accident, I was starting to get involved with military programs and wounded warriors,” said Correa “but after my accident, I now feel a great connection with wounded service members.”
7th SFG(A) Soldiers have been continuously deployed around the world in support of contingency operations since the attacks of 9/11. During these deployments, 7th SFG(A) has suffered more than 50 casualties and countless wounded Soldiers as a result of engagements with the enemy. As part of 7th SFG(A)’s commitment to its Soldiers, various programs have been established to assist in rehabilitation and recovery efforts for both Soldiers and their Families.
Step One Automotive Group, the organization that sponsors Correa, collaborated with 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) to champion the days activities recognizing members of the unit who had also experienced traumatic injuries as a result of combat and ultimately returned to service. After receiving a special forces capabilities brief and tour of the CRTF, Correa had a new perspective on the care provided to 7th SFG(A) wounded warriors.
Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning Program (THOR3) which emphasizes human performance and exercise rehabilitation has been monumental in returning wounded Soldiers back to full duty. The Human Performance and Wellness Program provides integrative, high-performance services that maximizes the spiritual, mental, and physical health and potential of not just our Soldiers, but also their Families.
A team of expert health and wellness doctors, coaches, mental and physical therapists, and spiritual leaders work seamlessly together to ensure Families are nurtured, connected, and thriving after suffering horrific injuries in combat.
“We have an extensive program designed to rehabilitate those who have experienced severe injuries.” Said Dr. Tamara Copes, a 7th SFG(A) therapist.
The visit was a resounding success that forged new friendships and partners in the face of challenges due to catastrophic injuries. Together, each piece of the puzzle gets put back together to return heroes back to service and contributing to the mission, whether that is winning a racing championship, or defending freedom.
For more information on 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), visit https://www.facebook.com/7thspecialforcesgroup.
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