Wounded warrior returns from Warrior Games

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., --  A Beale Air Force Base wounded warrior joined hundreds of other wounded warriors to compete at the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11-16.

Master Sgt. Axel, and fellow service members comprised five U.S. teams representing the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard and Special Operations, along with one international team from the United Kingdom. The teams competed in seven different sports, including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track & field and wheelchair basketball.

Axel competed in archery, shooting and sitting-volleyball. He began training for the events in January.

"The experience I had I don't think I'll ever be able to duplicate anywhere else," Axel said. "Competing with my fellow wounded warriors gave me a feeling of pride. We didn't view each other as disabled, but as great athletes and warriors."

The competition was fierce as the Puerto Rican native finished tied for 18th in the prone rifle competition out of 30 competitors and was 2nd amongst Air Force participants.

He had the most fun competing in the archery competition. Nervousness was flowing through him with all the eyes of the crowd upon him, but once he released his first arrow the jitters went away, and he was able to enjoy the moment.

Although winning medals and placing near the top of events is the goal of every warrior, the experience and relationships trump any medal.

"The physical and mental challenges experienced at the warrior games were unlike any other. These challenges adaptive sports present combined with the camaraderie with fellow competitors result in the best therapy," Axel said.

In addition to the positive impact the games had upon warriors, their families were also able to gain valuable insight into the positivity the Warrior Games bring to their loved ones.

"We the families see the change in our warriors," said Axel's wife. "It's really important what these games do for injured service members. For them to have something to be good at is so positive."

Axel had a moment of realization during his warrior game journey.

"I had a moment of clarity in the closing ceremonies, which was my favorite part of the Warrior Games," Axel said. "In that moment I realized all we accomplished, and I saw all that we pushed ourselves to do. We came together as a team and pushed ourselves to the limit. Experiencing the sensation of accomplishment and happiness was a beautiful thing."

The Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran already has plans to return to next year's Warrior Games.

"Without hesitation I'm returning next year better than ever," Axel said. "My goal is to win a medal; Not for myself, but for the Air Force and all those who have helped my recovery, especially my family."