Hey All,

This week while at the gym I have been assisting staff there with the training of wounded warriors as they undergo their last stretch of training before the actual “2019 Wounded Warrior” competions begin in Tampa, Florida in just a few more days. I have been assisting those wounded warriors that will be competing in power lifting. When I was in the Army I was a professional power lifting / body building judge of soldiers competing in competitions in and around the vicinity of Savannah, Ga, so I have been able to help coach these soldiers to ensure they are using the proper power lifting techniques and to ensure that they don’t make any noticeable errors in lifting that could disqualify them by the official judges during the actual “Wounded Warrior” competitions.

I was sensitive to not want to take any pictures when the soldiers were actual lifting or to take any selfies with them in order to highlight their physical disabilities (such as amputated legs or arms, etc.) Just didn’t think it would be appropriate.

The parking lot outside the gym has also been used as the official storage location for all specialized sporting equipment to be used during the actual games.

The MacDill AFB gym and_ out door sporting facilities had been designated as the official training center for all wounded warrior participants that have made it to the finals and who will now be competing in the a actual “Wounded Warrior” competitions next week.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games were created in 2010 and designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic-style sports. The Warrior Games showcase the resilient spirit of today’s wounded, ill or injured service members from all branches of the military. After overcoming significant injuries and illnesses, these athletes prove that life can continue after becoming wounded, ill and injured. The U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) will host the 2019 Department of Defense (D0D) Warrior Games June 21-30 in Tampa, Fla.