Photo By Cpl. Nathan Knapke | Retired Lance Cpl. Tim Horton, a native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, who lost the lower...... read more read more
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WAIPAHU, Hawaii — As the sun set behind the Waianae Range on Oahu, bright stadium lights covered the Central Oahu Softball Complex as players prepared for their game against Honolulu Veterans Affairs, Jan. 9.
Like any other game, grounders, fly balls from batting practice encompassed the softball field before the game started.
But these weren’t ordinary softball players. Members of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, who lost limbs while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, donned their prosthetic limbs and prepared to play softball.
While playing softball, their goal was to show other amputees and the general population they are still able to play the sport they love, even after losing limbs.
“It’s a great program and has a great message,” said retired Lance Cpl. Joshua Wege, a native of Campbellsport, Wis., who lost parts of his legs while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan. “I strive to live my life with no limits and if I tell myself that I can do anything I set my mind to, then nothing will stop me from accomplishing my goal.”
The WWAST travels to different cities all over the U.S. playing softball games against a variety of teams. The team will travel to Viera, Fla., from Jan. 20 to 24 to spend time with the Washington Nationals during their spring training.
At the game, competitive, athletic veterans showed their ability to push the limits of modern prosthetic technology. As a team, a brotherhood was formed as they worked together to push through challenges faced while playing softball.
“I love playing softball with these guys … it’s good to be competitive again and play all over the United States, showing I can do everything I used to be able to do before my injury,” said retired Lance Cpl. Bobby McCardle, a native of Hales Corners, Wis., who lost part of his right leg while supporting combat operations in Iraq. “The bond we share is very strong. As we’ve traveled, we’ve formed a close brotherhood.”
Friends and family cheered for the wounded warriors as they swung for both the fences and the win. In the first inning, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Todd Reed hit a home run. Reed, a Phoenix native, lost his right foot while supporting combat operations during the Gulf War. The home run set the tone for the remainder of the inning. The WWAST scored five runs in the first inning with the help of Reed’s longball.
Scoring more runs than the other team was a common trend throughout the game. The wounded warriors outscored their opponent every inning except one. Their defense also proved strong, preventing more than four runs from being scored in one inning and turning ground balls into double plays. The final score was 20-8, with the WWAST finishing on top.
“We want to show other amputees and everyone who sees or hears about us that life without a limb is limitless,” Wege said.
The teams shook hands, exchanging hugs with smiles and laughter. After they posed for pictures, they packed up their gear and started preparing for their next game. The WWAST continued to play games in Hawaii through Jan. 13, and will make their way to New Orleans, La., Jan. 29, for games against NFL Alumni.
Retired Lance Cpl. Tim Horton, a native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, who lost the lower part of his left leg while serving in Iraq, prepares to run toward second base during a softball game at the Central Oahu Softball Complex, Jan. 9. The team, comprised of 14 active duty and retired Marines and soldiers, play despite amputations they sustained while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. They bombarded their opponents, Honolulu Veterans Affairs, with line drives and home runs to finish on top, 20-8
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2013 15:14 |
| Story ID: | 100756 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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