Photo By Robert Whetstone | U.S. Army veteran Joshua Andrew stands at the top of the podium after winning the gold...... read more read more
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By Robert Whetstone, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
FORT BLISS, Texas – Army veteran Joshua Andrew knew from a tender age what his calling in life would be as he played "Soldier" with his Golden Labrador Retriever in the woods behind his grandparents’ house in the state of Washington. What he didn’t know years later was the medal draped around his neck at the Army Trials for winning the shot put would be the same color as his dog.
Last week, approximately 80 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and veterans were at Fort Bliss, Texas, competing in a series of athletic events including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. Army Trials help determine who will get a spot on the Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015 Army Team in June at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Coaches and leaders will assess the results and select athletes for the Army team.
Andrew won the open shot put with a throw of 14.36 meters, but his influence and determination comes from a place much farther than 47 feet and 1 inch.
There is no mistake that Andrew was destined to join the family business. His grandfather was a diesel mechanic in the Navy during World War II. When teachers would ask who knew someone that served in WWII, Andrew was the kid who raised his hand.
“I used to wear my grandfather’s pea coat around the house,” said Andrew. “My father and grandfather taught me to do things right the first time, even if it takes a little longer, and to be proud of what I do.”
Andrew got a healthy dose of paying attention to detail, which translated into him learning the technical skill of throwing the shot put. According to him, children need structure and discipline, and he was getting it in spades from the adults in his life. This environment made it simple for him to grasp and hold on to the Army values.
“The military came so easy, so natural, it was like the missing piece in my life,” he said.
The Army Trials can be viewed like an event similar to a family reunion. Athletes get to reconnect with old members of the "family" and welcome in new blood.
“From the time you show up in the military, you get a battle buddy,” said Andrew. “You are assigned one person to look after, and they look after you. As you move up in the ranks, you start getting more people assigned to you that depend on you as a leader or as a teammate.”
Each athlete has a commonality that goes beyond the uniform, but remains steeped in tradition.
“Being out here (Army Trials), this is our Army team,” stated Andrew. “Individuals come from all walks of life; they have walked in the same steps that I have.”
Andrew talked about the importance of adaptive sports and athletic reconditioning and how it brings new life to the participants. Soldiers on active duty, veterans and retirees have a tremendous sense of duty that never wanes.
“When everyone comes together in a situation like this, regardless of the outcome, everybody performs better and leaves happier,” said Andrew.
Selfless service and respect are oozing through the veins of the staff, coaches, athletes and USO personnel at every venue during training and during the medal competitions.
“No matter what I do, if I can help an individual improve in their own way, then that’s what I’ll do," said Andrew.
This attitude does not come lightly. It comes from sweat, blood and tears seen genuinely in those who volunteer to serve in the Army.
The athletes have pushed and punished their bodies far beyond even what they thought was possible. When someone fell, coaches exhorted them to endure and fellow athletes stood at the ready to motive and if necessary, carry their comrade to the finish line.
“The nurture aspect of any good Army leader is to love the individuals around you,” said Andrew. “You have to treat them like they’re your own flesh and blood, your own family.”
Competition ended April 2 and these athletes went their separate ways. However, the loyalty and attachment seen in a family is not separated by time and distance.
“You look over your shoulder and you think, man, I miss that already,” said Andrew, before departing Fort Bliss.
The Department of Defense 2015 Warrior Games is the next obstacle for athletes who are chosen to represent the Army. The services will collide in a spectacular fusion of color and tradition. There will be rivalry and camaraderie. Regardless of the team, attendees will see plenty of high-fives, fist bumps and honorable men and women enjoying a good old-fashioned family reunion.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2015 16:16 |
| Story ID: | 159457 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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