How do you respond to challenges?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Vanessa Warren
  • 26th Space Aggressor Squadron
Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. --  This week, I will not be at the Unit Training Assembly as I am working my second year as the coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Games Track team. I wanted to pass along what an extraordinary privilege it is to work with these amazing athletes, but I don't think anyone would argue the fact that these individuals defy the boundaries of the human spirit and supply many with incredible tales of motivation, dedication and courage.

When the Warrior Games come to town, people from all walks of life pour into the effort with awesome demonstrations of support and respect for our military service members. The encouragement and participation from individuals, companies, private organizations and military counterparts is nothing short of stupendous.

While this level of support and visibility is a great thing, I believe the part that is commonly missed is the introspection that should happen about what the efforts of these athletes mean in our own lives. What would you do if it were you? What obstacles do you have in your own life that you are unable (or unwilling) to overcome? How do you respond to the everyday challenges of your job or family demands? With an attitude of defeat or an air of confidence? Do you wake up every day and look for a way to make things work?

As I watch the track team practice and spend time talking with them about how they train and WHY they do what they do, I realize that their struggles, although different from many of us, are still struggles all the same and the main difference is the attitude they have in facing those hard battles ahead. They choose to see what CAN be done instead of what cannot. They turn to each other and learn to use the strength of a pack when the burden becomes too heavy for the shoulders of one. Having the opportunity to be among this group is one of the most amazing experiences I will ever have.

I hope that you can find time to come out and watch any portion of the actual Warrior Games competitions that are held in various locations around Colorado Springs. Come support the Air Force, come support the athletes, but most importantly, come to watch the miracles that happen and realize that just as they demonstrate, life can happen to you, but how you choose to make your life happen is entirely up to you.

The Wounded Warrior Games conclude Friday after a week of competitive events. For more information about the games, visit www.usparalympics.org or www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.

The Air Force track team earned first place in one event and third in two events during the track and field competition May 17.

Major Warren is the commander of the 26th SAS' Adversary Plans Flight. The 26th SAS is a geographically-separated unit under the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 926th Group. Members are integrated into regular Air Force squadrons, providing additional manpower and expertise.

(Information collected from www.af.mil.)