Making the adjustment back to civilian life is never easy for a veteran, and it's even more difficult for those who have been injured.
Tyrone native Sean Hook spent 12 years in the army. During his deployment in Iraq his unit was hit with 2 separate IED's.
"I'm blessed to be here. Not many people get blown up twice and walk away," Army Veteran Sean Hook says.
Hook, who suffered shoulder and brain injuries, was one of 15 Wounded Warriors from across the nation taking part in the Penn State Indoor Track, Field and Swim Meet.
Since returning home, hook has taken up the shot put...and he's set his expectations high.
"That's the biggest thing. The goal orientation that this sport has. The more you apply yourself and the more you do the better off you are and that's a big part because that's what the military is all about.
While the Wounded Warriors appreciate the competition, being together as a group goes a long way in the healing process.
"I can talk to someone with a spinal cord injury. I can talk to somebody with a missing limb and we all understand each other because we've all been there and it doesn't matter what background you come from we're a family," Wounded Warrior Jeannette Tarqueno says,
A sentiment echoed by former Penn State track coach Teri Jordan, who now focuses full time on the wounded warrior project.
"They're my inspiration. I mean they come with a smile on their face and a positive attitude and they inspire everyone to reach for higher heights and I can't tell you how awesome it is to work with them," PSU Ability Athletics Coach Teri Jordan says.
The tryouts for the "Warrior Games are set for May 9th in Colorado Springs.
Tyrone native Sean Hook spent 12 years in the army. During his deployment in Iraq his unit was hit with 2 separate IED's.
"I'm blessed to be here. Not many people get blown up twice and walk away," Army Veteran Sean Hook says.
Hook, who suffered shoulder and brain injuries, was one of 15 Wounded Warriors from across the nation taking part in the Penn State Indoor Track, Field and Swim Meet.
Since returning home, hook has taken up the shot put...and he's set his expectations high.
"That's the biggest thing. The goal orientation that this sport has. The more you apply yourself and the more you do the better off you are and that's a big part because that's what the military is all about.
While the Wounded Warriors appreciate the competition, being together as a group goes a long way in the healing process.
"I can talk to someone with a spinal cord injury. I can talk to somebody with a missing limb and we all understand each other because we've all been there and it doesn't matter what background you come from we're a family," Wounded Warrior Jeannette Tarqueno says,
A sentiment echoed by former Penn State track coach Teri Jordan, who now focuses full time on the wounded warrior project.
"They're my inspiration. I mean they come with a smile on their face and a positive attitude and they inspire everyone to reach for higher heights and I can't tell you how awesome it is to work with them," PSU Ability Athletics Coach Teri Jordan says.
The tryouts for the "Warrior Games are set for May 9th in Colorado Springs.
Comments
Here;s a beautiful video tribute to a wounded warrior. a real "must share"
http://youtu.be/ncRHPdaaSkQ
Detrick D.
February 4, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.