Adaptive Sports Inspire Wounded Veteran
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2010 – Wounded military members struggle with an endless set of challenges in overcoming their physical and mental disabilities. And no one may understand what it takes to get past those hurdles better than Army veteran John Register.
John Register, associate director of community and military programs for the U.S. Paralympics Committee, speaks at a Pentagon news conference Jan. 7, 2010. DoD photo by R.D. Ward
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Ironically, Register’s left leg was amputated in 1994 following an accident in which he jumped across a hurdle. A member of the Army’s World Class Athlete program, he landed wrong and dislocated his knee while training for a track and field event.
Register now directs the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympics military programs for disabled veterans. He was in the Pentagon yesterday to help the Defense Department and U.S. Olympic Committee announce the inaugural Warrior Games, which will take place May 10-14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The Gulf War veteran attests that overcoming his disability was difficult, but the power of sports helped him to discover a newfound sense of “liberation” through Paralympics sports and competition. He said he believes the Warrior Games and adaptive sports rehabilitation can have the same positive effect on others.
“The inaugural games, the Warrior Games, will be a great event,” Register said. “But I think that the greatest thing that’s going to come from this is the impact that will happen after the games are over, the legacies that will be left in the communities when the people return home to share their experiences.”
The Paralympics division of the U.S. Olympic Committee has been working with wounded veterans since 2003 to enhance their lives through sports. Many military members dealing with amputations, loss of limb function and even traumatic brain injury have garnered a second chance at life, using sports to build confidence and self esteem, said Register, a two-time Paralympian and silver medalist.
Sports were a very important part of Register’s life. He was a collegiate all-American and a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program in track and field. But for a short time, all of that changed. His six-year Army career ended along with his Olympic dreams the day he decided to let the doctors amputate his leg.
“I was faced with a choice: either to keep my limb and use a walker or wheelchair or some other type of assistive device to get around for my mobility, or to undertake an amputation,” he said. “I chose amputation, and when I did so, my life immediately changed.”
Register began swimming and was fortunate enough to reach the world-class level again. He competed in the 1996 Paralympics Games, and two years later began running and competing once again in the long jump. He won his silver medal in the games in Sydney, Australia.
“Through faith and family and sport -- especially sport, and Paralympics sport -- I really found the liberation of freedom, so to speak, as I once enjoyed life as I knew it,” he said.
As the associate director for community and military programs for the Paralympics, Register now focuses on helping other disabled veterans realize their potential. He said he hopes to help all wounded veterans realize that just because they’re disabled, they’re not incapable.
“No matter how we come to our life-defining moments in time, we have a choice in which we can move forward,” he said. “We can either choose to settle into our setbacks, or we can soar forward knowing that we have those support networks and support groups around us that can help us get to and get back to those active lifestyles that we once enjoyed before we were injured.”
Adaptive sports also provide an opportunity for recovered veterans to give back to newly injured troops. Athletes often participate in their communities and at veterans hospitals as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and helping those who are less optimistic about their disabilities.
“Through sports, we begin to carve a new path in their lives by allowing the servicemember to see their continued value to society and regain an active lifestyle, whether that's with their family or friends or their military or civilian communities,” he said. “Sports really does make a difference.
“Yes, it was the platform for me,” he continued, “but I can do anything I want to now, because … I've found myself again. And when I've found myself again, I can get back and engage into life.”
Related Sites:
U.S. Paralympics Committee
Related Articles:
Wounded Vets to Participate in First Warrior Games
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Why Visiting Disney Alone Isnt So Bad? (from http://wdwcentral.wordpress.com)
I found a new friend from seeing this on Twitter :) and as I read it through and thought about all the many times I have been at WDW Parks by myself I realized that the reasons given in this blog were oh so true :)
ENJOY! KD <><>5 Reasons Visiting Alone Really Isn’t So Bad
I’ve never taken a solo trip to Walt Disney World before – but while in the parks, my party has split up a few times to do their own thing. While it may seem like traveling to WDW alone is boring, awkward, and lonely, there are more pros to it than cons. Here’s why experiencing the magic solo really isn’t so bad.
[1] Be an early bird or a night owl. Or both. When you travel with family or friends, there is a great chance that some people are early birds and some are night owls. This means that there’s obviously going to be conflict when deciding what time to get to the parks and what time to leave. When you’re by yourself, you have all power. Do what you want. Get up early and stay up late all on the same day. It’s whatever you feel like.
[2] Let your vacationing style rule. I talked earlier about our different vacation styles – some people (like me) are only interested in getting every ride done, while others tend to take it easy, have a snack, then do a ride or two. When traveling with other people you’ll once again have a conflict. Some want to have a snack, while others want to keep riding rides. If you’re visiting solo, it’s up to you! Take a look in a gift shop if you want – then ride some rides, then eat a snack.
[3] Eat what and when you want to. Eating alone is probably the most boring and awkward thing to do during your solo visit. But don’t focus on that. Instead, keep in mind that you get to choose when and where to eat. You’re in control of your stomach for the entire trip – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eat at fancy restaurants, counter-service places or even McDonald’s. It’s all your decision.
[4] Buy as many or as little souvenirs as you want. Usually when you travel with others (no matter how many times you’ve been), someone in your party wants to get something. Well now that you’re all alone, you don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to – or you can buy anything you do want to. It’s really a happy situation! Also, if you don’t even want to look in a gift shop, that’s totally cool too. No one will mind.
[5] You can do something ‘Goofy’. For me, it’s riding the Haunted Mansion many times in a row during the Extra Magic Hours – which means I’m the only one riding – so I take some…confession time…flash pictures simply to see what the attraction looks like with the ‘lights on’. Everyone has their little quirks and silly things they like to do. And when you travel by yourself, you’re completely free to do them.
Obviously, the main point through this entire article is that you have complete freedom to do whatever you want to do (as long as it’s legal, of course). There is no one there to criticize you – it’s absolutely up to you. And it doesn’t matter if anyone thinks it’s stupid, silly, a waste of time, or anything else – because no one will be there to care!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Two Questions...From My Mom
I got this as a forward from my Mom who NEVER forwards anything so you know it has to be good..ENJOY :)
Life really boils down
to 2 questions...
1. Should I get a dog.....?
OR...
2. Should I have children?
Now that I made you smile, pass it on to someone else who needs a laugh today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just to let you know I'm thinking of you today. No matter what situations life throws at you... No matter how long and treacherous your journey may seem.. Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
You're laughing aren't you? That's good 'cause my job here is done!
Have a great day and remember to give thanks....
Cats are so dramatic!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A Dear Friend's Blog
Press Release:
Mosaic Church pastor Mike Furches will as Santa once again visit the homeless in Wichita on Saturday, December 19. At this time winter items will be distributed to the homeless as well as serving coffee and refreshments and providing additional winter wear. Attached is an article about yesterdays visit with the homeless in Wichita. Individuals willing to help out or to donate items can contact Mosaic Wicihta at the following number: 316-305-0491. This week items are expected to be distributed to various locations and parks where the homeless congregate during the winter. The following describes yesterdays events.
The article can be seen in its original form along with additional contact information and methods of contributing at the following link: http://thevirtualpew.blogspot.
Santa Visits The Homeless
As I stand there as Santa going HO HO HO, and waving at the passers by at the downtown Library, there is a lady sitting on a bench smiling and waving at me. I leave some of the kids and walk over to the small lady who looks unusually out of place. This is after all a place where the homeless congregate through the day. Next to her is a man in layered clothing, a stocking cap, looking me in the eyes, swearing he has seen me someplace before and telling me that he knows me. He takes off his stocking cap to reveal his balding head and asks me if I think he looks familiar. I smile, “I haven’t seen you since you were a little boy.” As I laugh, he responds in all sincerity, “No, I know you from some place.”The lady sitting next to him on the bench is dressed in nice clothes; she has on rather expensive fur covered boots. Her designer stocking cap reveals she has had money. It is clean enough that it is clear that she has had some income recently. Her nails are done up quite nicely, they are bright red and covered in snowflake decorations. It is clear, they were professionally done. She is smiling now, she has nice, clean, well kept, teeth, and I later find out that she has only been on the streets for a few days. She is scared; she knows she is in a dangerous place. Ken, the man with her has kind of adopted her to keep her safe. It seems as if Nancy was recently had some bad things happen to her that wasn’t all her fought, yet, she suffers the consequences of a bad economy bad luck, and of having no one to help her in this time of crises. Nancy looks to be in her early to mid fifties. She has maintained her age, but the few days she has been on the streets have already started to weigh on her, not just her looks though, but her spirit.
Ken asks Nancy, “Do you want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas?” Nancy simply responds with a smile and motions with her finger for me to come close to her. She wants me to give her a kiss on the cheek, so I do. She then whispers in my ear, ‘Santa, I just want a better life and for people to respect me.” I am ready to cry; I pull a way, keep it together and start to speak. Nancy takes her finger and puts it up next to her nose as she starts to cry, she whispers, “shhhh.” I know her wish is between her, me, and God.I see another man come by on his bicycle. He is a lucky one because some punk(s) in town have been stealing bicycles from the homeless. It is why several of them have requested that someone consider giving them measured cuts of chain with a lock. It will help them keep their bicycles. Some of the men I speak to today have stated that they are walking as much as 15 miles a day. So much for the idea that the homeless being lazy. I ask this man if he wants a cup of coffee. He gladly accepts. Who knew that an inexpensive cup of coffee would go so far as to show a human being that they are cared for and loved? I ask him if he wants any food. I can tell he wants it, but he is too embarrassed to take it. There are about around 10 cans of food in the bag, a box of crackers, simple things. I ask him if he would like a backpack. He is more inclined to jump at the offer. I then ask him; “Why don’t you just take the food with the backpack?” He gladly accepts then, knowing that he can at least now carry the food, plus other things that he needs. He isn’t unlike others, all of our backpacks and gloves were quick to go along with around 40 or so coats and sweaters. That was about half of what we started with, and with each one there was a story, a life, a human being who wants to feel loved and cared for at Christmas.
I was amazed at how open many of the individuals I came into contact with today were far more open to going up to Santa than they were a regular person. Many still believe, not in the myth, but the concept. They all asked for simple things, things many of us take for granted. The asked for things like, a place to spend the night, a warm winter, a job, a better economy, that the children could have a good Christmas since so many people were out of work.
Several men walk over toward where Chris, Adam, and the two Mary’s are serving coffee. They see Santa over waving at the cars, two of them garnish huge smiles, they ask for a hug. “Santa, thanks for coming to see us,” one of them says with a big smile on across his face. He doesn’t have clean teeth; after all, he doesn’t have any real way of keeping them clean. Seems this man has been homeless for awhile, he is lucky, he and several other homeless people actually have a friend they are crashing with. I ask him if he wants a coat. He quickly picks out a small brown corduroy coat; it isn’t quite big enough for him and is used. We talk awhile; before long he is calling me Pastor Mike instead of Santa, in fact, most everyone is now calling Santa, Pastor Mike. I have to remind them, “Today, I am Santa. Tomorrow I am Pastor Mike.” “Okay Pastor Mike, I mean Santa.” They respond with a big grin.We talk some more, I am told over and over again, “Thank you so much, you have no idea how much we appreciate this.” “What you all are doing is so wonderful.” They say with as much sincerity as any thank you I have heard in a very long time. Charles and I speak for over thirty minutes; on occasion we are stopped by the children running out of the Girl Scout meetings and celebration being held at the Century 2 Civic Center next to the library. They want to have their photos made with Santa, they are thrilled, cars at the busy intersection are blowing their horns waving, and the Trolleys are driving by, every single one of them ringing their bells. Everyone seems to be happy to see Santa, except for the city busses and police officers who drive by. I guess there is some kind of law that these folks, on this day, can’t show too much joy. Charles though, he asks about the church, he can’t believe that anyone would go out of their way to show love like this. I point out to him, “Hey Charles, there is a nice big, brand new coat, would you like that one as I reach down to pick it up.” His eyes get as big as a kid at a candy store. “Wow, look at that, that is a really nice coat, it is brand new.” “Can I have that one?” He asks, “Sure.” I respond. “It’s yours.” He takes off the older coat, and immediately puts it on. “Wow! If I would have had this one earlier in the week when it was below zero I wouldn’t have been so afraid of dying.”
I’m back with Ken and Nancy now, in front of the library at the bench. I am now sitting on the bench with them. Nancy is crying, she gets a phone call on her cell from her mother. Her mother lives out of state; she is worried about this new situation her daughter is in. She asks to speak to me. I tell her mother that I am praying for her, that I really am a pastor. She says to me over the miles: “Thank you so much, this year you really are Santa, just encouraging my daughter is important, to say you love and care for her means so much.” I about tear up, but I hold it together. Ken then tells me, “Pastor Mike, I just want her to be safe, I am concerned. I would normally make up a sign and go panhandle for her, but I hate doing that scam. You know what I am talking about?” I tell him I do. “The streets aren’t a place for a nice lady.” He tells me. My heart breaks. I decide I need to pray for these two. Nancy is still talking on the phone with her mom. “Mom, Santa Pastor Mike is going to pray for me.” Nancy holds the phone up so her mom can hear the prayer I offer as I hug these two human beings created in the image of God.
It isn’t much later and I have to leave. I long, I pray for, I wish I had the property to buy a three story building in downtown Wichita. The first floor, church, then through the week, a place where people in need, the homeless, the abused, the runaway, can come and get services, a place to be safe, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, get some food to snack on, and drinks. We would have computers and wi-fi so these individuals could touch base with others, and then use current technology to do the things the rest of us need to do. The second floor, it would have a place to offer emergency housing for those needing it, in a safe environment where people like Nancy wouldn’t have to be afraid. The third floor, well I would reside there and if large enough find a way to house others who worked with the program. Of course these are dreams but dreams are all we have sometimes. Of course when those dreams come true, we can experience part of Heaven on earth.That was my day, my day until on the way home I tell my wife about Nancy and her request: ‘Santa, I just want a better life and for people to respect me.” Earlier in the day, I held it together; I only started to tear up. On the way home, in our dark car, I didn’t do so well, this time, well this time I broke down. Nancy deserves both of her wishes; my prayer is that she will get it.
Today was a good day, I think we do it again next week, then maybe the week after, and if Santa gets his wish, each and every day, why, because God created all humans in his image, not just those with nice homes, good jobs, and fancy clothes, but the down and out, the hard luck, and yes, the homeless.
Words from Jesus follow:(31) "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. (32) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
(34) "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
(37) "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? (38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? (39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
(40) "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
(41) "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (42) For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, (43) I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
(44) "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
(45) "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
(46) "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." ~ Matthew 25: 31-46 (NIV)
The following is an older Christmas Song, one many has heard but with new images, watch, think of these individuals and others that need warmth and love this Christmas. To view the video, simply click on it, if the video don't appear, click on the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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