Wounded Warriors Practice For National Contest At UTEP

Gunfire is a sound many Army service members are familiar with. Now, it’s the sounds of recovery and triumph over debilitating disabilities.

It’s all part of a Warrior Games shooting clinic that took place all week at the University of Texas El Paso.

Twenty-five service men and woman from all over the country came to hone their shooting skills in the hopes of making the team that will represent the Army in the upcoming Warrior Games on April 30th.

“This year we’re pretty excited. We’ve put together a great team of warriors. They have performed very well during the clinics and we see a lot of promise. So the other services, look out, the army team is going to be pretty strong this year,” said Master Sgt. Howard Day.

But it’s not just about performance and skill, it’s also about rehabilitating those who sacrificed their health for our country.

“That helped me to overcome my disabilities and to show ability over disability,” said veteran Warrior Games participant Kenny Griffith.

Some contestants, like first-timer Staff Sgt. Vester Hasson, are even planning to return to duty soon after the games.

“Training for these games has helped me to stay motivated and positive in my rehab so that I can return to duty,” said Hasson.

The coaches said they were confident this year’s team was going to do even better than last year.

But win or lose, the serviceman are ready to compete.

“I’ve got a fair chance. I’m going to do my best,” said Hasson.