Offutt AFB Medics Impressed With Veterans Published Sept. 12, 2008 By 55th Wing Medical Group OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- During the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games over 400 people from Offutt volunteered to help make the 2008 games a success. Volunteers included active duty members, clinical lab students, civilians, contractors and family members. At least one Offutt representative was engaged in every activity from unloading participants and luggage at the airport to keeping score during bowling to cleaning up behind the scenes. Over 4500 volunteers from the Omaha area helped make the games one of the best in terms of logistical support. Here are a few testimonials from base volunteers: "This opportunity to assist our disabled veterans was an absolute honor. The sheer drive and failure isn't an option attitude really inspired me to set a goal and continue until I meet or surpass it." "The whole experience was a real eye opener. I was amazed by the determination of these athletes. Nothing stops them. I was glad I had the opportunity to help make this event possible." "I enjoyed this event probably more than any volunteer position I've done in the past because these folks inspired me with their motivation and perseverance in life and living. Nothing seemed to bring them down that day." "I helped with carrying baggage, airline/ticket check-in, and getting veterans onto their flights. We had a great time helping out; the Vets were an amazing group of people, very friendly, independent and easy going. All-in-all, it was a fun experience." The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is a multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems. Attracting more than 500 athletes each year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world Those involved in this event are committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities and fostering better health through sports competition. While past games have produced a number of national and world-class champions, the games also provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes. Usually, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition. Next year's games will be held in Spokane, Wash., July 13-18.