WWAST compete against JB Charleston, inspire others

Published April 14, 2016
By Senior Airman Clayton Cupit
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Members of the Joint Base Charleston and Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Teams battled it out April 23, 2016, at Patriot's Point in Charleston, S.C.

The WWAST is comprised of veterans and active-duty service members who have lost limbs but won't let that disability to keep them from being competitive in athletics. They travel the country and play able-bodied softball teams competitively or through exhibition and celebrity games.

According to WWAST, they are a public charity organization whose mission it is to inspire and educate others while enhancing the health and welfare of other wounded warrior amputees.

For the second consecutive year the WWAST traveled to Charleston, S.C. to motivate the local communities.

"To host an event like this, it really takes a collaboration from all the different partners in the community," said Patty Coker-Bolt, associate professor at Medical University of South Carolina. "Our partners included College of Charleston, JB Charleston, the Citadel and some local businesses."

"This is our second year hosting the event," said Coker-Bolt. "Last year we were at Joe Riley Stadium and played against a Citadel alumni team and that was a ton of fun!"
According to Coker-Bolt, they wanted to do some things a little different this year.

"We held a camp for children with disabilities and had the wounded warrior team interact with them," said Coker-Bolt. "The camp went extremely well. It was amazing to see the players mentoring those young children with mobility impairments or limb amputations."

The wounded warriors inspired the children and left a lasting impression on the teams they played.

"Being able to come out here and play with the limitations they have and not letting that hold them back is a tremendous feat," said Senior Airman Joshua Thomas, 437th Maintenance Squadron and JB Charleston Softball Team member. "Too many people take for granted the unlimited capabilities they have. Watching these wounded warriors overcome their limitations hopefully raises awareness for everyone."

"I was very excited to have the opportunity to play against them," said Thomas. "We watched the game last year and had a blast. Being a part of the event this year is exciting to help raise awareness for their cause."

Gary Weaver, WWAST head coach, reflected on his opportunity to coach his team.

"I am immensely proud to coach them," said Weaver. "Just getting to step on the field with these gentlemen and to be able to coach those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifices, it's priceless."

"I hope that those who came out to the game are inspired to see these guys refuse to give up even after losing limbs," said Weaver. "To be able to go on with a normal life and play sports with those limitations, and encourage people to never give up even when the odds aren't great."

To find out more about the WWAST or find out where their next game is, you may visit their website at http://woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org/.