The United States Paralympic Marksmanship Team from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is training with Wounded Warriors and Cadets from the Churchill High School JROTC Marksmanship Team, as they prepare for international level competition in Seoul, South Korea this summer. The athletes usually train in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, but due to limited space and time, the group has collaborated with North East ISD to utilize one of its state-of-the-art Air Rifle targeting facilities.
Cadets not only help the Paralympian’s with loading and positioning the air rifle, but they get one-on-one time with individuals that deal with obstacles on a daily basis and persevere regardless. The cadets also enjoy working with the local Wounded Warriors that are part of the USA Shooting organization. The veterans motivate the cadets to become better citizens and have an array of life lessons to give the students.
"Hosting the Paralympic Shooting team has been a tremendous honor, we are proud to be playing a small part in the preparations and training leading up to the World Games in South Korea," said Chief Richard Gonzales, JROTC Instructor at Churchill. "The JROTC curriculum focuses on four pillars of success, leadership, scholarship, physical fitness, and community service. Community service is often one of the most challenging aspects of the program-it is not always easy to get students to volunteer. However, this week we have been inundated with support from our cadets, all of whom have come to realize that the team is comprised of talented, world-class athletes, not simply individuals with disabilities. This experience has provided a unique opportunity to see the true benefits of selfless service and giving back to others."
Pete Carrion (red polo), Assistant National Coach for USA Shooting, shares a laugh with Jeremecia Perry, PVA-Texas and USA Marksmen.
Jordan Vazquez, 10th grader, assists McKenna Dahl of USA Shooting.
McKenna Dahl and Stetson Bardfield of USA Shooting training at the facility.
Local Wounded Warriors take a break from training to take notes and chat.
