NVSSC connects wounded warriors through sports

Special to the Turret
Eli Cantarero, a 25-year-old former Airborne Ranger from Akron, Ohio, stood on a surfboard for the first time last week in San Diego, Calif.
“This was my first time surfing. I really enjoyed the overall experience of being out on the water in this way,” Cantarero said.
Successfully riding a first wave is a big accomplishment for anyone, particularly for Cantarero, who is visually impaired because of a bacterial infection he picked up while deployed in Iraq.
Cantarero joined more than 100 other wounded warriors last week to participate in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. Cantarero found his way to the NVSSC through the recommendation of a friend with whom he had participated in a similar winter event in Aspen, Colo.
The clinic, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is designed to provide wounded warriors the chance to meet other veterans and participate in sporting events to help them build confidence, in sport and in daily life. Featured activities included surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling, and number of track and field events.
While it was surfing that thrilled Cantarero, his natural skill in discus and javelin, which drew the attention of some important bystanders. Cantarero, who had never picked up a discus before last week, was invited to train with and try out for the U.S. Paralympic track and field team.
“I can’t believe that I came here by chance and wound up being invited to train with the U.S. Paralympic team,” Cantarero said.
The wounded warrior looks forward to participating with the U.S. team and hopes to one day represent the United States on a global stage in a future Paralympic Games.
At the closing ceremonies, NVSSC athletes were presented with a GPS device in recognition of the clinic’s theme of “Setting Your Course for the Future” and to serve as a useful tool to support employment opportunities and continuity of care. The devices were provided by Millennium Laboratories, a San Diego-based company focused on providing research-based pain management solutions. Millennium is involved with a number of programs in support of the military and veteran communities.
“One of the most exciting aspects of working with Millennium is their passion and commitment to develop opportunities for veterans seeking not just a job, but a career in lab sciences,” said Nancy Lazarski, vice president of Global Defense Healthcare for Millennium and four-year volunteer at NVSSC.
Company leadership interacted with participating vets in part to more effectively understand the workplace equipment and standard operating procedures necessary to enhance a wounded warrior’s potential integration with the company.
The NVSSC is open to all disabled veterans. To participate in next year’s event, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov or contact the Fort Knox area VA recreation therapist.
Cantarero sums up his experience quite concisely.
“This was possibly the best trip I’ve ever taken,” he said.