Freedom Wing displays "Brotherly Love" at 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
PHILADELPHIA --  Over 50 Freedom Wing volunteers reported to the Philadelphia International Airport to assist athletes of the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Aug. 11 and 18.

Charles Smith, Department of Veterans Affairs Philadelphia, deputy chief of police and volunteer staff organizer, said the assistance was a way to give back to members of a veteran community who had given so much of themselves.

"I am a Veteran and it is important that we convey the message of care to our wheelchair athletes," said Smith. "The participation of service members sends this message of care and lets the athletes know they are not forgotten and that the military supports them."

Co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world's largest annual wheelchair multi-sport event in which more than 500 Veterans with spinal cord injury, amputations or other neurological disorders compete in 19 events. Some of the events include swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, boccia, nineball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, trapshooting, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, track and field.

"This was a pleasurable and great experience," said Bobby Edoo, 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Our first day, we met the athletes during their arrival at the terminal and assisted them with getting to their transportation to the games. The final day was the reverse process in which we met the athletes at the gate and assisted with placing them on the plane."

Although wing members were primarily responsible for assisting with the "wheelchair lift and transfer" (a method used to safely transport the athletes from their wheelchairs to another seating apparatus), the experience proved to be a social gathering in which Veteran athletes shared their stories with Reservists.

One of the most compelling stories shared was by Navy Veteran Doris Merrill, possibly the oldest athlete to compete at over 90 years-old. Winning a gold medal in ramp bowling was a crowning achievement for Merrill considering she had to overcome two devastating family losses prior to the start of the games. The first was the passing of her brother on July 5 and two days later she lost her longtime coach and son Paul also known as Pepper.

Initially, Merrill was not going to compete in this year's games. With the support of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she eventually changed her mind. She found herself performing poorly during her first game of the ramp bowling contest which took place at Laurel Lanes in Maple Shade, N.J. The following game would tell a different story as Merrill regained her composure.

"Although he was not present, I could still hear my son's voice," said Merrill. "The next game I thought if Pepper were here, he would have said stop, concentrate and throw some lightning! I started to focus and ended up winning the gold."

"It was an honor meeting Ms. Merrill. I have a special place in my heart for the work that Ms. Merrill provided for the military forces during WWII," said Pamela Ohman, 514th Air Mobility Wing. "As a woman serving in the U.S. Air Force, I have learned to understand and appreciate the challenges that Ms. Merrill had to overcome to be successful at her job and because of her skills, knowledge, and patience she has empowered me to strive and be the best I can be at my job."

The United Service Organizations (USO) located in Terminal A-East inside the Philadelphia International Airport stayed true to its mission of lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families by providing service members and Veterans with meals, beverages, entertainment and a place to congregate.

"The support of the 514th was nothing less than phenomenal," said Bob Askey, Philadelphia VAMC Voluntary Services Program Support Assistant. "All of the Veteran Athletes I spoke to getting on the bus at the hotel were on a high from the games and I think we were able to help them maintain that attitude as we got them on their journey home."