On Tuesdays and Thursdays, James Hunter, an Army Veteran from Plainfield, hits the gym at the East Orange Veterans Hospital with help from American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteers.

Each year, James and several other veterans represent New Jersey as they compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). The Games bring together hundreds of U.S. veterans for some friendly, but fierce competition across a number of adaptive sports. Red Cross volunteers assist these athletes as they train to participate in the Bowling event. This past summer, Team Thunder, comprised of eight New Jersey athletes, earned 14 medals, including five gold, seven silver, and two bronze!

We had an opportunity to spend a practice with some of the team to learn how competing in the games has an incredible impact on their lives.

The sport and team comradery that James feels while practicing and competing helps him to live what he calls a fun life. It didn’t always feel that way.

In the summer of 2002, James was helping his family prepare for Fourth of July activities when he fell off a ladder and sustained a spinal cord injury. “As soon as I hit the ground, I knew I was in trouble because I couldn’t move. I could only speak,” he explained.

After a long journey of medical procedures and therapy, James found solace in collecting comic books and Matchbox cars. As an artist who once enjoyed painting with oils, he still finds enjoyment in drawing. After learning that he could no longer work, he began giving art lessons to others. These activities helped to keep James’ mind on positive things but didn’t give him the physical satisfaction he was looking for.

“I get down sometimes. Bowling with these guys helps me control my depression and helps me relax,” he said.

At the pre-competition practice, Veteran and Englewood resident Sedrick Bell was sending the pins flying with every delivery. American Red Cross volunteer Tish Corvino indicated that he was a bowler to watch!

_{^{“I get fun, freedom and enjoyment out of it,” Sedrick explained.}}

This summer, Sedrick not only competed in the bowling event, but also several others including wheelchair slalom, a fast paced and challenging obstacle course. Sedrick earned a medal in both events!

As in all competitive sports, it can be challenging to find the motivation to put in time and practice, but Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Volunteers are there to help as these and other veterans put in the work.

“The Red Cross volunteers help us, especially in the weight room,” said Sedrick. “They assist us with the weights.”

Tish Corvino knows the athletes very well because for the last ten years, she has been providing encouragement and support to veterans as they train for the NVWG. She also organizes a number of other activities for veterans at the East Orange Veterans Hospital.

“These guys are very inspiring,” she raved. “You always come out of there happier than you were, especially seeing how they are making a life for themselves even though they use wheelchairs.”

Evidence of the rapport Tish has built with these athletes was on full display as they cracked jokes and spent the rest of their bowling practice time enjoying lunch.

When asked what they think of the Red Cross volunteers who help them train for the Games, James chimed in, saying “They are perfect. I haven’t met a bad one yet!”

The Red Cross helps military families, members and veterans prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. Learn how our volunteers help military and veteran families and how you can become a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/SAF.