Nearly 70 ill, injured, and combat-wounded soldiers from the Army Reserve and National Guard filled Loma Linda University Drayson Center as part of the Adaptive Reconditioning Day on Wednesday, June 5. Hosted by LLU PossAbilities, in collaboration with the Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit-California (CBWTU), the soldiers were exposed to various activities in an effort to expand their options for physical and recreational activity despite their personal limitations.
“This event is aimed to teach these men and women how to stay active despite their physical limitations, whatever they may be,” says Cotie Williams, program coordinator for PossAbilities. “We also want these heroes to know that PossAbilities is a great resource for them, and we are always here in whatever capacity they need us to be.”
The men and women who attended the special event came from various parts of Southern California, including Mike Klementich, an activated National Guardsman in the United States Army, who calls Pasadena home. While serving in Afghanistan last year he suffered various injuries while working as a fueler, operating a 25,000-gallon fuel truck.
“This has been a great day so far,” Mr. Klementich said during a lunch break at Drayson Center. “Because of the CBWTU I am able to be home with my family, and that’s the best part. Being here today has been good so far. There are a lot more people like me here than I expected.”
Mr. Klementich, a father of three, affirms his injuries include a torn out shoulder, an injured knee, and his foot needs reconstructive surgery, which will happen later this month. He admits that getting on a bike was beneficial for his knee and looks forward to more cycling before he has surgery on his foot.
The soldiers rotated through various sessions throughout the day including pool therapy, kayaking, stretching and exercise, wheelchair basketball, and cycling. They also received nutrition counseling from LLU professor of nutrition and dietetics, Bert Connell, PhD, who is a former Army Reservist. He provided basic guidelines for weight loss and control and improving nutrition.
An orientation on PossAbilities was provided by Team PossAbilties athlete Greg Crouse, who was injured while serving in the US Army which resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He informed the soldiers about the community outreach program and the resources it provides. Health screenings were also available at the event.