Wounded Warrior medals for AF

TAMPA, Fla. - “Life can change in an instant and sometimes, for some of us, it’s like hitting a brick wall,” said Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, staff unit deployment manager at Eglin AFB, Fla.’s 33rd Fighter Wing. Martinez suffered a leg injury during an Afghanistan deployment in 2017. Her journey to recovery hasn’t been easy, but she’s excited to share what has really helped her during that journey. “After the injury, she fell into a really dark spot, but the Air Force Wounded Warrior program “showed me that I could still get out there and be competitive.” She went to her first Warrior Camp on Eglin AFB in 2018, where she was introduced to numerous adaptive sports. In March, she was selected to compete with the Air Force team for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa where she competed in wheelchair tennis, indoor rowing, and track and field. She left the competition having earned three silver medals and two bronze medals. “(I)t’s not all about the medals and winning,” said Martinez. “It is really all about going out there and doing your best, and watching people push themselves.” With the support of her family, Martinez has made great strides towards recovery through the Warrior Program. Martinez arrived to the Tampa games ready to give her all, and succeeded in making her family, unit and Air Force proud. “To be able to represent the Air Force and the 33rd Fighter Wing and to be part of something that is bigger than myself is truly humbling,” Martinez said. (Source: 33rd Fighter Wing 06/26/19)