Navy Wounded Warriors Attend Sports Camp, Honorary Race

Port Hueneme, Calif. (NNS) -- Ten seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors took part in an introductory adaptive athletics clinic sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor - the Navy's wounded warrior program - at Pt. Hueneme, Calif., Sept. 14-16.

The camp featured training in archery, cycling, kayaking, shooting, sitting volleyball, and surfing, and it coincided with Naval Base Ventura County's annual Wounded Warrior Half Marathon held Sept. 15 at Pt. Mugu.

Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Joe Derbak was one the wounded warrior athletes competing in the half marathon.

"It was nice to get that recognition," said Derbak. "Even military members who've been [to theater] but weren't hurt were coming up to say thank you. It makes me proud to be in the Navy and to be an American. It was very heartwarming."

Derbak sustained injuries during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has limited lower-body mobility. He rode a hand-operated cycle in the 13.1-mile race.

Derbak was joined by seven other wounded warrior athletes in the half marathon events, which included a 5K and a Military Mile.

Retired Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Andrew Johnson ran the 5K, coming in second place in the 30 to 35 year-old men's category. Johnson is an avid runner despite having brain cancer and challenges associated with limited mobility.

"I was told three years ago that I wouldn't walk again," said Johnson. "So it is icing on the cake to come in second in my age category."

For retired Navy Yeoman 2nd Class Tracey Jones, retired Navy Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kathleen Ray, and retired Navy Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Wade, it was their first time participating in a Navy Safe Harbor sports clinic.

"Being here shows me that I am not in alone in my recovery," said Jones, who has post traumatic stress disorder. "We all have issues and challenges that we are trying to overcome. It's good to know there are people who are there to help and understand what you are going through."

Navy Safe Harbor supports more than 1,800 seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families. The program is a key component of the Department of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, which is designed to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency, and hone the most combat-effective force.

To learn more about Navy Safe Harbor - including its adaptive athletic reconditioning program - visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil or email safeharbor@navy.mil.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.