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By Chuck N. Baker 
(Nellis Air Force Base) ‚Äî It was a clear, crisp and somewhat windy Friday morning. Music by the Air Force Wings of Blue (a part of the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast) gracefully filtered through the air as participants in the Air Force Trials filed into the outdoor pop-up arena.  
 
Some had canes to help them walk, some relied on service dogs, and at least one woman was assisted by a proud little girl. The marchers were participating in the 2018 Air Force Trials, a paralympic event for wounded warriors. Several carried torches to light a large edifice in the center of the arena. Of particular note, local Senior Airman Hannah Stolberg and her service dog received heartfelt applause for her efforts. 
 
The annual event is an important factor in the ongoing work that provides life-changing and lifesaving support to wounded, ill and injured airmen. There was an international flavor to the event. In addition to American airmen, there were U.S. Army athletes and veterans from the United Kingdom and Australia.  
 
At one point the emcee directed attention to the sky above. Moments later airmen representing the Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team jumped from aircraft under the leadership of Jump Master, Master Sergeant Josh Pickering.  
 
Air Force Major General John Kelly took to the podium and told the hundreds in the assembled audience the military was proud of all the participants. ‚ÄúWe admire your strength and the ability to move yourself up,‚Äù he said. In addition to participating in the events, he encouraged all of them to ‚Äúbuild bonds‚Äù with each other adding, ‚ÄúShare stories on the field ‚Ķ (and) we look forward to seeing you in action!‚Äù 
 
Receiving an award for his efforts in promoting the Federal government‚Äôs Invisible Wounds Initiative was civilian Air Force executive (Ret.) Edmundo Gonsales. He told how efforts to help active duty, veterans, and families have greatly improved since the Vietnam era.  
 
Today Air Force Wounded Warriors have access to several programs including Adaptive and Rehabilitative Sports, Recovering Airman Mentorship Program, and Caregiver Support, among others. The programs provide an environment of understanding, trust and open discourse. The goal is to eliminate real and perceived barriers that afflict some individuals.  
 
Unfortunately, some warriors are reluctant to seek care. In addition to Air Force and other military service efforts, some challenges are addressed by the VA, the Department of Defense, and community-based groups. Although most service members return from Iraq and Afghanistan without physical injuries, some return with symptoms of PTSD or depression.  
 
It was explained by several speakers the majority of paralympians, taking part in the Nellis event, have suffered or are still suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Participation in the annual Air Force Trials goes a long way toward helping them recover. The watchwords are, “Care Beyond Duty.”