Mighty Ninety Warrior represents F. E. Warren, Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dan Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  One of Warren's own recently earned the opportunity to compete with more than 200 of the best wounded, ill and injured warriors from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Forces and British Armed Forces at the Air Force Academy.

Capt. Lewis Barasha, 90th Comptroller Squadron deputy commander, traveled to Colorado Springs, Colo., to compete in the Warrior Games from May 11 through 16.

Barasha, an eight year veteran of the Air Force who has been stationed at F. E. Warren for the past four years, competed in men's open cycling, archery and the wheelchair basketball games.

Originally, Barasha said he wanted to be a combat rescue officer, having decided to join the service after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and went on to become an officer in the finance career field.

"My favorite aspect of being in the military is the camaraderie," said Barasha. "Being part of our highly valued military team and a member of the Air Force family is very important to me.

"I also enjoy the opportunities I've had to deploy, which have given me the chance to have direct contact with people in Afghanistan and around the world," Barasha added.

During the Warrior Games, five US teams representing the different branches of the armed forces, along with an international team from the United Kingdom competed in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball.

According to the Team U.S.A. Paralympics Web site, the Warrior Games are designed to introduce injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sports and encourage them to stay physically active in their lives.

A native of Springfield, Va., Barasha was injured serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2011 and says he was inspired to try out for this event by his regional care coordinator, Jack Ladley.

This is Barasha's first year trying out for the games, as well as his first year earning the opportunity to compete.

Barasha said he valued the chance to be part of a team again, and to form bonds with other disabled and injured veterans.

"I saw overwhelming mutual respect and friendship throughout all the branches," he said. "I had some of the best interactions I've had since being injured. Everyone acted as resources and mentors for each other with whatever each person was dealing with."

Barasha attended training camps for wheelchair basketball and cycling, and said he trained extensively for the cycling event on his own, though he found the wheelchair basketball the most challenging and ultimately his favorite event.

"The wheelchair basketball was difficult," Barasha explained. "Shooting baskets from a seated position is much more of a challenge than when standing."

Having enjoyed his experience in the Warrior Games, Barasha said he would like the opportunity to compete again and would also enjoy serving as a mentor for those going through the Wounded Warrior program in the future.