{"id":43124,"date":"2018-06-06T19:42:41","date_gmt":"2018-06-06T19:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/06\/06\/commentary-adaptive-sports-offer-path-to-recovery\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:05:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:05:30","slug":"commentary-adaptive-sports-offer-path-to-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2018\/06\/06\/commentary-adaptive-sports-offer-path-to-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Commentary: Adaptive sports offer path to recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Those with friends or family who have served our country know that the worry, stress and pain does not always end once their loved one returns home. Many veterans return home to their loved ones with both visible and invisible wounds<\/a>, ranging from an acute medical issue to a long-lasting condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of the 18.8 million veterans currently living in the U.S., nearly 5.9 million veterans receive treatment at a VA hospital, according to the Veterans Affairs Department. Although these veterans are being treated for a variety of injuries and wounds in traditional medical facilities, taking part in fun activities like adaptive sports<\/a> can play an equally crucial role in their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many experts agree that disabled veterans report better health, new friendships and an improved quality of life when participating in adaptive sports<\/a>. Take medically retired senior airman Heather Carter, for example. A natural athlete and softball fanatic, Heather played competitively throughout high school and her time in the Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\t