The Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program is dedicated to supporting Airmen and Guardians as they navigate their journey to physical and mental recovery after they have been seriously ill, injured, or wounded. A major part of the AFW2 support branch, is the adaptive sports support program which provides an avenue for healing, growth, and empowerment. Through various sports tailored to individual abilities, recovering service members are not only rebuilding their physical strength but also rediscovering their sense of purpose, mental resilience and reconnecting with a supportive community.

During AFW2 C.A.R.E. Events, participants learn the basics of adaptive sports and how to use specialized equipment. These events offer a chance to try out different sports, building both skill and confidence. Afterward, participants can continue to develop their skills and, for those interested, pursue competitive opportunities like the DOD Warrior Games and Invictus Games.

Kristen Hench, AFW2 Adaptive Sports Coach, saw first-hand the transformative impact of adaptive sports on recovering service members.

“Growth and transformation are the most rewarding aspects,” she said. “Seeing a recovering service member’s journey from the first day at registration to recovering and witnessing their transformation is the best part of my job.”

Adaptive sports offered by AFW2 provide a range of individual and team sports designed to meet the specific needs of each recovering service member, regardless of their injury or disability. They include shooting, archery, cycling, indoor rowing, swimming, track & field, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball.

“There is ALWAYS a way to move and compete,” Hench emphasized. “I love the challenge of making any sport work for an individual!”

The physical benefits of adaptive sports are obvious, but Hench points out the psychological benefits are just as significant.

“For someone who has suffered an injury, returning to sports introduces new possibilities for achievement and growth,” she explains. “It opens doors that individuals were not previously aware of.”

Many recovering service members struggle with feelings of isolation or loss of identity after their injuries, but adaptive sports help them regain confidence and mental resilience. By focusing on what they can do rather than what they can’t, recovering service members are able to shift their mindset and see their abilities in a new light.

Camaraderie is also a crucial aspect of recovery. AFW2 encourages service members to build relationships with others who share similar experiences. Team dynamics of adaptive sports help participants rebuild connections and restore a sense of belonging.

“When someone experiences an injury, they may feel disconnected from that team dynamic,” Hench says. “Adaptive sports allow them to rebuild those relationships.”

As recovering service members push their limits and take on new challenges, they build confidence that extends into their personal lives. Senior Master Sgt. (ret) Jon Geren, AFW2 wounded warrior enrolled in 2020, credits adaptive sports with playing a key role in his journey to recovery.

“It brought out my competitive nature and made me feel part of a team again,” Geren says. “It gave me focus, with encouragement from my coaches, to create new habits and routines. What I didn’t realize was the positive impact it would have on me physically as well as mentally. I found joy in things again, got in better shape, and became a better person. As cliché as it sounds, getting introduced to adaptive sports probably saved my life.”

Geren took that newfound purpose and led Team Air Force to the 2024 DOD Warrior Games and is representing the United States as part of Team US at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada.

For wounded warriors who may hesitate to try adaptive sports, Hench offers this advice: “Just try it!”

The adaptive sports community is known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making it easy for newcomers to get involved. Hench encourages recovering service members to take the first step and seek out resources and people who can help them along the way.

Ultimately, adaptive sports help recovering service members rebuild not just their physical strength, but also their sense of purpose and connection to the military community. These activities allow participants to rediscover what they’re capable of, break through emotional and physical barriers, and inspire others to keep moving forward.

SMSgt (Ret) Jon Geren celebrates after scoring during Wheelchair Rugby game during the 2024 Northeast Warrior C.A.R.E. Event. Photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Walderbach of the 316th Wing at Joint Base Andrews.

Kristen Hench, AFW2 Adaptive Sports coach works with a recovering service member on the basics of cycling during the 2019 North Central Warrior C.A.R.E. Event at Scott Air Force Base. Photo by Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Hudson of the 375th Air Mobility Wing.

Recovering service members (RSM) may not all walk the same healing path, but they do often recognize and share similar experiences and struggles. How they channel their energy into progressive healing can take many forms and sometimes, ideas come from within.

Approaching recovery through various enrichment tracks quickly became the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program’s goal. The program, which began its efforts in 2007, offers Caregiver workshops, Adaptive Sports training, and Resiliency and Empowerment to Employment tracks during their regional C.A.R.E Events.

“The Resiliency track’s purpose is to cultivate a resilient mindset for recovering service members and their caregivers and to encourage the use of holistic approaches during their recovery,” said Jennifer Houghton, AFW2 Warrior Care Support Program Manager.

The resiliency track aligns with the Air Force’s Comprehensive Airmen’s Fitness Model in keeping with the 4 pillars of Resilience: Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual.

When AFW2 began, its focus for events were Adaptive Sport and Empowerment to Employment. There were evening resiliency programs that included music, improv comedy and art. Many of the RSMs who could not physically participate in sport, expressed interest in having these alternative programs available as its own track.

Retired Air Force Tech Sergeant Dave Long, was enrolled in the program during these initial program events and began to see the benefits of these holistic engagements and lobbied for them to have a permanent space in future events.

“At this point in my journey with AFW2 I had taken thousands of photographs for the program and met a lot of warriors who were able to do adaptive sports and others who struggled with adaptive sports,” he said. He, and fellow wounded warrior Master Sgt. (ret.) Matthew Buzzard, began discussing ways these events could help other warriors and wanted to bring it to AFW2 leadership.”

“At that point I saved the conversations myself and Mathew had and planned to bring them up to AFW2 leadership when I was able to,” Long said.

Knowing the hurdles each participant faces can enhance recovery, and AFW2 leadership saw the positive responses RSMs had with these holistic approaches. And, starting with the Day of Healing in November 2019, a track based on holistic healing began.

“A holistic approach is beneficial to recovery because it promotes long-term healing and well-being through self-awareness and provides healthy coping mechanisms (Resilient toolbox) warriors can take back home with them after a C.A.R.E. Event,” Houghton said.

Currently, C.A.R.E. Events include a full week resiliency track with various activities and outings that include photography, music, improv, art, poetry, journaling and yoga.

Resiliency track participants are introduced to adaptive sports to foster interest in learning a physical sport. Wounded warriors do not need to adapt to the sport; the sport can be adapted to them. Program coaches and track leaders work to ease anxiety of the warriors and show them what they CAN do versus what they think they cannot do, no matter which track they are in.

AFW2 works with a combination of former participants and professionals to create a quality holistic experience. Workshops including music, art and improvisational comedy, help wounded warriors find hope and healing. Each workshop provides tools wounded warriors can use to provide stress relief, improve brain function, awaken creativity and enhance well-being. These foundational elements are the key to a successful road to recovery and are the lynchpin in AFW2′s motto of “Care Beyond Duty.”

When an Airman or Guardian becomes seriously injured, ill or wounded, the AFW2 enrollment team steps into action to evaluate the cases and enroll those who have been referred to the program.

Many men and women who volunteer to serve in the United States military do so because they feel a calling to serve. To serve their country, their fellow service members and those they will never even meet.

For some, joining one of the military service branches allows them to pour themselves into mission-focused activities. For others, it’s the allure of duty while seeing the world.

“I joined the Air Force to be a pilot,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Dorough. “I stayed in the Air Force because of the people, the mission, and the adventure.”

Dorough never intended to be careerist in the Air Force, but with each new assignment and duty station, he found new purpose and a new spark in who he was serving with.

“The military has influenced my work ethic and professionalism,” he added. “I know that with enough hard work and commitment, anything is possible. I also know what I’m capable of, and I have a confidence in myself that has been developed through the consistent challenges I’ve faced throughout my career.”

A challenge Dorough never saw coming was a cancer diagnosis.

His goal for enrollment in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) in 2023 was to expand his resources and find community as he reexamined life after treatment. He found out his cancer returned while attending his first CARE Event, and it almost seemed meant-to-be.

“The very next day, I met another Air Force Lt. Col., and she asked me what was wrong,” Dorough said. “After explaining my situation, she shared with me that she was also a metastatic cancer survivor and encouraged me to stay strong. Meeting her, and hearing her story, gave me enough hope to face what was in front of me. I didn’t know how I was going to survive another round of treatment, but I knew if others did it, then so could I.”

Finding strength among her fellow warriors was something Master Sgt. Tania Miranda Banks welcomed during her own battle with cancer.

“When I enrolled in AFW2 I was struggling with anxiety from a medical diagnosis that was controlling every part of my life,” she said. “I was beginning to lose faith and hope that everything was going to be okay. I was distancing myself from loved ones, and I needed help.”

Miranda Banks first found support with her Recovery Care Coordinator, whose empathetic approach was soothing and her experience in getting things moving for holistic health was needed. Soon after, she agreed to attend her first CARE Event last year.

“I made a bunch of new connections but specifically in the mentorship track I was able to connect with someone on a very similar journey as me with a cancer diagnosis and it was so helpful to hear what she had gone through, and where she was at in her healing journey. It gave me the hope I didn’t know I needed at that time in such an organic way,” she said.

By the time registration was opened for the next CARE event, Miranda Banks decided she wanted to give back and signed up for the Recovering Airman Mentoring Program (RAMP). This one-day workshop prepares AFW2 wounded warriors to mentor others along their healing journey.

Miranda Banks wants to be a resource for Airmen and their families. Having gone through so much adversity in and out of the military, she feels like it prepared her to relate better and understand people on a deeper level.

“My experience with AFW2 has provided me with a bigger sense of purpose, being that I can see the full picture of what Airmen go through, intra and post service,” she said. “Having the opportunity to meet so many people on different journeys opened me up to understanding what others go through and what helped and hurt them. Knowing what I do now, I feel like I am more capable of helping wherever needed.”

Miranda Banks serves as an AFW2 Mentor and Dorough serves as an AFW2 Ambassador. Honing his story of resilience and folding into it the power of connection, Dorough believes sharing his experience can make a positive impact. He and others travel with the AFW2 Outreach and Ambassador team to bases around the country to raise program awareness and let others know they are not alone in whatever struggles they face.

“I lost a lot of my life-purpose and my identity when I could no longer fly airplanes,” Dorough said. “That was devastating, and I know others out there are struggling with maintaining hope and reinterpreting their self-identity while in recovery.Giving people hope and helping them during difficult times is a higher calling, filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. I’m still on my own road to recovery, learning new things about myself all the time. But helping others helps me. I also get a tremendous sense of community, belonging, and purpose by participating in AFW2 events, and offering the organization my time and talents.”

If you are an Airman or Guardian needing support in your recovery journey, learn more about AFW2 and complete a referral form.

It requires buy-in from the individual, the family and friends and sometimes, even colleagues and leadership.

The Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program knows that support is essential in making strides on the healing journey for the recovering service member and those who care about them.

When an Airman or Guardian enters the program due to serious injury or illness, one of the initial steps of in processing includes gathering information about those in the household as well as anyone who could be in the caregiver role.

“When we first meet some of the Caregivers and families, they often feel isolated or alone in their circumstance”, said AFW2 Caregiver Program Lead Tonya McGough. “When they come to be with us during a C.A.R.E. Event, we focus on healing, prosperity, and the positives of their life circumstances. We don’t look back at the ‘could have,’ ‘would have,’ ‘should have’ of the situation. We look at how can we support this new path forward.”

AFW2 offers a Caregiver program track that provides opportunities to build relationships with peers, share relevant resources, learn different ways to manage the stress that can come with changes in life circumstances, as well as support for additional family members.

Family members often can recognize changes in behaviors and outlooks, even if the recovering service member (RSM) believes they are hiding their struggles well. “None of this was available for my husband or my son,” said Grace Jenkins who attended a C.A.R.E. Event at Joint Base Lewis McChord with her daughter-in-law SSgt Crystal Jenkins. “I knew they needed support, but they felt left behind and alone. It was horrible for them and for me trying to get support. This, what you all do here, is what we needed.”

AFW2 provides opportunities in-person C.A.R.E. Events multiple times per year in different regions of the country. Recovering service members, their caregivers and families can participate in various aspects of the program. While the RSM and Caregivers are enrolled in full-day enrichment classes, and training, family members can show support during the evening resiliency programming and the opening and closing events.

Many family members enjoy cheering in the stands during adaptive sport competitions or joining the fun of music with Rock to Recovery or even testing their comedic talent with our improv coaches.

The Resiliency Program track brings in music, art, mindfulness and comedy as alternative activities that support the recovery journey of the service member, and the families.

“That’s sometimes the hardest part,” Jenkins said. “Letting go of this need to control and fix everything, to just release and enjoy.”

Sometimes, participants can get a case of the ‘blues’ after an event. That sense of togetherness and companionship brings them to a place of comfort, and when the event closes, they can feel disconnected again. AFW2 maintains communication groups that are formed during specific events and as well online groups for the participants so that there is always an avenue for reaching out to one another.

“We have so many people who leave the in-person and virtual events with a feeling of hope and with a feeling of community,” McGough said. “Everyone can recognize what struggles they are going through, but they also recognize, they aren’t going to go through it alone. We’re here. And we’re supporting each other through whatever comes next.”

Learn more about the AFW2 C.A.R.E. Events and the family support at Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.

Service in the United States Air Force and Space Force demands resilience, strength, and sacrifice. As part of their journeys, many service members face life-changing circumstances due to wounds, illnesses, or injuries sustained during their service.

These challenges can be physical, mental, or emotional, and often require more than just

medical intervention. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) exists to ensure these warriors receive the comprehensive support they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

AFW2 is more than a program, however, it is a community and a commitment to those who have served. Since its inception in 2012, AFW2 assisted more than 20,000 wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families, ensuring they do not navigate the complexities of recovery alone.

By connecting them to essential resources, offering long-term rehabilitation support, and guiding them through reintegration into military or civilian life, AFW2 upholds the Air Force’s promise to take care of its own.

For these warriors, recovery is not just about healing physical wounds—it’s about rebuilding confidence, regaining purpose, and finding a new path forward.

The Heart of AFW2

Unlike medical programs that focus on physical recovery, AFW2 takes a holistic approach, recognizing that the challenges these warriors face go beyond their immediate medical needs.

One important distinction—AFW2 is not just for combat-injured service members. While a percentage of the warriors it supports have sustained combat-related wounds, the vast majority face non-combat-related injuries or illnesses, like chronic conditions, severe illnesses, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other mental health challenges that can impact a warrior’s ability to serve or transition to civilian life.

Whether they are returning to duty, separating, or retiring, AFW2 ensures that warriors and their families receive personalized care and assistance tailored to their unique needs. This approach ensures that no matter their career path, AFW2 remains a constant source of support and stability throughout their journey.

A Program For All Warriors

AFW2 exists to serve Airman and Guardian who suffered a serious wound, illness, or injury. While combat-related injuries are a common association with wounded warrior programs, AFW2 serves a much broader population.

Of the nearly 3,000 warriors AFW2 actively case manage, approximately 20% have combat-related injuries.

That means 80% of enrolled service members have non-combat injuries or illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); serious illness like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders; physical injuries, including spinal injuries, amputations, musculoskeletal damage; Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and other mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.

Each warrior’s experience is different, but all face challenges that can disrupt their military careers, financial stability, and family life, and every single person deserves support. Regardless of the nature of their injury or illness, AFW2 provides unwavering support and advocacy, ensuring that every warrior has access to the resources and guidance necessary to move forward.

Recovery: Connecting Warriors with Critical Resources

The recovery phase is one of the most challenging for wounded warriors, as they face the immediate emotional, physical, and logistical struggles of adjusting to their new reality. The reality is that many do not know where to turn for help, and the complexity of the military healthcare and benefits systems can be overwhelming.

AFW2 is often the first point of contact for service members who need:

• Advocacy and case management to help them navigate the medical and benefits process.
• Financial counseling and emergency financial assistance to relieve the stress of unexpected medical bills or loss of income.
• Connection to mental health resources, including PTSD and TBI support services.

Beyond providing resources, AFW2 ensures that warriors do not feel alone in their recovery journey. The program fosters a network of support, providing a safety net for service members and their families.

Rehabilitation: Restoring Confidence and Strength

Once warriors begin to regain stability, rehabilitation becomes the next step. Many wounded, ill, and injured service members face an uncertain future, particularly if they are unable to continue in their military careers.

AFW2 helps warriors build a new path forward by offering:

• Employment and transition assistance, including resume building, interview coaching, and connections to hiring programs.
• Mentorship opportunities, where warriors are paired with those who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
• Personalized rehabilitation plans, ensuring that warriors regain their sense of identity and purpose.

Through one-on-one coaching and access to career resources, AFW2 helps warriors take charge of their futures.

Reintegration: Empowering Warriors for the Future

For those returning to duty, AFW2 provides career counseling and helps warriors apply for retention. For those separating, the program offers workforce reintegration programs, ensuring they transition smoothly into civilian careers.

Reintegration is about restoring dignity and self-sufficiency, and AFW2 equips warriors with the tools and support networks they need to thrive.

The Power of Community

Whether it’s an adaptive sports program, the ambassador program, or employment programs, AFW2′s services go beyond administrative assistance—it is a community of warriors supporting warriors.

These initiatives create a lifelong network of support that extends beyond a warrior’s time in uniform. AFW2 is a lifeline, a support system, and a community dedicated to ensuring that every wounded, ill, and injured Airman and Guardian has the tools and resources to move forward.

If you or someone you know could benefit from AFW2′s services, reach out today. You are not alone. Support is just a call or click away: (800) 581-9437 or www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.