How did you injure your spinal cord?
I missed the last step while climbing down the side of a Chinook helicopter and slid/fell about 4 feet, but my right arm was caught in a handhold at the time, and it caused a bit of a whiplash effect going up my arm to my neck. Doctors believe that this trauma is what initiated the inflammation of the abscess in my neck. This all happened on Sept. 16, 2015. By the early morning of the 20th, I was in emergency spinal cord decompression and was paralyzed from my shoulders down. My surgeon said that what happened to me was extremely rare.
You had an extensive physical therapy regimen and ultimately regained control of your hands. What is your treatment like today?
I am treated at Beyond the Chair, a neurorehabilitation facility in San Antonio. They help get me moving and maintain/gain function by providing me with exercises and therapy that are specific to people with spinal cord injury.
After more than 20 years in the Army, you retired and have since focused your energies on para archery. What inspired you to do that?
I was introduced to adaptive sports through the recreational therapy program at the VA. [Archery] was something that resonated with me, and I had also previously been a bow hunter.
What challenges did you encounter in archery, and how did you overcome them?
There were many challenges, but the important ones were strength and heat management. I got back into the gym three times a week and also shot practice arrows three to six hours every day. It all went hand in hand to help me build what I needed. I cannot thermoregulate after my spinal cord injury, which means I can no longer sweat or heat/cool my body down naturally like before. I had been to the ER twice with heat injuries during my early days because I didn't know how or why I needed to be careful with this. Now, I can manage my body temp with ice chips, spray bottles, and ice vests so that I can compete and maintain my health in high-heat environments.
What is your training like?
I shoot archery every day, but I also have therapy for three hours twice per week. Although healing seems like it's not there or slow, I always feel like something new is happening or something else is gained. I work out at the gym three times per week to help build muscle in my arms and back so that life in a chair doesn't tear up my joints.
Your wife also competes in archery. How has she supported your journey as a Paralympian?
She helped me practice every day by simulating the matches I had to go through in Paris. She also helped maintain my health so I would be ready to compete.
What has contributed the most to your success as an archer?
Having the right group of people around me that help push me to the next level.
What advice would you give to patients diagnosed with a life-changing illness?
Surround yourself with the best and most positive people. Let them be one big family of support, but also get outside and do things that challenge you.
You won a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics and a silver medal at the 2025 World Archery Para Championships. What's next?
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games are the tops on my lists.
