SPORTS 'N SPOKES

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Operation: Lima Foxtrot

Life after injury for anyone—especially military personnel—can require major adjustments. But one program is being proactive and getting them out and involved.

Military service was a way of life for men in the Mays family. So, it was only natural for Charles "Buddy" Mays to enlist in the National Guard when he was in his early 20s. He proudly served his country for nearly ten years and answered the call of duty when he was sent to Iraq on May 17, 2005. But Mays' time in Iraq would not last long. He had been stationed in Mahmudiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, for almost five months when a roadside bomb exploded nearby and Mays sustained an incomplete spinal-cord injury (SCI).

"I was suddenly looking at a very different life than the one I had before my accident, and I was lucky to have great support from my wife and my family," says Mays. "Also, early in my rehabilitation, I learned about a few sports and recreation activities that I could do. I went to a winter sports clinic and attended the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. I knew there were opportunities out there for me, but I hadn't found anything that really sparked my interest. Then, I learned about Lakeshore Foundation and Operation Rise & Conquer."

Providing for the Troops

In response to the growing needs of our nation's injured veterans, in spring 2007 Lakeshore Foundation officially announced its Injured Military Initiative. It is a comprehensive plan to provide sports and recreation programs to military personnel who have been severely injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. The plan is divided into three parts that include the Lima Foxtrot programs for injured servicemen and -women and their families, community involvement, and a multi-million-dollar fund-raising campaign.

"More than 30,000 U.S. military personnel have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many of these men and women are returning home with severe, disabling injuries," says Lakeshore Foundation President Jeff Underwood. "Lakeshore Foundation is uniquely positioned not only to help these soldiers regain their physical strength and return to living healthy, active, independent lives, but also the programs and services we offer help them conquer some of the emotional trials they face as they rejoin their families and communities."


Find out more about the Lima Foxtrot programs and some of the people who have benefited.

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