Peterson civilians help create local wounded warrior program Published Dec. 11, 2009 By Walt Johnson 21st Communications Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Wounded Warriors are a part of the military more and more today as the nation continues its fight against terrorism around the world. Many of the nation's wounded warriors return to the Colorado Springs area to begin adjusting to injuries they may have suffered while defending our nation. One of the newest ways military members, family members and veterans have to help make the adjustment is through the sport of archery, a program set up by Peterson Air Force Base's Sharon Duell, Air Force Space Command fitness and library programs specialist. Ms. Duell attended a program in April that dealt with ways to help military members, veterans and their families adjust to the life of a wounded warrior. After the session, her grant was approved to set up a program to help wounded warriors. This set the stage for what is now the Front Range archery program held off base at a local archery establishment. "This is the first program of its kind in the Air Force where we have been able to work with the private and public sector to come up with a way to help our wounded warriors," said Vicki Peterson, AFSPC combat support programs branch chief. "The great thing about this program (is that it is open) to wounded warriors, veterans and family members. A lot of programs are designated for the wounded warriors only." According to Ms. Peterson, the program is designed to assist eligible military members with special needs. "We felt this gave us a way to open this program to veterans and family members who could also benefit from what the program offers," she said. "This, including the veterans and family members, will set us apart from other programs." Getting the grant was one thing, but to make the program work, the Peterson team had to find other teams that could help support the program. This is when Ms. Duell reached out to the local civilian and military communities. "I have been working on this program since June when we got the grant," she said. "Then we had to think about how we could make (the program) work in our community." Because the Army has the most wounded warriors and the most experience with wounded warrior programs, Ms. Duell reached out to Fort Carson. She said there are plans to broaden the program's scope to include helping Wounded Warriors compete in local tournaments and Olympic qualifications. For more information concerning the archery program, contact Ms. Duell at 554-7734 or Ms. Peterson at 554-3162.