The Wounded Warrior Softball Team

WWAST with their opponents in Burlington, Vt 

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team or WWAST was founded by my cousin David Van Sleet an Army veteran and prosthesis manager working for Veterans Affairs. David saw a need for a competitive rehab outlet for post 9/11 soldiers with major amputations. The mission of the WWAST is “To inspire and educate others while enhancing the health and welfare of Wounded Warrior Amputees.” (WWAST) 

The team aims to lift up the players confidence in themselves through competitive Softball and the camaraderie of being a part of a team.  Not only does the team help their players to build confidence but it also helps those who come to watch and volunteer. Watching the WWAST play against their able bodied opponents, the crowd can always tell that the other team starts off slow, taking it easy. The opposing team soon realizes that they have to play to their full ability or they will not have the slightest chance of keeping up with the Warriors. One thing about the WWAST that is special is that they only play able bodied teams making their rehab that much stronger taking home a good split of wins and losses. 

This is a competitive team, in order to play on the team players must try-out and take on the every weekend or every other weekend game schedule. The players live all over the country, traveling long distances to make each game and speaking engagement. Speaking engagements by Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team players are geared towards their audience, they speak to other veterans, families and kids.  

WW player Matt Kinsey with
 Len Whitehouse and Bill Lee 

Two years ago I attended my first WWAST game in Burlington. This past August I had the pleasure of volunteering with the WWAST when they came back for round two. The team played a game at Burlington's Centennial Field against a team of local celebrities. My Dad an ex major leaguer, mayor Miro Weinberger and country singer Jamie Lee Thurston among others were on the opposing team. The WWAST players have such drive and skill when it comes to the game. These guys are beyond inspiring and I hope that I get the chance to work with them more in the future. I got to hang out with these guys for a few days while they were here in Burlington. The openness that they have when talking about their injuries and the emotional and physical challenges that comes with a traumatic injury.