Officials announce Warrior Team training camp attendees

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WASHINGTON --  Air Forces Services Agency officials will welcome athletes to the 2011 Air Force Warrior Team training camp Feb. 7 to 11 in San Antonio.

Of the 30 athletes attending the Air Force Warrior Team training camp, 25 will be selected to represent the service in the 2011 Warrior Games, an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured active-duty Airmen and veterans May 16 to 21 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"It's an honor to be considered for selection again," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Damian Orslene, an Airman who competed in the 2010 Warrior Games. The chief, from Ocean Springs, Miss., hopes to compete again this year in discus and swimming events.

Joining Chief Orslene at training camp are:

Retired Maj. Gwen M. Sheppard, Brown Deer, Wis.
Retired Senior Master Sgt. Noel Sepulveda, Severen, Md.
Retired Master Sgt. Kimberly K. Bradshaw, Yorktown, Va.
Retired Master Sgt. Thomas E. Sansone, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
Master Sgt. Simon J. Wess, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
Tech. Sgt. Jason T. Butterfield, South Jordan, Utah
Tech.Sgt. Israel Del Toro, Lackland AFB, Texas
Tech. Sgt. Francis X. Reilly, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Retired Tech. Sgt. Christopher M. Slaydon, Avondale, Ariz.
Retired Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Anderson, Warner Robins AFB, Ga.
Staff Sgt. George C. Campbell, Danese, W. Va.
Staff Sgt. Shannon Cavasos, Dyess AFB, Texas
Staff Sgt. Christopher E. D'Angelo, Malmstrom AFB
Staff Sgt. Marc D. Esposito, Pope AFB, N.C.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jeanne A. Goldy-Sanitate, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Retired Staff Sgt. Gregory J. Miller, Wentzville, Mo.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jason M. Morgan, McKinney, Texas
Former Staff Sgt. Claude E. Owens, Beavercreek, Ohio
Retired Staff Sgt. Stacey L. Pearsall, Goose Creek, S.C.
Former Staff Sgt. Michael P. Rushton, Cameron, N.C.
Former Staff Sgt. Elmer M. Sanders, California City, Calif.
Retired Staff Sgt. Jack L. Shaw, Marine on the Croix, Minn.
Retired Staff Sgt. Ricky M. Tackett, Tucson, Ariz.
Former Senior Airman Matthew Bilancia, Fairfax, Va.
Retired Senior Airman Eric M. Grubbs, Roseville, Calif.
Retired Senior Airman Jennifer M. Stone, Denver
Retired Airman First Class Chatriex Goodson, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Former Airman First Class Delvin McMillian, Grand View, Conn.
Cadet Matthew L. Pirrello, Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"I'm confident we'll have a great team this year," said Capt. Courtnee Cruz, Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care policy chief. "We're looking forward to getting an outstanding team together and represent the Air Force well at the games."

This year's team will consist of 25 Airmen from a variety of backgrounds.

"It is my hope to be given the privilege to represent my United States Air Force in this spirited competition between the U.S. services," said Sergeant Reilly, a team hopeful who currently serves as a battlefield Airman liaison.

Approximately 200 warriors from all services will compete in the 2011 Warrior Games. Athletes will compete in such events as archery, cycling, basketball, shooting, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.

"The goal of these games isn't necessarily to determine the best athletes," said Captain Cruz. "The goal is to maximize wounded veteran's abilities, and to show them their true potential through competitive sports."

The Warrior Games are developed through the partnership between the U.S. Olympic Committee, Department of Defense and sponsors.

For more information about the 2011 Warrior Games, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.