by Don Dahler
NEW YORK (CBS) - For many service members home from Afghanistan and Iraq, a new battle begins to adjust to life with severe injuries. Fifty such heroes were here recently as guests of the Wounded Warrior Project, in a special program to rediscover the athlete within.
They may be wounded, but they are not limited. That's the driving lesson of the Wounded Warrior Sports Festival.
Paul Yarbourough lost his arms while serving the army in Afghanistan.
"It's just another thing I can do. It's one more accomplishment. I always wanted to go skiing and now I finally have," said Yarbourough.
There's also scuba instruction, sailing and kayaking. Many participants are still being treated at Walter Reed Hospital, where just the possibility of going to the event in the Rockaways is motivating patients.
"The therapists at Walter Reed tell me they're working harder at their therapy because the folks that were here last year said not to miss that trip to the Rockaways...Everyone's working really hard so they can make the trip," said Flip Mullen of Wounded Warriors.
The 4-day festival is encouraging not only for the soldiers, but to their families as well. Sandra Acosta's husband lost his arm dismantling an I.E.D. in Iraq.
"When you first get hurt you think life is over - and loot at him now - He goes to shows...he can do anything he did before," said Acosta.
Many of the Wounded Warriors counselors, who are retired NYPD and FDNY members, teach the sports. Others in the Rockaways open their homes to some 150 soldiers, their families and medical personnel. Some are floored by the generosity.
"I think it's pretty amazing the whole community coming togethe - it's something I've never seen before," said Daniel Acosta.
Those with the project say they are honored to be part of the road back for these service members, who will always have a place to call home.
It was the Fourth Annual Water Sports Festival. The group also runs a winter festival in the Catskills.
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