2019 Warrior Fest opens on Ramstein, July 21

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Air Force’s Wounded Warrior program is scheduled to open the 2019 Warrior Fest on Ramstein Air Base, July 21.

Warrior Fest incorporates both adaptive sports for Airmen and knowledge building opportunities for caregivers of Airmen.

“The Air Force Wounded Warrior program is a congressionally-mandated and federally-funded organization tasked with taking care of U.S. Air Force wounded, ill, and injured Airmen, Veterans, and their families,” said Master Sgt. Nathan Hargrafen, 786th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight superintendent. “They provide personalized restorative care throughout their transformation back to duty, separation, or retirement.”

Hargrafen added that case managers stay in contact with the Airman throughout the process as an “Airman for Life.”

“The goal is to leave them well-equipped to manage challenges, regardless of injury or illness,” Hargrafen said.

Among the events during the weeklong fest are wheelchair basketball, rowing, archery, powerlifting, and resiliency programs like art, improv to improve, yoga, and more.

“The public is invited and encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes as they compete in the adaptive sports competitions, allowing them to understand that we can always continue to compete no matter what setbacks we may encounter in life,” Hargrafen said.

The Air Force adds approximately 1,200 Airmen to the program every year. As of this year, the program supports more than 3,200 Airmen and 5,000 veterans. Anyone may refer an Airman to the AFW2 program via their website.

All the events on Ramstein are scheduled to occur at the Ramstein Aquatics center and the South Side Fitness Center. For times of events see the AFW2 website, www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.