Challenged Athletes Foundation Operation Rebound CAF Operation Rebound provides grants year-around to active duty service members, honorably discharged veterans and first responders with permanent physical injuries for sports equipment, competition and training expenses in the sport or recreational activity of their own choosing. This unique support model is effective in improving both physical and psychological well-being as it allows veterans and first responders to determine their own course towards healing and, in so doing, promotes independence in other aspects of their lives. The program supports nationwide and does not restrict support based upon geography, time of year or type of sport in which an individual chooses to engage. Since 2005, the program has supported over 3,000 individuals experience the healing power of sports. The U.S. cares for 9.1 million veterans at a medical cost of $69 billion per year. Approximately 78% of these veterans are overweight or obese, the annual care for whom costs over $2.6 billion; a cost that is entirely preventable. Of the veterans receiving VA care over 90,000 have permanent physical injuries. Many of whom are at greater risk of becoming obese due to a lack of physical activity. This lack of activity contributes to a higher prevalence of chronic disease risk among veterans with disabilities. Fitness programs help veterans become healthy and make them feel that they are a member of a team again. However, barriers, primarily economic, can prevent many from engaging. Sports equipment, travel and training can be cost-prohibitive for veterans. Without financial support many disabled veterans are left on the sidelines, unable to engage in activities that are proven cost-effective interventions for addressing the obesity epidemic. With proper support, veterans can thrive as demonstrated by the following testimonial:
“My family and I have been hiking almost every day. I have been able to see trails I’ve never been able to make it too without the off-road chair. Hiking has quickly become a family favorite outing. My boys wake in the morning and say, where can we take Mama today. Once again thank you so much for my chair. It has been the best gift for my entire family. We are all very grateful.” -Ixchel Pirlo, U.S. Army Veteran 16
WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2021
Closing the fitness gap between disabled veterans and their able-bodied peers leads to more equitable health outcomes, less dependence on the healthcare system and more community engagement among disabled veterans. Many CAF Operation Rebound athletes are active duty, military retirees and first responders. They were in top physical shape upon entering the service and often times, in an instant, faced the life- altering challenge. Their motivates them to face their injury as a challenge to overcome instead of a life-limiting disability. Through participation in sports, they demonstrate to others and prove to themselves that they not only have the ability to overcome their challenges, but to excel in a sport that they thought they would never be able to participate in again. Wether participating in a local recreational league or competing at international competition, CAF Operation Rebound provides the resources necessary to reach their sporting goals. The Operation Rebound motto is Frontline to Finish Line.” The motto underlines the program’s importance, embodying the ethos of both independence and team work.
