Warrior Care attendee joins Games team a year later

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BACE, Fla. --  Since training here in 2015 at his first adaptive sports and rehabilitation camp, Chris Fugitt has made significant changes and improvements in his life.

He progressed from just attending as a Warrior Care recipient last year, to training with the Warrior Games team this year, which heads to West Point June 15-21 for the competition.  He will serve as an alternate with the team. 

"I wanted to compete in the Warrior Games to better myself and get in better shape," Fugitt said.  "I didn't want to be a bump on the couch anymore."

Since coming to the camp last year, the retired senior airman and former 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer and his wife, Megan, moved to Olympia, Wash.  The couple, who already had a son, welcomed another son, only four months ago.

Through continued physical therapy and hard work, Fugitt said he's walking better; can dribble a basketball and is able to drive.

"I've worked so hard to get in shape for the Warrior Games," he said.  "It's great to overcome so much and come this far."

Megan, who was with him again as his caregiver, agrees.

"Retiring from the Air Force and moving across the country to live near my family has helped him tremendously," she said.  "I'm so proud of him."

A massive stroke in 2013 ended the former weapons loader's nine-year military career.  Fugitt overcame a number of debilitating setbacks as well, before attending his first camp here last year.

"I tried it out at Eglin and I loved it," Fugitt said.  "I'm passionate about it now."

Fugitt attended six more adaptive camps and participated in swimming, cycling and shooting, his favorite events.  He and Megan also attended a conference at Washington, D.C., where they were part of a Wounded Warrior program panel.

Fugitt said he won sportsmanship, spirit and most improved player awards at the camps he attended.

"It's cool to see all the new men and women come in and interact, to watch how well they compete and see if they'll stick with it," he said.  "To watch these Warriors succeed is beyond incredible."

Megan won't be able to travel to the Warrior Games events with Chris as his caregiver for much longer.  Fugitt's physical condition has improved to where he can now travel alone - another big improvement in only a year.

"I'll miss her, but I 'm ok," he said.  "I'll be surrounded by my Wounded Warrior family.  There's nowhere to go, but up from here."