Tailgating at work!

Today was a fun day at work- we tailgated out in the parking lot! Over the next few days, the U.S. Olympic Committee is hosting several disabled military veterans as part of the U.S. Paralympic Military Program. So, to show our support, USOC employees dressed patriotically and decorated trucks while BBQing for the veterans participating in the program.

Since 2003, the USOC has been hosting programs that introduce newly, severely disabled military veterans to sport. For individuals who are used to being very physical and leading active lifestyles, injuries resulting in physical disabilities can turn their lives 180 degrees from where they thought they'd be at this point in their lives. During programs like the one going on right now here in Colorado Springs, elite disabled athletes are showing the veterans that not only does life go on, it can be quite rewarding and competitive.



One of the attractions during the BBQ was the CNN Warrior One. This Hummer was used by embedded CNN journalists in 2003 to cover the war in Iraq. It came back pretty beat up, but was customized by TLC's "Overhaulin" and Chip Foose. It was auctioned off to benefit Fisher House, an organization that donates homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical facilities where families can lodge while their loved ones are receiving care. Warrior One is now on a national tour sponsored by RE/MAX to help raise awareness and money for severely injured service members.


The group of people you see on this truck are my coworkers. We make up Performance Services of the USOC. This group represents the components of Performance Services which are Sports Medicine (Certified Athletic Trainers and Docs), Sports Sciences (Biomechanists, Physiologists, Performance Technologists, Dietitians & Psychologists), Coaching Education, our leadership & administrative support. We have a great group and as you can see, we like to have fun! Our group won the "Most Original Decorations" award. I think the judges just really liked the fact that we left the BBQ pit in the back of the truck to cook!

One of our administrative assistants, Sara made these cookies. Not bad! All in all, it was a fun day with good food for a good cause. Hopefully this event helped these veterans in the process of reclaiming their lives and maybe even inspired them to train for one of the sports they are being introduced to. Most importantly of all though, I hope that you are reminded that freedom is not free. No matter your view on the war, please remember that those are real people out there with real lives that are sacrificing for our ability to do whatever it is we want to do back here in the States- even tailgating at work!