Sean Sexton, right, is a wounded combat veteran and program participant at the National Ability Center. Sexton rides every year in the MOFO mountain bike ride. Credit: Photo courtesy of Sean Sexton The National Ability Center has a legacy of serving veterans since its founding in 1985. The nonpr ofit, which was cofounded by a Vietnam veteran, started with a grant to fund activities for disabled veterans.  Since then, the National Ability Center has added dozens of programs and helped people with different disabilities and backgrounds, but it has always prioritized serving veterans.  Recently, the National Ability Center was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund programs that support disabled veterans. The funds come from the Adaptive Sports Grants Program.  Sean Sexton, a combat-wounded veteran, spoke of the importance of the National Ability Center programs for himself and other veterans.  When Sexton returned from combat, he was experiencing severe post-traumatic stress disorder and complex regional pain syndrome, which led to the amputation of his lower leg. He started to explore adaptive sports programs with Wounded Warriors as a way to cope with the trauma and start healing.  The program was only in its second year, so it had limited offerings. Sexton tried wheelchair yoga and sled hockey. He described yoga as “cute,” but he needed adrenaline and physical exertion to feel like himself. “Getting out in the sled, being able to move around on the ice … was exactly what I needed,” Sexton said. “It felt so good to feel like me again for the first time in several years.” After that point, Sexton moved from Southern California to Boise, Idaho, where he started a sled hockey team. As he realized the importance of sports in his healing process, he ventured to the National Ability Center for new adventures. At the National Ability Center, participants can try dozens of activities, each challenging them at different levels with individual and group instruction. That is made possible largely through programs like the recent sports grant.  “What ends up happening (with PTSD) is we are bombarded with all of these thoughts constantly. We can’t let our guard down,” said Sexton. “The only time that our minds can actually find peace is when we don’t have the time to think about anything else.” Sexton said he’s found a safe way to cope through extreme sports like mountain biking and snowboarding. He’s able to find the most sense of calm in activities that require the most focus.  The National Ability Center ensures at least one-third of its program participants are veterans, in honor of its founders’ mission. Not all participants have physical or visible disabilities.  As Sexton described, one of the best things about being a veteran at the National Ability Center is being around so many people with similar experiences. It can be a challenge to adjust to different norms after being home, and especially after experiencing so much trauma, he said. “One of the biggest things that, as veterans, we miss when we get out, is the camaraderie,” Sexton said. “When you’re surrounded by those guys, you feel at home again. … They understand where you’re at and why you’re at, where you’re at and what is going on.” The National Ability Center estimates the adaptive sports program grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs will benefit 1,000 individuals by waiving program participation costs for veterans and active military.  Through other grants and donations, veterans, active military and their families are able to participate at reduced costs as well.  “Having those opportunities (at the National Ability Center) and a place to go, you start finding a path forward,” said Sexton. On Oct. 28, the National Ability Center will host its annual “Saluting Our Heroes” fundraiser to continue its work in supporting service members. The post National Ability Center awarded $200,000 from Veterans Affairs appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less