Airman conquers new path going forward

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jordan Castelan
  • 3rd Combat Camera Squadron
LAS VEGAS --  Aim high ... fly ... fight ... win, an ideology all American Airmen strive to adhere to, words ingrained into the mindsets of enlisted Airmen from the day they become a trainee.

But what happens to those who suffer a debilitating injury, a traumatic experience or a life-altering experience, and how do they set out to conquer the new path that lies in front of them?

Airman 1st Class Rachel Hartless is a medical materiel technician from the 88th Medical Logistics Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, who was diagnosed with Stage Two working Hodgkin lymphoma.

"Everything in my life changed," said Hartless. "All of a sudden I started to constantly worry, had to constantly check my body, I lost sight of my life, I felt numb and out of control."

Eventually Hartless discovered the Air Force's Wounded Warrior Program. A program designed on ensuring wounded and seriously ill Airmen receive professional, individualized guidance and support to help them successfully navigate their way through the complex process of transitioning out of the Air Force and returning to civilian life or continuing on with their military careers.

Now an athlete and active participant in the program, Hartless made the decision to attend and compete in the 2015 Air Force Wounded Warrior Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

"I didn't realize how much help I truly needed until I came here," she said. "I didn't have time to heal, for myself to recover, or know how to.

"You arrive here and you're instantly surrounded by people with similar struggles and strife," Hartless continued. "Maybe no one at home truly understands what you're going through but, when you're here, everyone stands on common ground."

Hartless wasn't the only one to see improvements, said Steve Otero, Air Force Wounded Warrior Program communication coordinator. Many of the athletes leave the trials surprised by how much they've grown, accomplished and learned.

Leaving the competition, Hartless mentioned she is bringing back nothing but self-gains.

"I didn't believe in myself when it [the lymphoma and the games] all started," said Hartless. "Then I found myself standing on the podium ... for the third time. I had a moment of clarity, I realized I could do this, I could continue on.

"I could fight." (Courtesy of Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System)