Randolph Air Force Base hosted hundreds of Air Force, Marine, Navy, and other military members from across the country for their Wounded Warrior Event.
The Wounded Warrior CARE program connects service members suffering a tragedy, illness, or setback to one another.
"They build bonds and a support network that they may not necessarily grow where they're stationed. This gives them an opportunity to connect with those that have walked in those shoes and experienced similar injuries or illnesses,” said Marsha Gonzales, a branch chief for Warrior CARE support.
Art, music, employment readiness, lectures, and services for caregivers were part of the event. Wheelchair rugby, tennis, and basketball tournaments, along with other sports for all warriors brought it to a close.
"So, some athletes are not able to walk, so it's a level playing ground, and there's rules to keep you in the chair because some people have amputations, or they can't stand up. So it's a level playing ground for everyone playing,” active duty Air Force member Derrell Peach said.
Behind the programs and sports, Peach says it creates an unbreakable bond with memories that last a lifetime.
"This program literally saved my sanity, my marriage, and probably my life,” Peach said. “You meet people that understand what you're going through, and they can talk to me about what they're going through. You end up sharing more than you thought you would because people are listening and you realize they're going through the same things as you."