Wounded Warriors Find Solace in Athletics

Gary Keller, a wounded warrior athlete and retired senior master sergeant, stands proud in his Air Force Wounded Warrior attire at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 10, 2023. Keller was determined to earn a place on Team Air Force when he gave everything he had at the 2023 Air Force Trials early in March. “As the names were being called and the spots were filling up, few openings remained,” Keller said. “It started looking like I wasn’t going to get one. I did my best and gave it my all. Then, with four names to go, I thought I heard my name called but I wasn’t sure. I looked at my wife, and she had this huge smile on her face and said, ‘That’s you!’ The whole table was cheering for me. I became numb at that moment. I couldn’t believe the Air Force just picked me to be on the team. I was so excited and proud to be part of the team.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Moises Vasquez)