Wounded E-8 fights to rep U.S. in new arena

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Wounded E-8 fights to rep U.S. in new arena
By Jenni Carlson - The Oklahoman via AP
Posted : Saturday Dec 5, 2009 12:42:22 EST

EDMOND, Okla. — Ed O’Neil went to war for his country, battled for it, even sacrificed for it.

One day, he hopes to play for it.

The master sergeant was commanding an Army Special Forces team a year and a half ago in Iraq when an armor-piercing explosive ripped through his Humvee. It also ripped through the lower part of his left leg. That leg was amputated just below the knee.

Now, O’Neil has a new mission — being part of the U.S. Paralympic sitting volleyball team. He is one of eight wounded warriors who took part in a recent developmental camp at the University of Central Oklahoma. All of them are new to the sport, which is played just like the standing game except for the lowered net, smaller court and sitting players. But all of them are eager to learn and driven to succeed.

At a time when injured soldiers are coming home in droves, this is a chance like no other.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_oklahoma_volleyball_rehab_120509/