Local Amputee Competing in Wounded Warrior Games

The 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games are underway in Quantico, Virginia, with wounded service members and veterans from across the country competing. The games will wrap up on June 28.

“The courage, strength and skill of our warrior athletes and their families inspire their fellow service men and women, and Americans everywhere,” said Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright. “Everyone in the Department of Defense looks forward to celebrating the athletes’ accomplishments before, during and after June’s competition.”

Approximately 200 athletes are competing in eight events. Their teams are divided into Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the British Military.

Among the athletes is Petty Officer 3rd Class Redmond Ramos, who was injured by an IED while he was serving in Afghanistan in 2011. His left leg was amputated below the knee. The DOD reports that Ramos is from Fremont, while an online profile says he currently lives in Murrieta.

Ramos is prominently featured in an online tribute to Wounded Warriors. He told Time, “When you are injured and lying in a hospital bed, you face a choice: feel sorry for yourself and drink the pain away, try to get back to the person you used to be, or open your eyes and finally live life. Become better than you ever were.”

Ramos is competing in Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, and Track & Field.

Follow the results online here.

--Photos of Ramos at previous competions via DOD