News From the Cause
U.S. Marine Corps calls on Williams to coach wheelchair basketball team in Wounded Warriors Games (Mercurynews.com)
June 29, 2011
On his laptop screen, Rod Williams traces a fingertip over a sea of faces. Softly, he recites the grim inventory of their injuries.
"Double amputee. Post-traumatic stress syndrome. Shattered legs and arm. Brain injury. Quadriplegic. Blind."
But look: All are smiling widely into the camera's lens. Attired in scarlet T-shirts and sweats emblazoned with the logo of the U.S. Marine Corps, they are flushed with the thrill of recent victories.
Williams is now grinning as well, his pride in his team apparent. With his powerful biceps and chest, it's no stretch to imagine Williams putting this crew through its paces--or through Marine Boot Camp, for that matter.
But Williams does his coaching from a wheelchair. And today the Los Gatos resident is recounting his experiences in mentoring the Marines' wheelchair basketball team at the recent 2011 Wounded Warriors Games.
Held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, the Paralympic-style Games included 200 wounded, ill or injured soldiers from every branch of the military. Most incurred their disabilities during active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.Click here to view more
