Veterans Shoot to Achieve Better Health
Adaptive archery can be enjoyed by Veterans of all ages and abilities.
According to the Journal of Archaeological Science, the bow and arrow have existed for nearly 10,000 years. It’s primary use for centuries was for hunting and military. Today, archery is a popular sport, especially in Wisconsin, whether it is target archery or hunting.
The Tomah VA Adaptive Archery Clinic provides Veterans an opportunity to learn about and participate in the sport of archery regardless of physical ability or previous experience.
“The clinic serves both inpatient and outpatient Veterans and operates twice a month from November through March in the VA Gymnasium. It is part of the National Events/Adaptive Sports program,” said Erik Harvieux, Recreation Therapist. “The clinic uses Mathews Genesis bows and other equipment purchased through an adaptive sports grant. A Draw-Loc device is used to provide adaptive shooting for Veterans with physical limitations and is fired off a rest with a trigger mechanism.”
“It’s just a great thing to do and it helps with a lot of things. It helps a person’s balance. It helps a person ability to concentrate and stay on target so to speak. No pun intended,” said Michael Boldon.
Harvieux says archery is a safe and exciting sport and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Benefits of target archery include increased self-confidence, improved strength and balance, enhanced focus, and relaxation.
Boldon, a Marine and Army Veteran, enjoys the feeling he gets from adaptive archery. “It gives you a calming effect too. It is all-around a great thing and I think everybody should give it a try.”
“Archery is a sport that almost anyone can compete in. It can be done just for fun, for hunting, or for competition. It can be done if a person is young or old.” said Randi Smith, U.S. Paralympic Archery Team head coach. “It’s usually fairly easy to adapt – and the thrill of hitting the bulls-eye is unforgettable.”
Veterans are led through a modified Tai Chi warm-up prior to shooting and safety rules are strictly enforced. One primary goal for outpatient Veterans is to gain the basic knowledge and skills to take their interest in archery shooting into the community so they may enjoy the sport of archery outside of the VA. This is facilitated through a six-session curriculum where part of their “homework” is to visit and shoot at a local archery shop or range.
Navy Veteran Jeffrey Lizan recently completed his second class. “I kind of expected it was just going to be like old school bows, just really simple bows. I was kind of surprised coming in they had like compound bows and I never shot an arrow more than twice in my life.” “I like the teachers, it’s very friendly and it gets into everything from the basics to things I didn’t know about because I don’t know anything about archery.”
During the six-month clinic, Veterans enjoy seeing progress in their archery shooting abilities while their group sizes get smaller. Some are considering purchasing their own equipment to get more involved in the sport and exploring the possibility of hunting in the future.
Army Veteran and 2016 Paralympian Lia Coryell gives guidance to Air Force Veteran Becky Fitzpatrick.
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Richard Krueger takes aim at his target during the Adaptive Archery class at the Tomah VAMC.
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