Athletes visit Walter Reed

There is a close tie between the athletes who wear the flag draped over their shoulders and the soldiers who wear the flag on their sleeves. Both know the price of sacrifice that comes with great dedication to a cause; both know the pride of representing their country to the best of their abilities to a world constantly watching, and both know what it is like to be a part of something greater than themselves.

That is why on this visit to Washington D.C., where the Olympians and Paralympians from the Vancouver 2010 Game Winter Games were invited to the White House to meet with President Barack, and First Lady Michelle Obama, it made sense to pay a visit to Walter Reed Medial Center in Washington, D.C., to visit the soldiers who know that price of sacrifice all too well.

While there the athletes sat with the servicemembers to catch a screening of the documentary "Warrior Champions." For the athletes, the visit was an opportunity to provide inspirtation to those that inspire them.

"The stories have been so inspiring," said snowboarder and first time Olympian Nick Baumgartner. "When I go places I try to speak to people inspiring them to do stuff, but all you'd have to do is just show them the video we just watched and I think that's enough. I mean, I'm proud to be an Olympian, but to know these guys and see the things they go through to get on top, I think it's the most inspiring thing I've ever seen or heard in my entire life."

Walter Reed seems to be a place where inspiring stories begin. Also at the visit were Paralympians, swimmer Melissa Stockwell and alpine sit skier, Heath Calhoun who were featured in the "Warrior Champions" documentary. After the screening, they had the opportunity to answer questions posed by the servicemembers and staff of Walter Reed. Both Calhoun and Stockwell spoke about overcoming the "why me questions," as well as encouraged the injured servicemembers to simply take that first step.

Also there, was gold medalist from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games track and field athlete April Holmes, who lost her leg in a train accident. This visit was important to her because military members have been among her biggest supporters.

Her message to the servicemembers was to never give up.

"There's life after an injury," said Holmes. "You can still get back into sports, you can still have the same type of life you had before the injury."

Both she and fellow Paralympian and sled hockey player, Taylor Chace, know all too well the struggles both emotional and physical that stem from overcoming disabilty. For Chace, seeing the video brought back memories.

"I think it always takes you back, you know rehab and things like that, when you see people in the hospital and what they're going through everyday, little battles that you struggle with," said Chace. "Afterward, you look back and you kind of take for granted every day I'm able to play sports and be athletic and compete ... walking again, just getting over some depressed moments you have about yourself, the 'why me' questions and stuff, yeah, seeing the video just kind of brings you back to the hard work you put in to just be able to be active phsyically."

Chace also stated he hoped if the visit accomplished anything it would be to encourage the injured servicemembers that they can do it too. It was a sentiment all of the athletes visiting shared.