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Maxwell’s Edenfield selected for Warrior Games

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William J. Blankenship
  • 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Surrounded by the sounds of metal weights clanging and the chatter amongst workout partners, one man sits alone in the gym, wearing the scowl of an all-business workout session.

Sweat pouring down his head as the reps began to add up, he planted his leg into the ground and ordered himself to do "one more rep ... let's go!"

Selected for the 2015 Warrior Games, Maxwell air traffic controller, Staff Sgt. Rey Edenfield didn't bounce back from his accident by attacking his training half-way.

"I approach my training in the same manner I went about my recovery process," he said. "I work hard and always put forth my best effort. I use my faith, family and friends as motivation. I know there are a lot of people who look up to me, and I would hate to let them down."

In October 2013, Edenfield hopped on his motorcycle to make a quick run to a store about a mile from his home in Prattville, Ala.

"There was a truck turning into the neighborhood," Edenfield said. "I looked behind him and didn't see any traffic. I started creeping out of my neighborhood, and as soon as I got into the center lane, I realized a car was kind of caddy-corner to that truck. I was in the center lane just far enough to where the car's left bumper clipped me and smashed my left foot into my motorcycle."

After fighting through surgeries in attempts to save his whole leg, the Edenfield family decided that they wanted a "more mobile Daddy" who could play sports with the boys, which would not have been possible had he kept his whole leg.

His left leg was amputated about six inches below his knee in November 2013.

Less than two years later, the former backyard football player is preparing for the battle of competition once again.

"He's truly been an inspiration to all of us since his motorcycle accident," said Col. Michael Borgert, 42nd Mission Support Group commander. "He's maintained a positive outlook and showed incredible determination as he recovered from his leg amputation.  He had a goal to remain in the Air Force and remain an air traffic controller, and he never doubted that he would get there.  He put in an amazing amount of work and effort, and he got there.  If you weren't already aware that he has a prosthesis you would never guess. His selection for the Warrior Games team is a testament to his dedication and effort.  He'll be a great representative of our Air Force during the Warrior Games."

The determined member of Team Maxwell will compete in sitting volleyball, archery (a sport he has never done since before the Air Force trials), pistol shooting and track.

"Honestly, I never thought I would have the opportunities that I have been given," he said. "I am truly blessed! I hope to represent the Air Force well. I do not take this lightly and will give nothing short of my best effort. I hope to make my family and the Air Force proud!"

The 2015 Warrior Games are June 19-28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Warrior athletes will compete in a multitude of events, to include wheelchair basketball, cycling, track, field, swimming, golf, sitting volleyball and archery.