Gurnee veteran in national wheelchair athletic event

Having lost part of a leg after getting hit by an enemy rocket in the Vietnam War, Gurnee resident David Wells is fortunate to be alive, let alone participate in a national athletic event this weekend.

Wells, 61, will be among more than 500 athletes in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in the Denver area. He's one of six competitors representing the North Chicago VA Medical Center.

He credited a radio he was holding with saving his life when he was struck by the rocket while fighting with the Marines in September 1968. Wells said the radio took the initial rocket hit.

Wells, who required a below-the-knee amputation, said he was asked to join the North Chicago VA team three years ago. He didn't have any experience at the time.

"It was kind of funny," Wells said. "When I was asked, I was getting ready to get out of a day-treatment center. I thought it was to be a volunteer."

Wells will participate in air gun shooting, a 200-meter track event and a relay race at what's billed as the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world from Saturday through July 9. The event is staged by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological problems or amputations are eligible to participate in the 17 competitive events that include softball, swimming, bowling and basketball.

Susanne Brunner, a recreational therapist for the North Chicago VA, is coaching the team going to Denver. She said the games provide the disabled vets a chance to be around their peers in a positive athletic environment.

"This event is just a wonderful time for the athletes to get out and promote themselves and promote their well-being," Brunner said.

One of Wells' teammates, Air Force veteran Steve Malone of Waukegan, said he suddenly found himself competing at last year's national games after he and others were inspired by the athletes from other areas they've met.

Navy veteran Dan Dorsch of Evanston, another member of the North Chicago VA squad, recalled how he and his teammates chatted about a one-armed athlete they watched in a slalom event last year in Spokane, Wash.

"We're all excited to compete in events, but meeting other veterans like that truly inspires us," Dorsch said. "It gives us hope."

About 75 athletes attended the first games on the grounds of a Veterans Affairs facility in Richmond, Va., in 1981. This weekend's event with more than 500 competitors in the Denver area will be in several venues, including the Colorado Convention Center.

Wells said he's trying to spread the word about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. He said he's become known for his cheery disposition at the games.

"You know you can do it," Wells said. "You know you can fit into society. It's really fun."