[caption id=“attachment_4145” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Season 1 of the 10-week rehabilitation program culminated with the final workout and a trip to the New Orleans Saints’ preseason home opening game at the Louisiana Superdome, where the warriors were honored with an on-field tribute from the Saints prior to the game and had the opportunity to meet Saints players after watching the pre-game warm-up. (Photo courtesy RWTT Facebook page)”][/caption]

A few months back we introduced to you Rehabbing with the Troops: Wounded Warrior Arena, a groundbreaking program from our friends at Pro vs. GI Joe.  The goal of RWTT is to create a virtual community, called the Wounded Warrior Arena, in which warriors find common ground and build mutual understanding as they improve both their physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being.

But if you think this is just another day in front of the TV, think again! Professional athletes serve as “trainers” for intense workouts on Wii; Season 1′s pro trainers are the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.  This year’s first Season ran from June 10th to August 21st, with each warrior being required to complete a minimum of two workouts per week for 10 weeks.  You catch watch a video below that show a recap of the last workout!

[caption id=“attachment_4147” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Twenty-one wounded warriors—including Army veteran J. R. Martinez, actor in Emmy-Award-winning drama “All My Children”—gathered at the New Orleans Marriott on August 21 to perform the last workout of Rehabbing with the Troops’ inaugural season. (Photo courtesy of RWTT Facebook page)”][/caption]

“I get up every day, and Rehabbing with the Troops is my job,” said wounded warrior and Air Force veteran Wayne “Tom” Marcum, in a tearful description of how the program has affected his life. “It’s given me a chance to rebuild my life, learn how to communicate again with my wife and sons, and become friends with warriors who face the same struggles that I do.”

Even though Season 1 has ended, that community of support will continue for many of the participants, including Marcum, who will return as a coach for Season Two, which launches on Veteran’s Day.  This time the warriors will match up with the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins.  We’ll follow along and bring you the exciting conclusion at the Armed Forces Bowl on December 30!

Pro vs. GI Joe created Rehabbing with the Troops in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO; RWTT is sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFpAlYwJHoA]