[caption id=“attachment_5722” align=“aligncenter” width=“400” caption=“Army Staff Sergeant First Class Chris Livesay, a member of 5th Special Forces Group, prepares to line up a shot during the ranking round May 18, 2011. (Photo: Samantha L. Quigley / USO)”]Army Staff Sergeant First Class Chris Livesay, a member of 5th Special Forces Group, prepares to line up a shot during the ranking round May 18, 2011.  (Photo: Samantha L. Quigley / USO) [/caption]

The 18 members of the Special Operations team view their team’s last minute addition to the Warrior Games as a welcome challenge! Though only having a few weeks to practice together, they’re already proving to be a formidable force in the competition.

“I shot my gun [to train with] for the first time two days ago, but I’ve had some prior experience,” said Staff Sergeant Peter Quintalla with a sly grin. He went on to discuss his anticipation of the events ahead.

“I’m excited [about] bringing the whole wounded warrior community together,” he added. “It’s the first time Special Ops has had their own team. It’s great to hang out with all the other branches and have some bonding time.”

Captain Ivan Castro, whose cycling and running in the track and field events, shares his teammate’s excitement.

“It’s awesome that we can get all these wounded service members all together and celebrate sportsmanship, but most of all pushing our limits and showing the nation what we’re all about … showing what were made of,” he said. “I know there’ll be some trash talking, some rivalry between the services, as always, but at the end of the day were all Americans, we all bleed red, and it’s all about pushing each other and the pride of being here. I hope to have a great time and make some new friends.”

Castro, blinded by a mortar attack in Iraq in 2006, remains on active duty and continues to inspire.

I think it’s safe to say the last minute addition of the Special Operations team was a welcome one! – Vyque White, USO