By Eric A Thomas
“Be All You Can Be” is not just the slogan for the US Army but for one local veteran, it is a daily reminder to strive to be his best.
The year was 2000 and Ray Turner was ready for the next phase of his life. In May of that year, he graduated from Triopia High School, in June he turned 18, and in July he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Turner was stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky with the 101st Airborne Division. “I served with them from 2000 until 2003 when I got out of the Army,” stated Turner. “After September 11, 2001, I deployed to Afghanistan.” While deployed there he received injuries.
After getting out in 2003, he was at the veterans’ hospital and underwent multiple surgeries. Thirty eight surgeries to be exact. The doctors were trying to salvage his right leg. Eventually they concluded that they would have to amputate the leg above the knee. “I wore a prosthetic leg for a few years and had a lot of complications with it,” Turner added. “My leg started hurting a lot, so I wound up in a wheelchair.”
Consultations took place and a decision was made for Turner to go to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C. where he underwent an osseointegration surgery. This is a procedure that extends a metal rod out of the leg that the prosthetic leg attaches to. “While in the hospital I met a bunch of really amazing, injured veterans,” he said. “I met someone who has turned out to be a really great friend.” This new friend has been the catalyst that put him into the next chapter of his life, becoming a para-athlete.
His new friend, Kevin Bittenbender, lives in Pennsylvania and was already involved in para-athletic competition when the two met. Bittenbender got Turner signed up with him to do all 5 of the armed forces marathons on handcycle. A handcycle has 3 wheels instead of 2 and is propelled by using hands instead of feet.
So far Turner has competed in the Coast Guard Marathon finishing in 3rd place behind his friend from Pennsylvania. His time was 2 hours 56 minutes. As to the future for him in para-cycling, he would like to continue to improve and would love the opportunity to compete on the USA Para Cycling Olympic team if given the opportunity.
Competing in this event led him to be introduced to the USA Para Bobsled and Skeleton coaches and they invited him to join them for a training session at Lake Placid, New York. The team has set a goal to participate in the Winter Olympics in 2034. He is currently working with 2 trainers and a coach to keep in shape. As they get training camps scheduled, invitations will go out to the potential Olympic team members.
The cost of the training camps is very high because it includes flights, hotels, food, and especially time on the ice is limited and costly. The Gary Sinise Foundation covered the entire event last time. With supporters like that they are hoping to be able to attend more training sessions.
In the meanwhile, Turner will continue to participate in the Armed Forces marathons as a hand cyclist. “The next marathon I will compete in is the Air Force 26.2 mile in September,” concluded Turner. “This will take place in Dayton Ohio.” After the September marathon he will be competing in the Army 10 Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon both in October. Also, in December he will be a part of the Space Force 10 Miler.
