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JB MDL wounded warriors overcome injuries, compete

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
  • Joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Two Team MDL wounded warriors competed in Olympic-style events at this year's annual Warrior Games held at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.

The Warrior Games allows injured veterans from all branches of service to come together and compete against one another.

Tech. Sgt. Brian Williams, 87th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and Staff Sgt. Zachary Burnash, 87th Civil Engineers Squadron explosive ordinance disposal, represented the joint base and the Air Force at this year's games.

This Warrior Games was a first for both competitors, each of whom competed in multiple events at the competition. The Warrior Games are designed to aid in the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of our wounded, ill and injured service members.

"My favorite moment was crossing the finish line in the mile," said Burnash. "I won the gold."

Service members with a wide range of injuries including those with missing limbs, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury compete in the Defense Department's Warrior Games.

Burnash was in an MRAP when a rocket propelled grenade impacted his weapon causing injuries to his right arm and face while deployed to Afghanistan. Williams was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated while on a mission with his military working dog, Carly. He suffered injuries to all four limbs including the loss of his left leg above the knee. He is also recuperating from back problems and a traumatic brain injury.

"It was great having everyone there whether they're injured in combat or non-combat injuries," said Burnash. "You see a vast array of recovery. We had a captain who had an amputation about 8 weeks prior to the games so she was brand new to recovery. Seeing what she could do and then others who have had their injuries for years and seeing what they can do, it helped."


Williams and Burnash were on the volleyball and basketball teams together, winning a silver medal in volleyball and a bronze in basketball.

"The last basketball game we played was my favorite moment," said Williams. "We were on the bubble of not getting a medal and getting a medal. I played the whole game. I feel like I made an impact - I wasn't the reason we won, but I definitely made an impact."

The next scheduled competition for wounded veterans is the Invictus Games, where veterans from Great Britain and Australia compete alongside U.S. service members.

"I definitely would be ready to go again next year, even beyond competing, still trying to involved in the program by being an assistant coach or a mentor," said Burnash.

"I'm sure I'll take part in more and more," said Williams. "I'm happy they extended the invitation.  I'm looking forward to whatever else I can possibly participate in."