Gaining Ground: How Team RWB Helped Me Overcome Loss of Mobility

2023-01-03T17:26:52-05:00

In 2018, an accident almost took my life. I left the Army in 1998 in good shape after an 8-year career as an MP, deploying as part of Desert Storm, and serving a small stint in the Guard. My life drastically changed when the left side of my body was crushed from a high-speed collision between a dually pick-up truck and my car.

Months of hospitalization and rehab helped me relearn basic skills that now required a huge effort, like simply sitting in a chair. After my accident and rehab I was still mainly in a wheelchair, but I was determined not to stay there. My wife - who had been in the car with me when the accident happened - encouraged me to get out of the wheelchair, and I was motivated to keep doing more. Though I kept working and making progress, what I didn’t really have was a team.

That’s when I found Team RWB. It was during a presentation at a Department of Veterans Affairs MOVE! event, and I went to the local chapter’s CrossFit event that night. I questioned what I’d be able to do with the body I had after the accident, but no one questioned my ability or looked at me like I didn’t belong. The coach offered me modifications that worked and my newfound teammates were encouraging.

Now, I’m doing something physical every day of the week. I go to CrossFit with Team RWB weekly. I attend yoga classes and do poses my way with encouragement and support to help me make strides in my recovery. While I might not move as fast as others, I’m returning serves on the pickleball court. I lead a Team RWB chapter cycling event riding a bike adapted for me. My first ride was less than a mile and now I’m knocking out 20 miles with Eagles to my left and right. We might ride different bikes and at different speeds, but no one gets left behind.

My individual efforts on this journey back to wellness are amplified by the team I have around me. It’s crazy to think of what I’ve accomplished because I have other people doing it with me. It’s not just CrossFit, yoga, and cycling - it’s also companionship; companionship that helped me when I lost my wife in May of 2021.

My fellow Eagles are some of my biggest supporters, and now I’m giving back as a volunteer Chapter Captain for my local Team RWB chapter. Being part of Team RWB gives me a chance to let other veterans know that no matter where they are, they are welcome.

When we’re on bikes and talking with our fellow Eagles, we’ll be shocked to realize how quickly we’ve already gone 10 miles and it’s time to turn around. It’s a surprise just how far you can go when you’re out there with someone else.

I've experienced a decline in my health and wellness since exiting the military and am interested in learning about Team RWB's programs: https://rly.pt/3IllzaY

I haven't experienced a decline in my health and wellness since exiting the military but want to learn more about what Team RWB offers: https://rly.pt/3GzYYq4

I have served in the U.S. military and would like to learn more about Veteran benefits from the VA: https://rly.pt/3YsOmQi

For more about Ralph’s story, see this video: https://rly.pt/GainingGround

Team Red, White & Blue

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jan 3 at 2023 5:50 PM

2023-01-03T17:50:23-05:00

Thanks for sharing your story!

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jan 3 at 2023 6:36 PM

2023-01-03T18:36:28-05:00

SPC Ralph Papineau Jr, your accomplishments in the face of such challenges are inspiring and I'm glad you're now using your experiences to help others via Team RWB. I'm also sorry to hear you lost your wife in 2021. It sure sounds like she'd be proud of the important work you're doing today.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jan 10 at 2023 4:22 PM

2023-01-10T16:22:41-05:00

Excellent post Specialist. Thanks for sharing this.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 12 at 2023 9:09 AM

2023-01-12T09:09:10-05:00

Team RWB is great. They helped with my recovery from hip replacement

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jan 12 at 2023 10:03 AM

2023-01-12T10:03:13-05:00

Great story SPC Ralph Papineau Jr. Like you, I had a major vehicle accident 2 years after retirement from the AF. A 70 y/o Woman pulled directly in front of my motorcycle. I was out of work for six months trying to get strength and mobility to my right arm and right leg. Like you I needed to find a form of workout that suited me.
I purchased #2 sons bike and started riding with a group of folks in a nearby town, some were folks I worked with in the OR. I even got talked into a 200k randoneuring (sp) event. It was after that I decided I needed a more comfortable bike and purchased a Bacchetta CA 2.0 recumbent. What a difference. Since then I have participated in twelve 12 hour races with 210.6 miles as my best one, and a number of 200 and 300k rides. I like your recumbent trike but I still like 2 wheels. I may need 3 years in the future, who knows.
I didn’t know about RWB, but I had a great group of riders to push me along. Cheers!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 10 at 2023 9:36 AM

2023-02-10T09:36:03-05:00

This is inspiring, SPC Ralph Papineau Jr. Your RWB chapter sounds like the same kind of family we had around us in the military. So hard to find a group that can motivate & push you beyond your perceived limits. Please keep us updated on your progress!

Response by PO3 Matthew Campbell made Feb 13 at 2023 3:41 PM

2023-02-13T15:41:32-05:00

Thank you SPC Ralph Papineau Jr for sharing your story! You inspire so many others especially your story of resiliency!