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When Army veteran Anthony Pone began his military career in 2000,
he had no idea where life would take him.
“I didn’t really
know what I wanted to do at the time,” Pone said. “My uncle and
grandfather both served. It made me feel good to see them traveling
the world, and I thought maybe that would be a good idea for me.”
And travel he did. Pone has spent the last four years living in
France - a country with a unique culture that he’s come to love.
“Most everyone dreams of going to France. It’s surreal,” Pone
said.
But his service isn’t what got him there. A
devastating car accident was the catalyst that’s led him on a
one-of-a-kind journey that he never would’ve expected.
In
2002, Pone was stationed at Fort Lee, VA. One evening, while driving
in stormy weather, Pone’s car hydroplaned and crashed.
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September 30, 2017 - U.S. Army veteran Anthony Edward Pone
attends the Wheelchair Basketball event during the Invictus Games at
the Ryersons Mattamy Athletic Centre, Toronto, Canada. Invictus
Games, September 23-30, is an international Paralympic-style,
multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry of Wales, in which
wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their
associated veterans take part in sports including wheelchair
basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting vollyball, archery, cycling,
wheelchair tennis, powerlifting, golf, swimming, and indoor rowing.
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Seara Marcsis)
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“I was trapped in the car for 3 hours,” Pone said,
describing the wreck which led to the amputation of his
right leg.
A natural born athlete, Pone thought his
life would never be the same.
“I immediately thought
I would never play sports again,” Pone said.
After
returning home, the Philadelphia native says he began to put
on weight and desperately searched for a way to stay active.
That’s when he was introduced to the sport that would change
his life: wheelchair basketball.
“I was reluctant at
first,” said Pone. “I had never even heard of the sport. I
was a good stand up basketball player and I didn’t think it
would be as competitive.”
But Pone would quickly
learn his assumption was wrong.
“I went to practice
and instantly fell in love.”
He began traveling with
a Philadelphia-based team, and before he knew it,
scholarship offers were pouring in.
“I chose to go
to University of Texas at Arlington. So, I was continuing my
education while learning the game at a whole new level,”
Pone said.
After a stint with the Dallas Mavericks’
wheelchair team, Pone then received offers to play overseas
- Italy, Germany and, his ultimate choice, France.
Despite his current affiliation, Pone says there was no
place he’d rather be than standing with Team U.S. at the
2017 Invictus Games.
“My heart is with my home,” Pone
said. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to compete here,
to stand with my fellow service members.”
And that
allegiance held fast, even when it was time to go head to
head with France on the basketball court.
“I don’t
know the French athletes in attendance, but it’s great to
see them here. I’m always rooting for the U.S., but I hope
they do well.”
With Pone’s help, the U.S. wheelchair
basketball team defeated France and went on to beat the
Netherlands for the gold.
No matter what team he’s
playing for, Pone says his goal is to represent for those
who give their all to the game, despite their limitations.
“I always want to show people we’re athletes too,” Pone
said. “We work just as hard and we deserve to be
recognized.”
By U.S. Army Whitney Delbridge Nichels, Warrior Care and Transition
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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