Prince Harry Talks to OTA, Races With Wounded Vets
Photo courtesy of New York Road Runners
By Stephanie Yamkovenko
An Army occupational therapy assistant took a unique opportunity to talk to British royalty about his work for wounded warriors, and helped bring attention to wounded veterans and promote the profession of occupational therapy.
Prince Harry of Wales took a trip to New York City to participate in a charity polo match. While in the States, Prince Harry attended a reception at the Intrepid museum where he met Harvey Naranjo, an occupational therapy assistant, who told the prince about his work with wounded war veterans including the Hope and Possibility race that was taking place on June 27 in New York’s Central Park. Prince Harry had the run on his schedule, and joined the 34-member Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans for the 5-mile run.
Photo Courtesy of New York Road Runners
Achilles International has organized the race since 2003, and the group provides opportunities for people with disabilities to train to run races. The organization also has a program for wounded veterans and works with Walter Reed Army Medical Center providing running and marathon opportunities for veterans with disabilities returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts.
“Prince Harry is just so down to earth, laid back, and a really nice guy. He acts just like another person,” says Naranjo. “I told him about what we do at Walter Reed and he was fascinated by our work.”
The Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans is adapted to the specific needs of wounded U.S. soldiers with the end goal for participants to enter and complete a marathon. Participants can begin their training for a less-demanding competition like this 5-mile Hope and Possibility Race.
Prince Harry, who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan, expressed interest in participating in other events with wounded veterans in the future, and has been an outspoken proponent of proper support for veterans injured in Afghanistan.
"We just sort of fight together and get wounded together. After that, we sort of get split two separate ways and I just would love to see, and I'm sure you and everyone would like to see, both sides of the Atlantic learning from each other and working together," he said in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America.
Naranjo works in the occupational therapy department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the team works with active duty military and retired service members of all services. Naranjo changed career 8 years ago to become an occupational therapy assistant, and he says he loves his job.
“I get to rehab heroes daily, I just love it,” says Naranjo.
Occupational therapy practitioners help wounded warriors return to their military roles and responsibilities or transition into civilian life by helping them develop or regain the skills and strategies that allow them to live life to its fullest.
The Hope and Possibility Race celebrates life, community, achievement, and the power of the human spirit and had 5,000 participants of all ability levels that included other notable participants such as New York Governor David Paterson and Cindy and Meghan McCain.
Stephanie Yamkovenko is AOTA’s staff writer.
Naranjo promoted the profession in a big way, talk with your colleagues on OT Connections about how you promote the profession.
