Tampa veterans prepare for June Warrior Games

TAMPA (FOX 13) - They are some of the most inspirational athletes anywhere. They push hard to get better, but during this competition, it's not just the individual.

"It's a brotherhood or sisterhood. It's all about the guys on your left and right," says 1st Sgt. Jarrid Collins, who competes in several different events in the Warrior Games, a Pentagon-sponsored annual event for wounded and injured service members.

This year's games will be held in Colorado Springs this June. Tampa is slated to host the 2019 Warrior Games.

"Everybody is about improving each other," says Gunnery Sgt. Tiffany Hudgins, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from an explosion while serving in Afghanistan. 

Hudgins and Collins are part of a contingent of athletes sponsored by U.S. Special Operations Command and training at MacDill AFB.

Some here have competed before. Others, like Master Sgt. George Vera, are going for the first time.

"I'm just thankful for what I do after being shot four times. I just get up and see what I can do," Vera said.

Collins was paralyzed during in an attack on a U.S. facility in Afghanistan.

I asked Collins, who lost part of his left leg, why he competes.

"Because I can," he says. "Because it proves no matter your disability or what your injuries are, whatever you want to do is possible."