Soldiers Get Boost From Partnership
By Jennifer Kushlis, USA TODAY

Sports have made Keith Wolverton feel more heroic since his discharge from the Army last year. He hasn't been in any condition to compete, however, since his deployment to Iraq in January 2002.

Wolverton, 41, suffered dizziness and migraines six months in. Several falls later, he became subject to neurological test after test at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"I felt guilty for coming home early not missing any limbs," the Buckhannon, W.Va., native says.

Wolverton, who relies on a cane for balance, found support in the sports world after a recent dinner for troops in Washington. It was there he first met Dick Lynch, organizer of Impact Player Partners.

Lynch founded the non-profit organization 18 months ago to boost the morale of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan by introducing them to high-profile sports figures.

"(Lynch) asked me, 'If you could meet anyone, who would you meet?' " Wolverton says. "Now that's a loaded question. I love football more than anything — except my wife and God."

Impact Player Partners took him to a Washington Redskins game and introduced him to ex-players Darrell Green and Joe Theismann. Wolverton attended an organization benefit last month in Houston, the backdrop for his meeting with retired quarterback Jim McMahon.

"Now of course, I knew where he went to college and everywhere he played football," Wolverton says. "I told him I didn't want to take his time. But we ended up talking for three hours."

McMahon says it was the least he could do for a soldier who risked his life and spent time away from family. He phoned the soldier he calls "Wolfie" last week to thank him for sending a fatigue jacket.

"I got to play a game for a living — something all soldiers wished they could do," McMahon says. "I don't know if I have the discipline or heart to do their job."

Other athletes who participate in the program include NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, linebacker Junior Seau, pitcher Roger Clemens and golfer Ben Crenshaw.

"Charity requests come across my desk all the time. When I get something about giving back to the troops, it's a no-brainer — the neatest thing I get to do," Clemens says.

Adds Crenshaw, who met with soldiers in Houston: "When you see these kids face-to-face, you realize they're pretty banged up. But they face their injuries with a smile. I was just so struck by their bravery."

Wolverton says Americans do a lot to thank troops, but Impact Player Partners goes one step further to befriend them: "They give me things to look forward to. And football season's right around the corner. I'll be really happy then."