For Sergeant Major Chris Self, staying active has always been part of who he is. Long before his military service, sport was woven into his everyday life. Whether he was training for a triathlon, cycling long distances, running marathons, or spending time outdoors with his family, movement gave him purpose, challenged him, and connected him with the people he loved most.

That all changed in December 2005.

A Combat Injury Changed Everything

While serving in Iraq during a combat operation, Chris sustained gunshot wounds to both legs. One of the bullets severed the sciatic nerve in his right leg, leaving it permanently paralyzed. The injuries were life-changing, forcing Chris to face a future that looked very different from the one he had envisioned.

Despite the uncertainty, Chris remained focused on finding a way forward.

With the unwavering support of his wife, Dana, he made the difficult decision to amputate his paralyzed right leg. On July 13, 2006, just seven months after he was wounded, Chris underwent surgery that would become the first step toward reclaiming the active life he loved.

Finding Strength Through Adaptive Sports

The road to recovery required patience, determination, and countless hours of rehabilitation. It also meant redefining what was possible. Rather than viewing his amputation as the end of his athletic journey, Chris saw it as an opportunity to adapt, grow, and discover new ways to pursue the sports that had always been part of his identity.

That journey led him to CAF Operation Rebound.

Through Operation Rebound, Chris received support that helped remove many of the barriers injured service members often face when returning to sport. Access to adaptive sports equipment, training opportunities, competition support, and a community of fellow athletes allowed him to focus on rebuilding his strength and confidence.

Returning to Competition

Before long, Chris found himself back where he felt most at home: training, racing, and competing.

Today, Chris competes in triathlons and endurance events, proving that determination, paired with opportunity, can open doors that once seemed out of reach. Every race represents more than a finish line. It is a reminder of how far he has come and what can be achieved through perseverance, community, and support.

The Greatest Victory Was Waiting at Home

For Chris, the greatest reward isn’t measured by race times or medals.

It’s being able to share an active life with his family again.

Before his injury, Chris loved playing outside with his three children. Following his recovery, one of his biggest goals was simply being able to keep up with them again. Thanks to adaptive sports and the support of CAF Operation Rebound, that goal became a reality.

“CAF has provided me opportunities to regain the health I had before my injury. I’m able to do the same things I did before and even more. Now, I’m able to keep up with my kids and play with them in the yard, just like any other father. I could not ask for a better gift.”

How CAF Operation Rebound Supports Injured Veterans

Chris’s story reflects the life-changing impact that access to adaptive sports can have for injured service members and veterans. Through movement, competition, and community, athletes rebuild confidence, improve their physical and mental well-being, and continue pursuing the goals that matter most.

CAF Operation Rebound provides unparalleled sports opportunities and support for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders from every branch of service who have sustained permanent physical injuries while serving.

Through adaptive sports grants, athletes can receive support for:

• Adaptive sports equipment
• Coaching and training
• Competition entry fees
• Travel and lodging
• Sports clinics and events
• Ongoing athletic development

Every grant awarded represents more than equipment or a race entry. It represents renewed confidence, greater independence, stronger communities, and opportunities for athletes like Chris to continue living active lives.

Help More Veterans Reclaim Their Active Lives

Your support makes these opportunities possible.

Every donation helps injured veterans and first responders access adaptive equipment, coaching, training, and competitive opportunities that improve health, increase independence, and build lifelong community.

For athletes like Chris, a grant means more than returning to sport. It means returning to family, rediscovering purpose, and reclaiming the freedom that comes from movement.

Make an Impact Today

Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or advocate, you can help ensure more injured service members and first responders have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of adaptive sports.

Donate to CAF Operation Rebound today and help more athletes reclaim the active lives they love.