A group of wounded veterans who lost limbs while serving in the military are connecting with kids with similar disabilities.
Each summer the injured vets invite 20 children from across the country to spend a week playing softball and bonding with others who are also missing limbs.
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball camp took place this past week in Mission Viejo.
Former Marine Josh Wege from Campbellsport, Wisconsin lost both of his legs in 2009 when his armored vehicle hit an IED in Afghanistan.
He spent a year and a half recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center.
After he got prosthetic legs Wege joined with other wounded warriors to form a non-profit organization to inspire others.
"We all had two things in common: we wore the uniform and we all traumatically got hurt," Wege said.
The wounded vets play able-bodied players in exhibition games around the country. But they say coaching kids is the most rewarding part of their mission.
Deven Jackson, 11, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania had both of his legs amputated after he contracted meningitis three years ago. He says he was teased by other kids.
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"They'll try to say mean words, like you can't play or you're useless," Deven said.
Deven's Father worried the loss would crush his spirit.
"It put you in a dark place - it felt like he could never play sports again - never accomplish anything again," Dave Jackson said.
But little Deven showed them all. He's now back on field scoring big using prosthetic legs.
Sophia Howard, an 8-year-old from Hudsonville, Michigan was born without a right hand. She says being part of this team has given her more confidence.
"I look around at every single kid and they have disabilities like me. When you believe in yourself you can do it," Sophia said.
The children and their coaches also visited Disneyland and other attractions while in Southern California.
All of the traveling expenses for the players and parents are paid for by donations.
If you would like to help visit: woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org
