We can all learn something from each other. Take Brian Fountaine and Luke Wilson for example. They may seem like an unlikely match: a high schooler from Voorheesville, and an Iraqi war veteran from Massachusetts.
"I really look up to Brian," said Luke. "He never gives up."
"I met Luke, and it put a lot of things in perspective," said Brian.
But what they have in common is pretty strong. It is what first brought them together on the STRIDE Adaptive Sports camping trip two years ago. They both love hockey, love being outdoors and have a drive to be active despite the obstacles life has put in front of them.
"I was born with cerebral palsy," said Luke.
"He wears braces and I wear prosthetics, so a lot of our mobility issues are one in the same," said Brian.
Luke's challenges started the day he was born.
"The doctor said when I was a baby, I would never learn how to ride a bike," said Luke.
Brian's challenges started June 8th, 2006, on his second tour in Iraq.
"The IED was buried underground," said Brian. "I heard my driver screaming...I tried standing up to go help him, it was my job as a sergeant, and there was nothing there to stand up on."
In time, Brian's inner strength got him moving and then walking again. Luke's strength, with the help of STRIDE Adaptive Sports, got him riding a bike, skiing, playing hockey. STRIDE is a non profit that gives disabled athletes the opportunity to be involved in sports.
The camping trip is STRIDE's chance to bring wounded warriors and disabled athletes together.
"You're matching people you know will help each other," said Mary Ellen Whitney, STRIDE's founder. "It's been cool how they learn from each other."
And how their relationship has grown.
"A lot of people would say it's disabled or disability, for us we are still pretty able bodied," said Brian.
That is what they have taught the world. What they have taught each other is pretty special too. For Luke the lesson has been leadership.
"When Brian brought his uniform and presented that to Luke, he didn't take it off for three days," said Whitney.
"I walked into school with it and people were like 'whoa where did you get that jacket?' I was like, 'from a friend,'" said Luke.
A friend, who has learned his ability to lead has not been lost.
"The biggest thing I miss about being in the Army is being a sergeant and being with my guys. Luke might not be a private in the Army but he's still one of my guys," said Brian.
