James Shoemaker

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Petty Officer 1st Class James Shoemaker joined the U.S. Navy in 2005 to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and stepfather. Naval service allowed him to see the world, build skills, and create lifelong friendships. He served as an instructor and trained the younger crop of sailors on how to be safe and efficient on a flight line, but his most proud moment was becoming a parent. He was initially hesitant about participating in adaptive sports with Navy Wounded Warrior, but he wanted to set a healthy example for his children that anything is possible, no matter the circumstances. He wanted to reclaim part of his life from before his injury. Shoemaker loves team sports and immediately took to wheelchair basketball. The game allowed him to think as part of a unit, required him to read his teammates and anticipate the defense. He has shown his kids that hardships are not stops. What’s more, through Navy Wounded Warrior, he grew an empathetic circle of peers who can listen and understand his condition, driving him to continue.