Meet Adaptive Athlete: Jeff Bolen

Jeff “Chad” Bolen grew up in Bison, Kansas, where hunting and fishing were more than hobbies - they were a way of life. He went on to serve 21 years in the Navy, traveling the world on countless ship and land deployments in support of OIF, OEF, and other GWOT operations. His military career was marked by dedication and sacrifice, ultimately leading to multiple injuries that resulted in a medical retirement.

 

Jeff’s recovery has been long and complex, involving back, knee, shoulder, and head injuries, along with the challenges of managing PTSD. While the system often pushed heavy medications and minimal rehabilitation, Jeff took ownership of most of his recovery, committing to doing the hard work himself. Counseling and persistence have helped him navigate the mental and physical strain, though walking and everyday activities still bring pain.

 

Now beginning his journey with ATF, Jeff is motivated to discover new ways to rebuild his strength and resilience. His goals are simple but meaningful: to walk a 5K without overwhelming pain, to be active enough to enjoy life, and to be present as a future grandfather - strong, engaged, and able to play with his grandkids.

 

Kaizen Adaptive Training