Stories

Being here is such an honor
June 30, 2024 — Sgt. Noah Rydesky is thrilled to compete for Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, describing the experience as an honor beyond anything he's ever known. His journey to the Games was harrowing; after being assaulted and left for dead in Colorado on February 13, 2022, he was found with frostbite and severe injuries. His recovery began in a hospital and continued at the Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), where the supportive staff helped him overcome his physical and emotional challenges. Initially struggling in a dark place, Rydesky found solace and strength in adaptive sports, which he quickly embraced. Now, he competes in field, track, and swimming, his favorite sport. Rydesky's competitive spirit shines as he jokes about aiming for gold and proudly thanks his coaches and the SRU staff for their unwavering support... MORE

Team Army athlete Sgt. Noah Rydesky, with one of his gold medals in swimming, was flanked by athletes from Team Air Force and Team Marines

Adaptive sports helped me have a routine
June 29, 2024 — Army Specialist Alexis Pantoja's journey of recovery and resilience is nothing short of miraculous. After suffering a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle hit-and-run accident on September 24, 2022, Pantoja was in a coma for ten days and had to relearn basic skills such as walking, talking, and writing. His rehabilitation included participation in adaptive sports at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), which helped him establish a daily routine and regain his abilities. Now a competitor in the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, Pantoja reflects on his remarkable progress and the importance of adaptive sports in his recovery. Although he will not return to duty due to his medical condition, Pantoja proudly represents Team Army in field, track, and rowing events. His story highlights the power of perseverance, routine, and the support of a dedicated community, inspiring others with similar challenges to strive for a positive outcome... MORE

Spc. Alexis Pantoja of Team Army throws in the discus competition

“When I learned about the Warrior Games, it gave me hope again.”
June 28, 2024 — U.S. Army Specialist Darnell Boynton of the Georgia National Guard turned his post-injury challenges into a triumphant return to sports. After suffering a severe knee injury that required surgery in December 2021, Boynton struggled with his inactivity. However, his time at the Fort Stewart Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and participation in adaptive sports reignited his passion. Despite being told he would never run or play sports again, Boynton's determination and coaching led to his recovery and selection for Team Army at the Warrior Games for the second time in three years. His story exemplifies resilience, as he encourages others to persist despite setbacks. Beyond the competition, Boynton values the camaraderie and support among athletes, which motivated him to reenlist. His journey underscores the importance of never giving up and finding strength in community... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Darnell Boynton pushes out in front during the track competition

We have to give it our all; that’s why we are here!
June 27, 2024 — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Michael Britton has experienced a diverse and challenging military career, serving as an active duty MP, a reserve combat engineer, and finally, an active duty infantryman. His career took a dramatic turn in 2023 when a motorcycle accident in Alaska resulted in the loss of his right leg and a severe arm injury. Despite this setback, Britton has shown remarkable resilience and is competing in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in multiple events, including archery, field, swimming, and track. His favorite, archery, has helped him strengthen his arm and adapt to his new physical circumstances. Supported by his family and the rehabilitation teams at Joint Base San Antonio and Brooke Army Medical Center, Britton advocates for adaptive sports as a means of boosting confidence and embracing new challenges. His positive outlook serves as an inspiration for others facing similar obstacles... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Britton competes in the archery event

Anybody who wants to try an adaptive sport should just do it!
June 26, 2024 — Retired Army Spc. Michael Villagran, who lost his right leg after stepping on a bomb in Afghanistan in 2012, has found recovery and resilience through adaptive sports. Despite the challenges, he embraced adaptive sports, leading to significant improvement over time. Villagran competes in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in events such as wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball, demonstrating his determination and hard work. His journey from limb salvage attempts to choosing amputation showcases his tenacity. Villagran's participation aims to inspire others facing medical challenges to explore adaptive sports. Supported by his three daughters, he prepares to represent the U.S. in the upcoming Invictus Winter Games. Villagran appreciates the camaraderie among his fellow athletes and is proud of Team Army's achievements... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Michael Villagran accepts Team Army's bronze medal for wheelchair rugby during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

I’m going to push through to put my team on top!
June 25, 2024 — U.S. Army Spc. Janmiguel Torres-Cruz is competing at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Selected for Team Army after the 2024 Army Trials, Torres-Cruz is enthusiastic about participating in rugby, volleyball, and basketball. He helped Team Army secure their first-ever bronze in wheelchair rugby, showcasing the impact of adaptive sports on his recovery from severe knee and back injuries sustained during a deployment to Poland. Medically retired and now a full-time student in Puerto Rico, Torres-Cruz credits adaptive sports and the Army Recovery Care Program for transforming his mentality and aiding his physical and mental health. Engaged and planning a wedding, he remains passionate about sports, which continue to inspire and motivate him... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Janmiguel TorresCruz prepares to return a serve at sitting volleyball practice for Team Army during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Team Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko: “I’m giving hope to those with a stroke”
June 24, 2024 — U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Jack Peko, who suffered a stroke in November 2022, is now recovering at the Ft. Riley Kansas Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and competing in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Learning about adaptive sports at the SRU, Peko represents Team Army in Orlando, using his experiences to inspire others with similar conditions. Despite using a wheelchair and working on his speech, he medaled in the precision air rifle competition and looks forward to competing in shot put and discus. Peko's wife, Gloriah, and their children support his journey, emphasizing the importance of adaptive sports in recovery and resilience... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko wins silver for Team Army in the precision air competition during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Team Army and Team Australia - A Cancer connect and friends for life
June 23, 2024 — At the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, U.S. Army Capt. Hannah Wright and Australia Army Sgt. Emily Lahey formed an instant bond after discovering they both had cancer diagnoses during a chance meeting in the ladies' room. Lahey, on long-term medical leave due to terminal cancer, and Wright, a recent ovarian cancer survivor, found camaraderie and support in each other's stories. Both emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and participating in adaptive sports as part of their recovery. Despite ongoing treatments, they are committed to living fully and appreciating their ability to compete, with Wright winning bronze in powerlifting. Their newfound friendship exemplifies the unifying power of shared experiences and resilience... MORE

U.S. Army Capt. Hannah Wright, left, and Australia Army Sgt. Emily Lahey congratulate each other at the powerlifting competition

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