Fort Bliss, Texas –
For U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Xavier Rodgers, the Warrior Ethos has always been more than a creed; it has been a compass through hardship, recovery, and now, toward a new mission. Rodgers is one of 40 Soldiers and veterans selected to represent Team Army at the 2026 Warrior Games.
His journey is a testament to the strength and discipline at the heart of the Army Recovery Care Program.
In June 2025, Rodgers, a petroleum supply specialist from Crystal River, Florida, survived a life-altering gunshot wound that cost him his right eye. In the days that followed, his future was unclear, reshaping his perspective on service and recovery.
"This isn't just about recovery anymore; it's about stepping back into the arena,” Rodgers said.
The values of the Warrior Ethos became deeply personal for Rodgers long before his injury, providing a foundation he would later lean on.
"To be honest, I didn’t have a lot of structure growing up," he said. "So, when I joined the Army and heard things like ‘I will never leave a fallen comrade’ and ‘I will never quit,’ I took that to heart.”
That sense of belonging and commitment fueled his confidence throughout his recovery at the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit. Through the ARCP, SRU’s provide a Soldier-centric approach that is vital for restoring readiness with programs offering medical care, rehabilitation, and support services, with adaptive sports serving as a key component for rebuilding strength and purpose.
For Rodgers, the motivation to compete extends beyond personal achievement. As a father who gained custody of his son a few years ago, his perspective on service and leadership has deepened.
“Discipline and a role model are two things I looked for when I was younger,” Rodgers shared. “My goal is to provide that for the Soldiers around me.”
As he prepares for the Warrior Games, Rodgers credits his progress to a strong support network, from the leaders at the SRU who placed their faith in him to his grandparents who help care for his son.
Being selected for Team Army marks the culmination of one chapter and the beginning of another. For Rodgers, it’s a powerful reminder that the mission of a Soldier never truly ends, it simply adapts.
“I can’t take all the credit,” he said. “I appreciate everyone who’s helping me on this journey.”