Stories

Tag: Warrior Games

Soldier Mom will show how it's done at Winter Invictus Games
January 23, 2025 — Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring, a stay-at-home mom who recently had her second child, is set to compete for Team U.S. in the Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver. After medically retiring last April due to a knee injury, she discovered adaptive sports at the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit, which played a crucial role in her recovery. Moehring, who won four gold medals in swimming at the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge, will now compete in swimming, Nordic skiing, and skeleton at the Invictus Games. She credits her supportive coaches and husband for her success and aims to promote adaptive sports as a vital part of a Soldier’s recovery, hoping to inspire her children with her achievements... MORE

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring and her family.

Life goes on with Adaptive Sports
January 2, 2025 — Retired Army Staff Sgt. Bobby Green shares his journey of overcoming spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries through the power of adaptive sports. After a fall from a tactical vehicle in Kuwait, Green faced uncertainty about his future. Initially skeptical about adaptive sports, he discovered its transformative impact at the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit. Embracing activities like seated shot put, archery, and sitting volleyball, Green credits adaptive sports with saving his life and giving him the tools to adapt. Now retired, he mentors athletes and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and the doors that adaptive sports can open... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Bobby Green works on his shot-put technique, September 23, at York Lion Stadium, Toronto, Canada, in preparation for the Invictus Games.

The Strength of a Military Family
November 26, 2024 — summarize Every November since 1996, Military Family Month recognizes military families' service and sacrifices. This year, we honor the Calantoc Family, who’ve had more than their share of sacrifices due to unfortunate circumstances. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc married in 2009, embarked on a military career journey for Gene, and welcomed three children during their multiple military moves. “I was very clueless initially when he said he would join the military. You can’t imagine what happens in a military family’s life. I had to be up to the task,“ said Miho Calantoc. Originally from San Diego, the Calantocs moved four times in ten years. “It’s definitely something most people won't experience. One month after we had our first daughter, my husband got orders to deploy for nine months to Afghanistan. We just moved to Kentucky, our first duty station, so we had no family, no friends, and I was a newbie in this military world.” She says she made new friends by “networking” the network. “ Before we got into the military, I didn’t have a lot of friends. Reaching out to people was a new thing for me. It was hard to do because I didn’t want to burden anybody. The military taught me it's okay to ask for help, and networking is vital.” She did this by engaging with Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, which she says was instrumental in building her confidence to seek help and build lifelong friendships. Many people hear that story when military families or military moves are discussed. What happened on their third assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, changed their lives forever. “Our life changed 180 degrees. Our goal was twenty years in the Army. I just had our third child when we were in Missouri, and he was only 8 months old when Gene had his accident,” said Miho. Gene had a terrible motorcycle accident while riding with friends in March 2020, the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. At a hospital two hours away, a nurse called Miho and explained Gene would need his leg amputated and said they would update her by phone with information after his surgery. “ We turned the car around and went home; we weren’t allowed in the hospital,” said Miho. Staff Sergeant Calantoc admires his bride, who moved heaven and earth to reunite her family. “I am very proud of Miho. She has been so supportive, even though this is not what she signed up for, and wasn’t prepared for this outcome. She is truly amazing.” Because of COVID restrictions, it would be more than two months before the family would reunite. It was a busy two months for Miho and the kids. “We didn’t see Gene until he got to his next assignment, the Soldier Recovery Unit in San Antonio. That was in May. We also had to move out of our home within two months, and I had to clear Gene from all his work stuff before we headed to San Antonio. So, I had to do everything by myself with the kids,” said Miho. Mica Calantoc is old enough to remember when her dad had two legs. She says life is normal now, but it was a lot of newness initially. The abrupt move to another state, a new school, and the new way to navigate the house. “It's different because my dad needs a little help. It is weird, though, at night because he takes his leg off to go to bed,” said the 12-year-old with a giggle. The Calantocs have quite the military journey as a family to share, enduring more than their share, but they are proud, according to Miho, to have served for ten years. “It’s not easy, and the struggle is real. People automatically think of the stability you get in the military — housing, paycheck, medical. They don’t understand the struggle of not having a spouse who is in training or deployed. Add to that if you then become a caregiver and how much work it is to care for someone with a disability and keep the whole house running, likely living somewhere away from family.” Staff Sgt. Calantoc medically retired in 2021 and turned to adaptive sports as a way to recover. He made Team Army and competed at this year’s Warrior Games. It most definitely became a family affair. “I like to see how much my Dad can do in those sports. He’s fast because he practices a lot. I'm really proud of him, and I like to see him in wheelchair rugby,” said Mica. “He plays with the kids in his wheelchair. We are learning to adapt and are comfortably placed into our new normal as a military family,” Miho shared. She is particularly proud of their children and how they’ve embraced this unplanned journey. “After seeing Daddy with a disability, I’ve noticed our kids are more compassionate and embracing of others with a disability. They are very considerate and helpful .” Recognizing his family's sacrifices and strength, Calantoc is thankful his wife fits into military life perfectly and handles everything like a champ. “She means everything to me. She’s always loving and caring. When I am sad or depressed, she is there to lift me up. Our family is a blessing, and I know the Lord knows what is coming for me in the future. I’m ready.” Military Family Month, celebrated every November since 1996, recognizes the service and sacrifices of military families. This year, it honors the Calantoc Family. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc have navigated multiple relocations, deployments, and a life-changing motorcycle accident in 2020 that led to Gene's leg amputation. Despite challenges, Miho has been a steadfast support, handling the care of their three children and adapting to new circumstances. Gene’s involvement in adaptive sports and participation in the Warrior Games highlight their resilience. Their story underscores the importance of support systems, like Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, and the strength found within military families... MORE

The Calantoc Family after the powerlifting competition at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Targeting Soldiers with archery
October 16, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class David Ware, a medically retired infantryman and human intelligence collector, found recovery through adaptive sports after a 2013 motorcycle accident led him to the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Ware, who grew up practicing archery as a family hobby, rediscovered his passion for the sport and joined Team Army in 2022 as a competitive archer. Now an archery coach, Ware is committed to helping others find healing through the sport. He encourages Soldiers at the SRU to explore the many recovery programs available and to find their new purpose after injury. Recently ranked 23rd in the nation for archery, Ware continues to compete and coach Team Army in preparation for the Army Trials and Warrior Games. Alongside his wife, Emily, also an Army veteran, Ware volunteers with Veterans and first responders, sharing the calming and therapeutic benefits of archery with others... MORE

Coach David Ware is working with Soldiers at the range at Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Heart of Gold
July 16, 2024 — Retired Army Spc. JP Lane received the Heart of the Team Award at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games, an honor voted on by his teammates. This marked Lane's debut as an athlete at the games, a stark contrast to his previous role as an ESPN commentator in 2022. A survivor of a 200lb bomb blast in Afghanistan, Lane lost both legs and sustained multiple injuries but found renewed purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Crystal, and teammates, including Retired Army Sgt. Shawn Lee, highlight his ability to inspire and uplift others. Lane, who won multiple medals at the games, advocates for sharing personal stories to help others facing challenges... MORE

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Honorable Alex Wagner, left, congratulates U.S. Army veteran J.P. Lane for earning the Heart of the Team Award for Team Army at the send-off ceremony during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

“It’s not just something I say. Adaptive sports truly saved my life.” ~ Corine Hamilton
July 11, 2024 — Corine Hamilton, initially resistant to adaptive sports as part of her recovery at Walter Reed's Soldier Recovery Unit, now credits them with transforming her mental and physical health. Following a life-altering car crash in Germany in 2021 that left her paralyzed from the waist down, Hamilton found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. Encouraged by the Army Recovery Care Program, she has become a nine-time medalist for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games. Competing in events like shot put, where she achieved a personal best and gold medal, has boosted her confidence and upper body strength, essential for her daily life. Hamilton, who also competed in the 2022 Warrior Games and the Invictus Games, is dedicated to continuing her training and supporting fellow athletes, all while pursuing a degree in healthcare management. She aims to inspire others in their mental and physical recovery journeys... MORE

Spc. (R) Corine Hamilton competes in hand cycling at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Just keep moving
July 9, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Jeffrey Peters faced an unexpected setback just days before the 2024 Warrior Games due to a severe cycling accident. Despite his injuries, Peters arrived in Orlando determined to support his team. Known for his past successes, including eleven medals at the 2022 Warrior Games and three at the 2023 Invictus Games, Peters' resolve was undiminished. His journey through recovery, following an ischemic stroke in 2021, exemplifies his resilience. With the help of the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Riley and the support of his family, Peters overcame significant physical challenges. At the 2024 Warrior Games, he adapted to compete with one arm, winning eight medals. Peters' story is a testament to perseverance and the strength of the Warrior Games community, encouraging others to keep moving forward despite their obstacles... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John D. Kline, Commanding General of the United States Army Center for Initial Military Training, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, right, presents the silver medal to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Peters in a medal ceremony at the track event during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Recovery Services to the rescue!
July 5, 2024 — Ten days, eleven adaptive sports, and more than 200 athletes from the U.S. and Australia made the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando not only memorable but also a source of inspiration for the broader community. It takes immense dedication to pull these games off—from logistics to coaches to communications and medical. With their unwavering commitment, the Medical Team for Team Army was like a daily cog in the wheel, helping to keep the machine moving. We found Retired Staff Sgt Gene Calantoc on track day on a table in the medical tent. His teammates nicknamed him "Gene the Machine" at these games! Daniel Rendeiro, a physical therapist from Ft. Cavasos, did his best to keep Gene the Machine moving. "I'm working on Gene's back. He just finished throwing the discus, which puts a lot of rotational stress on the back, so it took a toll on his mid-back. I will do my best to get the soreness out," said Rendeiro. Calantoc, a left-leg above-the-knee amputee, participated in seven of the eleven sporting events. Rendeiro emphasized the unique challenges these athletes face at the Warrior Games when we asked about the importance of a robust medical team. "The key is that most folks don't realize how grueling it is here at Warrior Games. An Olympic athlete has one event they specialize in and compete in, and these athletes here are required to specialize in multiple events over a very brief and intense period." Calantoc went from powerlifting to cycling, then wheelchair rugby, indoor rowing to wheelchair basketball, archery, and field events, all in eight days. "We call it recovery services because we help them recover between events so they can be at their best for the next event," said Rendeiro, underlining the vital role of the medical team in the recovery process. Calantoc's determination was evident as he expressed his readiness to return to the competition after Rendeiro's help. "I'm feeling amazing because all the physical therapists are out here for us athletes every day. We have so many sports; we must wake up and do it again. Our resilience keeps us going but having them around us gives us hope. Especially if you get injured, they are helping us out here." The help goes beyond the PT Rubdown. These athletes are continuing to recover and overcome, and it is not lost on this team of professionals who've pledged their support to this fantastic Army team. "That's why we have the medically related staff here, including the healthcare staff, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physical therapy assistants. Our lead is a Physician's Assistant, and we also have a clinical social worker here for behavioral health. We've got the athletes covered! We want to help them in any area they need," said Rendeiro. This medical team is always sitting on ready, and Calantoc appreciates them, and the entire support system, for Team Army at the games. He smiles and shares his progress so far. "I got silver in powerlifting, cycling, rowing, and rugby, bronze and silver in archery, and silver in wheelchair basketball." He also won a silver in discus and a bronze in shotput. That's nine medals for the machine! Medals aside, Calantoc has a message for anyone experiencing a drastic health change. He encourages adaptive sports for physical and mental health: "Go out there and try it; your injury or illness is not the end of your life. Talk to and connect with an athlete to get inspiration. Seeing people better than me pumps me up and makes me want to do better. This mutual support within the athlete community is a powerful motivator. Go find someone better than you and get motivated!"... MORE

Physical Therapist at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

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