Stories

Tag: Warrior Games

“I’m most proud of myself for not giving up” ~ Capt. Victoria Rollin
May 26, 2024 — Veteran Captain Victoria Rollin, recently retired from the Army, has been selected for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando. Her journey to the games marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the severe emotional distress and mental health challenges she faced, including psychosis and a bipolar disorder diagnosis, stemming from sexual harassment and trauma during her military service. Rollin credits the Army Recovery Care Program and adaptive sports for her ongoing rehabilitation and newfound sense of purpose. Grateful for the support she has received, Rollin is determined to share her positive experience with the Soldier Recovery Unit and encourages others to seek help without fear of ending their careers. Now, as she trains for the Warrior Games, she finds strength and camaraderie among her teammates and competitors, proud of her resilience and commitment to recovery... MORE

Christina O'Brian (L) and Victoria Rollin run in a cross-country competition.

From Team Army to Team New Orleans Saints & Pelicans… Capt. Nate Degen Scores!
May 26, 2024 — Captain Nate Degen, a resilient and adaptable Army helicopter pilot, is set to compete as a Team Army athlete at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Alongside this achievement, he has been offered a groundbreaking opportunity to work with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans through the DOD Skillbridge program. Having recovered from multiple injuries at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Degen found support in planning a career in sports management. He expressed excitement about joining the Saints' business operations division, particularly in Fan Engagement Experience, marking a full-circle moment as he grew up a Saints fan. Degen, who will compete in archery, air rifle, shotput, discus, and team sports, attributes his recovery to adaptive sports and the support of his family, team, and fans. Awaiting the birth of his second child, he balances his roles with enthusiasm and determination, sharing words of encouragement and a competitive spirit with his fellow service members... MORE

Capt. Nathan Degen on deployment in the Middle East.

Team Army Ultimate Champion says every day is a new day to get better!
May 26, 2024 — 1st Lt. Hannah Wright of Team Army reflects on her journey to the 2024 Warrior Games, which began as part of her recovery from ovarian cancer. After intensive surgery and chemotherapy, Wright found solace and strength in adaptive sports, significantly improving her stamina and endurance. Now, at 26, she competes for the title of Ultimate Champion, a role she humbly embraces despite initial surprise. Training rigorously under the guidance of recreational therapist Lorraine Currow and former champions Ross Alewine and Lorraine Currow, Wright balances her recovery with her new assignment at Fort Moore, Georgia. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, encouraging others not to discount their abilities despite medical challenges. Grateful for the support from Team Army Nation, Wright is dedicated to representing the Army with pride and determination... MORE

1st Lt Hannah Wright is warming up for track competition at the 2024 Army Trials

A Soldier who lost his sight says adaptive sports brought him back to life.
May 26, 2024 — Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo, who is blind, faced a challenging journey after concussions from his deployments triggered a rare genetic condition, Leber’s Optic Neuropathy, causing his vision to fade. Despite his initial despair and struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Escobedo found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Myra, an Army Veteran, and his family provided unwavering support. Escobedo discovered adaptive sports like beep ball and eventually set his sights on the Warrior Games. His hard work paid off, and he will compete in track, cycling, rowing, and field events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Escobedo credits adaptive sports with significantly aiding his rehabilitation and recovery, allowing him to regain his independence and confidence. His message to others facing health crises is to focus on solutions, seek assistance, and use available resources... MORE

U.S. Army Veteran Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo practices sprinting with his running guide Preston Gantt at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Warrior Games gives you a chance to showcase your abilities.
May 21, 2024 — Sgt. Bianca Hayden, a former triathlete and Cavalry Scout, has served as a full-time guardsman for six years, with deployments to Afghanistan, Germany, and Poland. In 2022, while on deployment in Poland, she sustained a severe shoulder injury that was initially misdiagnosed. After returning to the U.S., she discovered extensive damage, including a fractured humerus and a torn labrum, requiring multiple surgeries. Hayden's recovery journey at the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) involved adapting to her new physical limitations and embracing adaptive sports. She has since competed in the Warrior Games, showcasing her resilience and determination. Hayden credits the SRU for its comprehensive support, encouraging other soldiers to utilize the resources available for recovery and personal growth... MORE

Sgt. Bianca Hayden with a superb one-armed discus throw

“They were going to make sure I got back to my daughter” ~ Cpl. Melesete Togia
April 29, 2024 — The article recounts Cpl. Melesete Togia's harrowing battle with COVID-19 while deployed in Iraq, where she nearly lost her life and accepted her impending death. Through the heroic efforts of medical staff in Iraq and Germany, she survived and returned home to her daughter. Togia emphasizes the profound impact of the Army Recovery Care Program, which supported her physical and emotional recovery, enabling her to participate in adaptive sports and compete for Team Army. Now retired, she is grateful for the program's role in her transformation and encourages others facing challenges to seek help and embrace opportunities for growth and healing... MORE

No arm? No problem…Bobsledding is the ticket!
April 29, 2024 — Retired Army Spc. David Snypes, despite losing his left arm in a motorcycle accident, has embraced life with remarkable resilience. After initially struggling with his new reality, he found solace and purpose in adaptive sports, ultimately excelling in bobsledding, even with just one arm. Supported by fellow wounded warrior, retired Army Major DJ Skelton, Snypes navigated the challenges of adapting bobsleds for one-armed drivers, demonstrating remarkable determination and patience. His journey underscores the importance of community and perseverance in overcoming life's obstacles. Snypes encourages fellow Soldiers facing similar challenges to engage with resources like Soldier Recovery Units, emphasizing the value of support and utilizing every available opportunity for growth and recovery... MORE

Team Army Nation is ready to take Orlando by storm.
March 29, 2024 — Get ready for the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games at Disney's ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando from June 21-30th, where Team Army Nation will be out in full force to support their soldier athletes. With personal stories highlighting the crucial role of fan support in athletes' recoveries and performance, Team Army Nation sees their backing as pivotal, akin to having an extra teammate in the competition. From encouraging wounded warriors to finding new purpose through the games, Team Army Nation invites everyone to join them in cheering for all military members who have persevered and overcome challenges... MORE

Team Army Nation at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando!

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