Staff Reports
Two local veterans represented Southeast Missouri in early August at the National Veterans Golden Age Games, held this year in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Perry James, a Vietnam veteran from Corning, Arkansas, and Mary Bader, an Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, from Wappapello attended the event, according to John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.
Both said camaraderie with fellow veterans at the games was an important part of the event. They described how competitors form a special bond and support each other each year at these events. Many say the experience helps with post traumatic stress disorder and the ability to be around large groups.
James has been competing in the event since 2012, and has medaled in several events. He says he has been inspired to improve his health while training for the games, noting that losing weight and learning to control his diabetes has him feeling better than he has in years.
Bader attended her first competition in 2016. She has also lost weight and improved her health, despite a surgery setback that prevented her from attending the 2017 games. Over the last two years, Bader has returned with four bronze medals and two ribbons.
Opportunities for veterans to take control of their health abound, given the various programs and classes offered through the medical center.
Open to veterans aged 55 and up, the National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, according to a press release. The National Veterans Golden Age Games is one of the most progressive and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the world. The games also serve as a qualifying event for competition in the National Senior Games in a number of competitive events.
The 2019 games will be held in Anchorage, Alaska. James and Bader say they hope to see more of their colleagues join the competition.
More information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games can be found at: www.goldenagegames.gov.