22 U.S. Military Veterans to Compete in 2023 ParaPan American Games
The seventh edition of the ParaPan American Games are taking place in Santiago, Chile from November 17-26, 2023.
Of the 240 athletes representing the United States, 22 are military veterans who served in the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force or National Guard. These veterans were injured during their service but have found new purpose through adaptive sports.
Some veterans to watch include:
– Candice Caesar (archery) – Army veteran and silver medalist at the 2023 Chicago Para Archery Championships
– Jason Tabansky (archery) – Retired Army Staff Sergeant and full-time para-archery athlete
– Christy Gardner (shot put, discus) – Former Army Sergeant and founder of nonprofits Mission Working Dogs and New England Warriors Sled Hockey
– Nicholas McCoy (track & field) – Former Marine who lost both legs serving in Iraq in 2006
– Dennis Connors (cycling) – Marine Corps veteran and six-time paracycling national champion
– Bobby Body (powerlifting) – Marine veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan and now ranked #10 in his weight class
– Robert Beach (shooting) – Medically discharged Marine who found shooting through the 2010 Warrior Games
– Joshua Brunais (CP soccer) – Army veteran chosen as U.S. flag bearer for 2016 Paralympics Closing Ceremony
– Michael Kacer (taekwondo) – National Guard veteran who lost an arm in Afghanistan but took up taekwondo in 2017
These veterans overcame life-changing injuries to excel in adaptive sports. Their service and sacrifice for the country make them athletes to cheer for at the ParaPan American Games. Go Team USA!
