Work: Warrior Games Showcase Overcoming Obstacles

By Karen Parrish

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2015 – The 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games provided a showcase for how determination and support can help people overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said yesterday at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, during the adaptive sports competition’s closing ceremony.

“What an incredible series of Games it’s been,” he said. “These Games demonstrate just how important adaptive sports are to the recovery, reconditioning, rehabilitation process for our wounded, ill and injured warriors.”

The Warrior Games also show the world, Work said, “how seemingly impossible personal challenges can be overcome with the right support.”

Medical and recovery care, transition support, caregiving and the love of “remarkable people” all contribute to helping and healing America’s troops and veterans in need, the deputy secretary noted.

Saluting All Who Helped

Speaking for the entire Defense Department, Work said, “I want to salute the family members, the loved ones, the friends, the coaches, the medical professionals, and the caregivers –- both professional and volunteer, human and canine -– who have stood alongside these brave warriors through their recovery process.”

He also commended the volunteers, communities and corporate sponsors without whom, he emphasized, the Warrior Games would not be possible.

Medal Counts, Chairman’s Cup

While the Warrior Games are friendly, competition is an innate part of military life, where “the best and the brightest” is at least as commonly heard as “first in, last out.”

The Army led the field this year in all medal categories, as well as Chairman’s Cup points. The Marines followed, while the Air Force finished third in total medals earned.

The U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guard members and special operators at the Warrior Games, Work said, “represent the very best America has to offer.”

Addressing the athletes, Work said they answered the nation’s call during times of war, stepped forward and “asked only that you have the honor of serving your country, regardless of the dangers you faced.”

“We are all proud of each and every one of you,” he added.

British Participation

British athletes who competed at Quantico this year, the deputy secretary said, “traveled all the way over ‘the pond’ to compete and show us the fighting spirit for which their armed forces are so famously known throughout the world.”

Work said is the United States has “no better ally, no better friend, than the United Kingdom. And we share a close warrior bond with its armed forces.” The two nations have stood beside and bled beside each other, he said, on battlefields across the world “as we take the fight, together, against enemies of freedom –- wherever they might be found.”