25 Jun 2018

Article by Hillary Collins, FFR Marketing Specialist at Naval Station Everett

EVERETT, Wash. – The Department of Defense held its 2018 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, May 31 – June 10. Participating athletes included ill and injured service members and veterans.

Competitors from Navy Region Northwest included HMCS Joseph Paterniti and YNC Timothy Vaughn. HMCS Paterniti wholeheartedly competed in Discus, Shot Put, Indoor Rowing, Bench Press, and Cycling. His commitment and dedication were an inspiration to all bystanders. YNC Vaughn crushed the competition in the 200m Swimming Freestyle Relay, taking home the gold medal. YNC Vaughn valiantly competed in Swimming, Indoor Rowing, Rifle, and Track.

In addition to the Navy Region Northwest active duty and reservist competitors, we also had two retired service members from Navy Region Northwest: ETCS (RET) William ‘Bill’ Longworth and MM2 (RET) Joseph Engfer. Both competed tirelessly, with ETCS Longworth mastering Shooting, Archery, and Field and with MM2 Engfer conquering Shooting, Track, and Wheelchair Basketball. They both earned gold, silver, and bronze medals in various events. 

HMCS Jose A. Hernandez attended in support of all participants, especially those from Navy Region Northwest. “The Warrior Games were beyond words. Core values exemplified at its finest! Our NRNW athletes did an outstanding job…” HMCS Hernandez confidently stated. “I am very proud of them, but much more especially grateful for the therapeutic healing it brought to them and their families…”

All four athletes contributed to a total of 41 gold medals, 32 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals, placing Team Navy in an overall 2nd place amongst Team Air Force, Team Army, Team Marine Corps, Team Special Operations Command, Team United Kingdom, Team Australia, and Team Canada. 

The Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and expose them to adaptive sports. The Games encourage them to stay physically active when they return to their local communities, and inspire and promote opportunities for growth and achievement.

Learn more about the Warrior Games at: https://dodwarriorgames.com/ 

View photos:
1. Navy Wounded Warrior Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/161885972@N02/albums  

2. Warrior Games Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132458673@N04/albums