96 U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020 WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM
O
n March 9, the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce (USVCC)-in conjunction with the Pro Football Hall of Fame-hosted a benefit dinner to support the U.S. Invictus team. The event was hosted at the historic New York Athletic Club, whose athletes have won 271 Olympic medals since the inaugural Modern Olympic Games in 1896. The night was dedicated to the bravery and commitment of the wounded military veterans who make up the U.S. Invictus team and featured a silent auction of NFL memorabilia to benefit the team. Kevin Red Eagle Brown, president and CEO of USVCC, opened up the night, explaining the mission of the USVCC and the organizations dedication to helping veterans successfully transition from the military to civilian life. Underneath the umbrella of support for all veterans, we have a laser-focused look at our wounded warriors that are participating in adaptive sports, said Brown. Brown also recognized the late Pro Football Hall of Fame member Chris Doleman for his contributions to USVCC and the veteran community. It was his original inspiration that identified the
USVCC, NFL Hall of Fame Host
By Rich Dolan
Dinner guests listen to how Chris Doleman championed veteran causes. From L to R: Devonta Freeman, Roger Goodell, Cedric Jones (NYAC Director of Athletics) and Mike Haynes.
similarities between transitioning ball players and transitioning service members. Both of them leaving behind a team, both of them leaving behind something bigger than themselves-a higher calling, a mission, a victory, said Brown. Medal of Honor recipient Paul Bud Bucha also spoke to the attendees, defining what it meant to be an adaptive athlete. An adaptive athlete is a competitor who uses the modification in sports to meet the challenge of their disability, said Bucha. Basically, an adaptive athlete is an able-bodied athlete with all the problems mankind can think of being thrown in their way. He went on to thank the many corporate sponsors of the night, the athletes and the veterans who he added, have gone to the gates of hell and back to serve their country. Retired Army Master Sergeant and U.S. Invictus team co-captain George Vera also spoke to the attendees. Vera shared his personal story of the events that led to him become an adaptive athlete. In 2015, Veras base in Afghanistan was attacked by terrorists using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) and assaulters with suicide vests in an attempt to overrun the outpost. Vera led part of a counterattack that successfully defeated the terrorists inside the base. However, in the process Vera was shot four times in his legs and back, leaving him paralyzed below the waist. Vera experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout his recovery, and he explained how adaptive
Previous Page