VA Central California Health Care System

Acting Director Dr. Wessel Meyer congratulates Team Fresno on their success. Fourteen Veterans received recognition certificates for competing in the Paralympic Valor Games Far West, competition in Alameda, Calif., May 29 – June 1, 2015. Veteran athletes receive their care at VACCHCS, and the majority train for the competition at Break the Barriers-Fresno. Photo by Anthony Santoya, VACCHCS Public Affairs.

     Central Valley Veterans won a total of 28 medals after competing in the Valor Games Far West, competition on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., from May 29 to June 1, 2015.  The competition included archery, swimming, rowing, shot put, discus and bench press, with the Fresno team winning 13 gold medals, 11 silver medals and four bronze medals.

     Timothy Daubert, who is a Vietnam Veteran from Lindsay, Calif., won a gold medal in archery and a gold medal in backstroke. “You see Veterans that are a lot worse than you are,” said Daubert. “But, it’s not a about the medals, it’s about getting out there to show the world that we are not second class citizens.” Daubert, a sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971, has competed for three years. “It is a great experience for all the Vets,” said Daubert. “I look forward to it every year. The people out there are top notch, and it is a great opportunity to be with your brothers and sisters.”

      Dr. Wessel H. Meyer, Acting Director, Fresno VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS), presented the Valley Veteran athletes with certificates and congratulated them for their success. “First, I would like to thank you for your service,” said Meyer. “Your accomplishments make us all proud.”

     Martha Chavez, a Veteran from Lemoore, Calif., is a U.S. Paralympic athlete and one of the Break the Barriers coaches, who helped mentor the athletes during the Paralympic competition. She had big smile on her face, as she recounted the success of her team. “We went over the top when it came to medals,” said Chavez. “And, we swept them in archery.” Chavez explained that the Valor Games competition is an event that introduces Veterans to be active in sports. “It is a way for Veterans to break the barriers,” said Chavez. “It helps with their enthusiasm and motivates them to compete in different sporting events.”

     The participants are all Veterans who receive their care at the VACCHCS, and the majority train at Break the Barriers (BTB). March 6, 2015, VACCHCS and BTB signed a Memorandum of Understanding which established a framework allowing BTB to implement their fitness/wellness and Adapted Sports Program. BTB is a designated center for VACCHCS Adaptive Sports training and a designated U.S. Paralympic Training Facility.

     For more information on VA health care benefits, visit www.fresno.va.gov.