LET THE GAMES BEGIN: A golden opportunity

Veterans Olympics brings past, present servicemen together

There may not have been any Pantheonic venues, but nearly three dozen United States service veterans turned Splash Park in Veterans Memorial Park into their own Athens stadium during the second annual Veterans Olympics on Oct. 23.

There was the golf putt, the Velcro target shoot, the basketball toss, the frisbee toss and the wheelchair races, followed by the victory barbecue and medal presentations.

Although they were far from the traditional Olympic events, people who spent the morning watching and participating seemed to have a great time.

"It means a lot for them to get out," said Bob Garlow, USAF Retired, commander of the local VFW Post 36. "It helps them therapy-wise and everything else. It's also a great way for them to do a lot of interacting, not just with themselves, but with the active military."

The active military were about 40 airmen and airwomen from a variety of units attached to Nellis Air Force Base who volunteered to assist the Nevada State Veterans Home with the event.

Although they attended in a service capacity, they, too, felt good about being there.

"They gave a lot for us," said 2nd Lt. Eric Leal of Roswell, N.M., who works in the 99th Comptroller Division. "This is the least I can do by just helping out."

Others in the military had similar feelings.

"We're all going to be here one day," said Staff Sgt. Shaegypt Canion of Rocky Mountain, N.C., who serves in the 99th Mission Support Group. "They've given so much for us to be where we are today. It's our way of giving back to those who've given in service to us."

The day started out with an opening greeting from Steve Long, deputy executive director of the Nevada Office of Veteran Services. Afterward, the presenting of colors was followed by a parade of athletes. A short speech was given by Col. Terry New, vice commander of the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, followed by the lighting of the torch by Veterans Home resident Sam Cintron-Pena.

Then, it was time for the cry, "Let the games begin."

The day concluded with a barbecue, including hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, potato salad and chips.

The Veterans Home budgeted $5,000 for the event, but only had slightly less than $4,000 going into the last few weeks until a $600 donation from the 25 to 45 Singles Club pushed the total over the top.


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