The Triumph Of The Spirit: Cooper City Native competes For Team Navy In The 2024 Warrior Games

Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) the DOD organizes an annual premiere and elite adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year is the 14th Anniversary, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of Seriously Wounded, Ill, and Injured Active-Duty and Veteran Service Members. Though there are medals distributed during Warrior Games, the competition most highly celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of the spirit.

Falcetta served for 20 years in loyal service to his country. In 2008, while deployed to Afghanistan, he sustained a Combat-Related Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) and returned home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More recently, Falcetta began to focus on his own Well-Being and address the physical yet invisible injuries he sustained in the course of his Naval service.

Falcetta began a physical rehabilitation routine to address his physical injuries, which have had a direct relationship with his Mental Health. He committed himself to a local self-defense and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym as an assistant coach for youth classes. This not only kept him active, it also contributed to a new sense of purpose and accomplishment after leaving active duty. He has been able to work through some of his past traumas and have a positive impact on the children in his community.

Falcetta participated in his first adaptive sports camp with Navy Wounded Warrior in November 2023. Connecting with fellow service members has allowed him to further expand his network of support. He even reunited with a former shipmate, Johnathan Boswell, who is also on Team Navy this year.

Adaptive Athletics
Team Navy is part of Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program. Serious illness or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often confining a service member to a hospital bed and significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive athletics have been modified to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals. Sports also help build Self-Esteem, lower stress levels, and invite service members to rejoin a supportive team environment.

Navy Wounded Warrior
Navy Wounded Warrior is an unbiased advocate that bridges the needs of commands, care teams, and service members in planning a way forward after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Staff guides Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, with their families and caregivers, to create a comprehensive recovery plan, which provides a holistic approach tailored to individual recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to feel empowered and supported as they adapt to their new normal. Tens of thousands of seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from the Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at: (855) 628-9997. Or email: navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil and become a part of it today.

For more information about the 2024 DoD Warrior Games Challenge, visit: https://dodwarriorgames.com/