News Release

Houston VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
www.houston.med.va.gov

For more information, contact Bobbi Gruner, Public Affairs Officer, (713) 794-7349
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2003

Silver Eagles Soar to Win Gold

Local Houston VA Team Gears Up for the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games

HOUSTON, TX - From the East Coast to the West Coast, more than 500 "golden age" veterans will pour into Orono, Maine, to participate in the largest sports and recreational competition for older veterans in the world. The 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), will take place August 7 - 12.

Golden Age Games competitions are open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older, currently receiving care at a VA medical facility. Hosted by the Togus VA Medical Center and Regional Office, the Games give participants the opportunity to compete in open and wheelchair divisions according to their age, in sports such as swimming, bicycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet, and a pentathlon (softball hit, discus, shot put, basketball free throw, and air guns.)

The Silver Eagles, the team from the Houston VA Medical Center (HVAMC), plan to take home their share of medals this year. The Silver Eagles brought home fifteen medals last year from the Games in Los Angeles. Seven were gold medals in events such as bowling, horseshoes, and dominoes. But the accomplishments of this team span more than gold medals. The team is about fellowship, fun, and personal growth. These veterans represent the HVAMC with pride.

"Two years ago, these guys didn't know each other," said Silver Eagles Coach Mark Frazee. "All but one are now volunteers at the hospital. All of them come here with the same attitude. Winning is secondary."

For a team that does not put winning at the top of its priority list, the Silver Eagles performed quite well. The team's success is a result of the determination and strong will of the members. For example, the members who compete in the bowling competition get together weekly at a local bowling alley to practice. At a practice session, there is an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement. The members are energetic and confident as they develop their bowling strategies. Also, no one bowls without receiving cheers of support.

The Golden Games last eight days, but the eight days are not just for competition. There is ample time reserved for sightseeing and mingling with other veterans. Social events such as special dinners and dances comprise much of the games. Fitness is an essential part of the games, but the VA recognizes the importance of social interaction and building both the mind and the body.

The availability of activities for disabled veterans reflects the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) commitment to fostering a positive, active environment with a desire to exhibit the abilities of all the veterans. Consequently, the demand to join the HVAMC Silver Eagles is overwhelming. The team is so popular that Frazee relies on a point system to determine who participates. For instance, members garner points by attending practices and participating in fundraising events.

In addition, the games provide a valuable outlet and a new opportunity for veterans. At the HVAMC, veterans have experienced profound changes through the games. Some of the veterans have dealt with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, isolation issues, blindness, or substance abuse. Being a part of the Silver Eagles takes their mind off of these issues.

Competitor Hillerey Williams Jr. said, "It is a time to get with other veterans as a support for our different problems because it seems that only another veteran can understand what we are going through."

The Silver Eagles team is not just a group of competitors - they are family. When they reminisce about last year's games, their conversations are interrupted by uncontrollable laughter as they relate hilarious incidents and inside jokes. They share memories of running into celebrities like Smokey Robinson and the Beach Boys. At practices, not a minute goes by without an exchange of jokes or a word of encouragement. The members' concern for each other and the bonds that they have forged are amazing. Developing friendships, visiting different cities, and meeting new challenges are a few of the rewards of being a Silver Eagle. The Silver Eagles agree that this group is something meaningful in a way that words cannot capture.

One of VA's greatest challenges is meeting the growing needs of a rapidly aging veteran population. Today, 38 percent of all veterans are 65 or older, and VA is leading the health care industry in the development of innovative programs that enable veterans to maintain their independence and community ties. Specifically, home-based primary care, adult home health care and homemaker and home health aides are among VA program providing extended care in non-institutional settings. Additionally, VA also operates more than 135 nursing home care units, contracts with 3,500 community nursing homes and supports 100 state veterans homes.

For more information on the Golden Age Games, call Jenny Tankersley, National Veterans Golden Age Games Onsite Public Affairs Coordinator, at (310) 407-3155. During the event, please contact the National Veterans Golden Age Games Media Center at (207) 581-9480.

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Written by Sheena T Oommen, HVAMC Public Affairs Intern