Golden Age Games help Eastern Oklahoma Veterans meet goals

Seven Oklahoma Veterans were all smiles recently as they got together to commemorate their trip to the 2023 National Veterans Golden Age Games.

The team competed in the annual Olympic-styled event with guidance and support from the Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center (PRRC) team at Eastern Oklahoma VA. PRRC is a multidisciplinary team that supports the mental health needs of our nation’s Veterans.

Pictured (l-r) Charles Smiles, Army Veteran and peer support specialist; Larry Brown, Army; Health Wells, recreational therapist; Donald Gideon, Army; Dwayne Ratliff, Army; Susan Ide, Army; Charley Epperson, Army; Phillip Duncan, Army; and Odell Smith, vocational rehabilitation specialist.

The peer support specialists assist Veterans with sign-up, training and attending the games, which take place in a new city each year.

Helping to meet goals of reintegration

PRRC has participated in the games for the past five years, using it as an avenue to support Veterans in meeting their goals of reintegration and socialization. The team found that the games were a great opportunity for Veterans in their program to practice, meet and exceed goals with success.

“We try to make sure our Veterans are prepared,” said Smith. “We stay close by to offer support because going that far away from their familiar areas can be a tough experience, especially if it’s the first time in a while. We just want to make sure they have the support and tools to be confident in themselves while they are competing away from home.”

Wells says that from a recreational therapy standpoint it is rewarding to see how well everyone does.

“It is amazing to see these extraordinary individuals get out there and compete with Veterans from across the country. Especially those who lacked confidence in their ability to do so in the beginning. We are just so proud of them,” Wells said. 

Once the team is signed-up for their events, they train in preparation for the big day with plans of bringing home medals and ribbons, but most of all a sense of accomplishment and good memories.

Great feeling of accomplishment seeing Veterans compete

Army Veteran Smiles knows a thing or two about competing in the games, as this is his fourth time to compete. This year he won the gold medal in the horseshoe competition.

“Going to the games is challenging because there is a lot of good competition. It is a very enjoyable and thrilling experience. I had the opportunity to see a lot of guys I competed with in previous games and we got to talk,” Smiles said. “It is not about us in PRCC. It’s about helping our Veterans. There is such a great feeling of accomplishment in seeing these Veterans compete as part of their process. We are so proud of their efforts and accomplishments. We love to see them shine.”

The National Golden Age Games focus on the health and well-being of Veterans 55 and older. It is the perfect opportunity for Veterans across the country to reunite and inspire each other to stay active no matter their age or ability.