Father and sons compete together at Golden Age Games

At the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games, camaraderie and competition will be a family affair for Ray Tingstrom and his sons, Pete and Mick, as they demonstrate the bonds of service and fitness. 

Ray Tingstrom, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and Vietnam Veteran, has always believed in staying active. Raised on a ranch, his journey into fitness began early in his childhood and continued through high school sports, military service and everyday life.  

Ray served 30 years as a Field Artillery commander and Special Forces officer. He credits his long-standing fitness to physical training and a positive outlook on life. Now 82, Ray continues to lead an active lifestyle and will compete at the Golden Age Games for the sixth time.  

“My goal is not only to have fun but, at 82, to set an example for other Veterans that age and physical ability don’t need to prevent someone from continuing to enjoy life in their senior years. The addition of my sons joining me in the games only makes my experience sweeter,” Ray said.

Family bond through fitness  

Both Pete and Mick Tingstrom also retired as Army Lieutenant Colonels. 

Pete served in the Army for 30 years in Infantry, Special Forces and Aviation roles. He has deployed numerous times to Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Philippines, Afghanistan and Iraq. Pete will travel almost 3,000 miles with Team Hawaii to compete in the Golden Age Games.  

“I have dealt with a lot of physical and mental issues over the last eight years and joining them to compete in the games gave me a goal to work towards. Watching my dad and brother compete in the games inspired me to join for the first time. I’ve observed their fun over the last few years and was jealous I wasn’t making the time to join them. Now is the time,” Pete said.

Mick served for 27 years, first as an Infantry officer in the Army Reserve and then as an Intelligence officer on active duty with stops at NATO, Germany, the Pentagon and deployments to Afghanistan. He found the games strengthened his relationship with Ray and motivated him to stay fit.  

“Participating in the games with my dad the past three years has been healthy for our father-son relationship. It wasn’t until I learned about my dad competing in the Golden Age Games and then joining him in the National Senior Games that I realized the benefits and necessity of pursuing healthy habits—including exercise, strength and good eating,” Mick shared.

Importance of Veterans’ fitness programs 

Ray, Pete and Mick emphasize the importance of programs like the Golden Age Games. These events allow Veterans to stay active, enjoy camaraderie and achieve their fitness goals. Ray pointed out that these programs offer numerous activities, from traditional sports to outdoor recreational events, encouraging all Veterans to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

“VA lives up to its motto by offering these Fitness for Life opportunities for Veterans,” said Ray. “Just in our regional community, I have seen dramatic changes in Veterans of all abilities and their outlook on life.” 

Mick’s oldest son, 31-year-old Tyler, graduated from West Point in 2015 and is an Apache helicopter pilot. He’ll be eligible to participate in the 2048 games. Mick’s 27-year-old daughter, Britney, is an Army Reserve Captain. She could join three years later, in 2051.  

Ray’s youngest son, Jason, is still on active duty in the Air Force. He will be eligible to compete in the Golden Age Games in 2036.

The Golden Age Games will be held Aug. 24-29 in Salt Lake City.