'Warrior Games' for wounded, sick military members returns after COVID-19 hiatus

Hundreds of military service members are gathered in Orlando, Florida this week for the Warrior Games.

ORLANDO – Over 200 military service members are gathered in Orlando, Florida this week for the Department of Defense Warrior Games. It's a competition for wounded, injured or sick active duty military and veterans. 

The athletes will compete in 12 various adaptive sporting events, from wheelchair basketball to weightlifting, over nine days. 

It's a week of blood, sweat and tears, celebrating sacrifice. 

Team Air Force and Team Navy compete in the gold medal wheelchair rugby game at the 2022 DoD Warrior Games. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angel Heraldez)

"It's almost like an act of redemption," said Corpsman Donald Calero, representing Team Navy. 

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Every athlete has a powerful story of resilience, many injured while serving their country, or fighting illnesses. 

Calero was diagnosed with cancer while serving in Japan. 

"It's hard to explain the feeling of being sick," Calero said. "When you're going a million miles an hour and then you have to stop because you physically can't do it anymore, it puts you in a dark place." 

Corpsman Don Calero was diagnosed with cancer in 2019.  ( Cpl. Oneg Plisner, DoD)

As of last August, Corpsman Don Calero was one year cancer-free. (Donald Calero, U.S. Navy)

Calero said he's excited to compete in his first Warrior Games this year because staying active was crucial to his physical and mental health during his cancer battle. 

"It gives us the opportunity to reset and get the support we need from each other," Calero said. 

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Caler