Joseph Jones

One soldier's unique path to the Warrior Games

(Photo Credit: Spc. Katelyn D. Strange)


"My team is comprised of so many incredible soldiers, who have made so many sacrifices for this country, and for me, have been incredible about the fact that I did not complete training. They told me we all signed up to do the same thing, you just got hurt in the process after volunteering to serve your country. You deserve to be here," Costanzo recalled. "That was really significant to me beyond words."

Now a soldier at Joint-Base Lewis-McChord's Warrior Transition Battalion, Costanzo took up adaptive sports to help cope with her injuries, sharpen her focus, and motivate herself towards the next steps ahead of her. Costanzo is competing in the archery and swimming events at Warrior Games.


(Photo by Spc. Katelyn D. Strange)

"When I first got to the WTB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, I heard about adaptive sports, and I was curious as to how injured soldiers can still do sports like basketball and volleyball. Then I saw it in person and was amazed! The more I got introduced to the programs, the more fascinated I became. It's been life changing. When you are told that you will have limitations on you for the rest of your life, and you can't do certain things ever again, programs like this are life changing," said Costanzo.

"Adaptive sports for me, has built confidence and makes me feel as if I'm still doing something to raise awareness in the community about wounded, injured and ill soldiers. It was painful to say goodbye to things like hiking that was painful initially. But getting involved in adaptive sports gave me a new outlet, like I didn't lose something, but gained new physical activities I could do," Costanzo added.


(Photo by Pfc. Seara Marcsis)


"Being a part of this program keeps you part of Team Army," Costanzo said. "I can't tell you how much adaptive sports, the Warrior Games, and specifically Team Army have helped me stay positive on what's happening and to be excited about what's going to happen for me in the future."


(Photo by Spc. Evens Milcette)

