Athlete Profiles

Adrienne Mohammed:

Pocket Spitfire

If you haven’t met Adrienne Mohammed, you’re in for a real treat. Just gather at any of the event venues and the person trying the hardest or cheering the loudest is this 71-year-old Navy veteran. It was that spitfire enthusiasm which earned her the distinction of being named the 2002 George Gangi Inspiration Award recipient.
Originally from New Hampshire, this Navy Wave enlisted in 1953 in Boston, Massachusetts. Her military duties took her from there to Maryland, to the Great Lakes Naval Base, to the California Naval Bases in Oakland and San Diego. By vocation, she was an occupational therapist while serving her country.
When asked why she keeps coming back to the Golden Age Games, Mohammed’s warm smile comes across her face as she says, “no one can participate in just one! I’ve been telling all my comrades and friends about the Games. I ask them ‘what’s the use of sitting around? Get up and start living!’” Her coach can tell you that her drive and enthusiasm are only parts of her spitfire personality.
Mohammed, like many of the more than 500 other veterans attending the Games are hoping that today’s renewed sense of patriotism in American will spark hundreds of volunteers to turn out and support the Games.
While Mohammed is in the previous to the oldest age bracket, she competes with the stamina of those “younger” golden-agers. Although she has always tried to maintain her health, Mohammed finds that competing in the Games gives her just the right motivation to make training part of her every day routine. “You know, you only have one life. I’m gonna live mine to the fullest and I hope all the other veterans will too.”
If you are looking to be inspired, don’t miss this spitfire at the 17th National Golden Age Games. Her energy will spark your spirit.

Donna J. Larson:

Motivated Veteran goes for the Gold

When 55-year-old Donna J. Larson of Bangor competes in her first National Veterans Golden Age Games this week, she plans to "go for the memories, not just the gold!" Though she hopes to win a couple of medals, Larson is looking forward to the camaraderie she is assured of getting at the Games.
When asked why she chose to get involved in the National Veterans Golden Age Games, Larson said, "The Games motivate me to be more active and become involve with my brother and sister veterans, and that’s important for my self-esteem."
A Vietnam veteran, Larson worked in a high-trauma hospital stateside that received casualties of the war as well as prisoners of war. She recalls that the hospital cared for 300-500 war casualties at a time. "It was quite overwhelming," Larson remembers.
" I'm looking forward to being with these special Americans at the Games," she says. "Who knows, maybe I'll meet someone I served with."
Competing in checkers and dominoes, Larson hopes to win the gold in checkers.
According to her coach, "she's one of those individuals who will make the most of this experience and I know it's going to be a time for her to remember fondly." Although she doesn't fully know what to expect, Larson is "excited" about her first attempt in competition and the Games being in Maine.

In 1996, Bernard Gibson underwent triple bypass surgery for blocked arteries caused by high cholesterol. Today, he is a world-class athlete and a member of the National Senior Olympics Team.
Only ten months after his surgery, Gibson was competing again in the Senior Olympics. This summer, he will compete in another national event, the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games.
A multi-gold, sliver and bronze medal winner in the Washington, D.C. Golden Olympics and the U.S. National Senior Sports Classic, Gibson has traveled throughout North America competing in table tennis, broad jump, baseball and football throw.
At the Golden Age Games, the 68-year-old Washingtonian will be competing against other veterans in table tennis, bowling and the pentathlon (which includes shot-put, discus, softball hit, basketball free throw and air guns). A true athlete, Gibson decided to participate in the Golden Age Games this year because, "participating keeps me in good condition and good health. It makes me healthier!”
A retired D.C. government worker, Gibson has participated in the First World Winter Master Athlete Games in Ottawa, Canada, the Washington, D.C. Golden Olympics and the National Senior Olympics. Asked why older veterans should compete in VA’s National Games, Gibson says, “Veterans should participate in the Games, especially as they get older, because it keeps them active. It contributes to a longer life, and gives them something to look forward to every year!”
According to the comments of hundreds of repeat participants registered for this year’s National Veterans Golden Age Games, Bernard Gibson is definitely not alone in that sentiment!

Connie Gilbert:

Volunteers to Compete

She’s small in stature but big in heart. She’s also a strong advocate for staying active despite your age, and Connie Gilbert practices what she preaches. An active volunteer at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center for more than ten years, Gilbert is also registered to compete in the National Veterans Golden Age Games – for the first time ever.
According to Gilbert, she's looking forward to the events for several reasons. “A lot of effort has been put into this so we can continue to be productive in competitions. The practice helps keep us mentally and physically well, and it also gives us a chance to socialize and see others who strive to succeed against all odds.”
The 75-year-old Auxiliary Women's Army Corps veteran began her military service in 1958. A computer specialist at Fort Belvoir, Va., the former staff sergeant served in the military for ten years.
Now living in North Beach, Md., Gilbert will compete in bowling, billiards and horseshoes during the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games. Although this is her first time competing, she believes that all eligible veterans should participate in this exciting annual event. “The Games let you know you are not alone, and there are others with very difficult disabilities who have succeeded in spite of the odds against them.”
Connie Gilbert is ready to meet approximately 500 fellow veterans at the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Orono, Maine.

Clifford Junkins:

Golden Age Games is a Family Affair!

Clifford Junkins, 76, of Holyoke, Mass., has true team spirit. A member of the Northampton VA Medical Center’s Golden Age team, his teammates and coach couldn’t agree more. In 2001, all nominated Junkins for the George Gangi Inspiration Award saying, “Clifford’s steadfast determination and desire to compete have inspired other Golden Age participants for over a decade… he has come to represent all that an athlete and a veteran should be.”
Junkins’ other supporters include his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo. A devoted husband, Junkins is never without her. Because of Mary Jo’s declining health, requiring that she use a wheelchair and constant oxygen, he tends to her every need – both at the Games and at home. Husband and wife relish coming to the Golden Age Games each year and have come to know many of the other competitors. Junkins helps his team raise funds to attend the Games. Say his teammates, “Without a word of complaint, Clifford has tirelessly tended to his wife while simultaneously earning medals in grueling events. When he’s not competing himself, he makes sure to cheer on his teammates, all the while providing a truly positive example for the Golden Age Games.”
Junkins, a WWII Navy veteran, competes in swimming, table tennis, and bicycling. While he has collected his share of medals since he started competing in 1990, it is the opportunity to meet the other veterans that is most important to him. “I am humbled when I see and visit with other veterans who have injuries much worse than mine, and see their courage to compete no matter how difficult it may be.” His favorite aspect of the Games is “the spirit of these fellows and ladies who are so determined. It makes me see how fortunate I am. They give me the incentive to compete. I have to ask, ‘if they can do it, why can’t I?’”
After the service, Junkins worked in construction and then taught at a vocational school. He returned to school part time at age 40 to earn his degree in occupational education at Westfield State College. Because he was teaching during the day, it took him seven years to finish, but the education paid off and he taught in the same school for many years until his retirement
Born and raised in Holyoke, Mass. Junkins still lives in the house he was born in. In recent years he has not only helped attend to Mary Jo’s needs, but also cared for his ailing father and a mentally disabled son, Allan, 49. “We couldn’t be blessed any better with a son like Allan,” Junkins says. He is equally proud of his older son, David, and his three grandchildren.
About the Games, Junkins says, “I definitely would recommend this to others. It inspires me to try to improve my health with physical exercise and meet other veterans from around the country. It has done so much for me – it’s the real spirit of living!”

Donald Mullett:

Keeping Active and Staying Healthy!

At 87, he is the model of healthy living and physical fitness. He starts each day with an exercise routine that includes 200 wall pushes, leg exercises, and arm curls with ten-pound weights. Each week, he swims two or three times, and ice skates just as often. He rides his bike up to six times a week. As if that weren’t enough, Donald Mullett, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran from East Haven, Conn., is a skilled ballroom dance instructor, teaching students at the beginning and advanced levels twice weekly, and instructing country line dancing every Thursday.
Besides his exercise routine, Mullett helps raise funds for his local Golden Age Games Team from West Haven, and he helps his wife Dorothy manage a food program for the elderly. As a man in constant motion and a living example of the benefits of keeping a healthy lifestyle, Mullettt was the logical choice to receive the George Gangi Inspiration Award at the National Veterans Golden Age Games in Leesburg, Va.
According to his coach, “he’s indestructible! He’s a great inspiration to the other team members, and to all of us. He continues to swim, dance and stay active, and that is great therapy. He loves these Games, and really helps to keep the team together.”
First introduced to the Games when they started in 1984, Mullett has returned to this national event ever since. Competing in swimming, table tennis and shuffleboard, he has amassed a large collection of gold and silver medals, but it’s the therapy these Games provide that impresses Mullett the most. “When I was at the Games one year, I saw a fellow in a wheelchair, and he was bowling. He got a strike, and he jumped just about a foot out of that chair! Back home, I had never seen him do that, and I thought, ’wow, look at this – it really is good therapy!’”
Mullett has been interested in sports since he was about seven years old. He was involved with baseball for almost 50 years as a player, a coach and a manager for three different teams. Over the years, he’s also played tennis and bowled. At the Games, he likes to watch his teammates compete in these, and many of the other events. “It’s always good to have someone watch you, to cheer you on,” he says. He advises other veterans to try out the Games. “Sign up, train, and learn the rules — you’ve got to do that no matter what age you are! But even if you haven’t been active for a long time, these Games will turn you around!

Beverly Smith:

Inspires Us All!

She trains, she competes, and she mows her own lawn. She gardens, she keeps up the Long Island home where she has lived since 1949, and in the summer, she drives 600 miles in one day to take part in family reunions. Attending the past twelve National Veterans Golden Age Games, Beverly Smith, of North Babylon, N.Y., has collected an array of medals and was the George Gangi Inspiration Award recipient in 2000.
At 83, Smith is the picture of good health and vitality. Always fit, she exemplifies what staying active is all about. With a quick wit and a winning personality, the sound of her frequent laughter rings out across crowded gymnasiums and swimming pools, where she is a glowing recipient of continuous hugs and handshakes. Her bright eyes shine with a genuine glimmer when she describes the Golden Age Games. “I think the Games are an excellent thing. I hope they continue forever, because lots of older veterans don’t have anything like this to look forward to. With the Games, they can practice all year, come with their teammates and enjoy themselves. I think it’s one of the best things the Department of Veterans Affairs has ever done.”
A WWII Navy veteran, Smith was stationed stateside in Iowa from 1945-46, serving as an aviation machinist mate – an airplane mechanic – for pre-flight crews, accompanying them on long flights across the country. After leaving the service, she moved to Long Island’s south shore, and started working at the Northport VA Medical Center in 1950. She retired only six years ago after 47 years of government service.
Smith first attended the Golden Age Games in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1991, after a recreation therapist at the Northport VA told her about the event. There, she fell in love with the Games. For years, she would bring an autograph book along so she could collect as many signatures as possible. Smith still has it, and cherishes the memories it inspires.
Originally from Ohio, Smith has been active in sports since the eighth grade, playing softball and basketball through high school. Still a member of the Northport Islanders Golden Age Team, she stays fit by swimming three to seven times a week and bowling twice a week.
For Beverly Smith, enjoying life in one’s “golden age” is not about winning medals. For veterans who have never tried the Games, her advice is to “get up off your duff and get out there and try! It’s not a matter of winning each event you participate in, but the idea is to try. I think that everybody here is a winner. At my age, I hope I can inspire and help others get started!”