Veterans and Athletes United Empowers Wounded Warriors to Reach Goals Beyond Their Disabilities

Sua was wounded in combat in 2008. His injuries left the Army Special Forces veteran a quadriplegic and on a roller coaster ride, both mentally and physically.

By sponsoring the wounded warrior in quad rugby competitions, Veterans and Athletes United (VAU) presented Sua with new athletic challenges and empowered him to work toward goals that were not impeded by his disabilities. Sua competed in both the Invictus Games (created by the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry) and the Warrior Games, where he received a Gold Medal. Sua presented this symbol of his achievement to VAU.

Sua also enjoyed a fun respite at one of VAU’s accessible retreats with his son and nephew. The family participated in adaptive fishing and surfing together, plus Sua used an adaptive, all-terrain wheelchair to go on the beach for the first time since his injury. During this retreat, the boys were able to spend time with other children of disabled veterans, which was both a bonding and healing experience for them.

The veteran credits VAU for the ability to move forward with his life: “Thanks to you [VAU], I have been able to progress and better myself physically and mentally.”

Help empower wounded warriors to reach goals beyond their disabilities by volunteering or donating at Veterans and Athletes United.