G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Shines at the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games

 Over 1,000 Veteran athletes gathered to showcase their talents and prove that age is just a number. Among them were 11 determined Veterans from the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center who gave it their all and brought home top honors.

Medalists and Participants

Several Veterans from our VA Medical Center earned impressive finishes:

• Cynthia Galathe: Gold in Shuffleboard, 4th place in Horseshoes
• Howard Ashford: Gold in 18-hole Golf
• Guy Dickerson: Gold in 18-hole Golf (PGA Hope Local Ambassador)
• Janis Burkes-Cavett: Gold in Horseshoes, Bronze in Pickleball mixed doubles and Cornhole
• Aaron Honeysucker: Bronze in 3 on 3 Basketball, 8th place in Bowling
• James Owens: 8th place in Shot Put
• Vanessa Collins and Janis Burkes-Cavett: Gold in the first-ever Women’s 3 on 3 Basketball event

The full team of participants included:

• Victor Galathe: Air Rifle, Powerwalking, Bowling, Horseshoes, Cornhole
• James Owens: Shuffleboard, Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, Air Rifle
• Barry Taylor: Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, Free-Throw Basketball
• Vanessa Collins: Free-Throw Basketball, 3 on 3 Basketball, Bowling, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, Powerwalking
• Cynthia Galathe: Horseshoes, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Table Tennis
• Howard Ashford: Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, Golf, Air Rifle, Bowling
• Aaron Honeysucker: Bowling, Free-Throw Basketball, Horseshoes, Shuffleboard
• Janis Burkes-Cavett: Cornhole, Free-Throw Basketball, 3 on 3 Basketball, Pickleball
• Guy Dickerson: Golf

Supporting these incredible Veteran athletes were DeVonda Elliot, Recreation Therapy Supervisor, and Gene Thai, Recreation Therapist, who helped them prepare for the Games and stay at their best.  Gregory Gaston, Sr., Nursing Assistant, also provided support serving as an officiant for Powerlifting and Billiards.

First established in 1985, the National Veterans Golden Age Games is the only multi-sport competition in the world created specifically for Veterans aged 55 and older. This year featured 18 competitive sports and 7 exhibition events, along with new additions like the Women’s 3 on 3 Basketball Championship and Wheelchair Basketball Free Throw. The largest age group this year was 65 to 69.

Get Involved!

If you are a Veteran aged 55 or older and enrolled in VA health care, consider competing in the next Golden Age Games. It is a great opportunity to stay active, meet fellow Veterans, and be part of a community that celebrates health and wellness. Visit the National Veterans Golden Age Games page to learn more about registration for next year’s event. Join your fellow Veterans in proving that fitness and competition never grow old.