Veterans' Success at the Golden Age Games

By Deb Phelps, Physical Therapist
The Veterans showed their fierce spirit of competition throughout the week, coupled with the profound sense of camaraderie among Veterans, all of whom bonded by their unique experiences in service.
The Tomah, Wisconsin VA proudly sent six exceptional Veteran athletes, accompanied by one dedicated coach and an invited official, to the National Veteran Golden Age Games (NVGAG) in Memphis, Tennessee, from May 30 to June 6. The NVGAG is one of the VA’s five national events, welcoming Veterans aged 55 and above. This event promotes fitness for life and inspires Veterans to weave movement into their everyday routines through sporting activities.
Tomah's spirited team comprised four determined women and two enthusiastic men, among whom were two novice female athletes venturing into the competition for the first time. Team Tomah dedicated many hours to training for this event, and their commitment truly shone through. Their hard work earned them 10 gold, five silver, and three bronze medals, along with six finishes between 4th and 6th place in their age groups.
The Veterans showed their fierce spirit of competition throughout the week, coupled with the profound sense of camaraderie among Veterans, all of whom bonded by their unique experiences in service. Team Tomah excelled at the NVGAG in 2025 but also etched their names into history as five of the new records set during this year’s event—20 records in total were broken, showcasing the high level of talent and determination present.
This event is truly transformative for the athletes, igniting their passion and resilience. Veterans represented the VA, themselves, and their families with honor and dignity.
Tomah VA Veterans continue year-round with local events and practices, all aimed at empowering Veterans to thrive in their chosen sports. Veteran athletes actively encourage others on the sidelines to join the unified team. If you feel inspired to be part of next year’s adventure in sunny Tampa, Florida, please reach out to Debbie Phelps or Dawn Parker for more information on how you can become a part of Team Tomah.