At the 43rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games, held at the New Orleans Convention Center, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between AmeriCorps and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This multi-year agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the two agencies, focusing on promoting independence and healthy lifestyles through therapeutic and adaptive sports for veterans with physical disabilities. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the VA’s National Veterans Sports Program and Special Events.
Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, emphasized the shared values between the two organizations, saying, “Like the military, AmeriCorps unites people from different backgrounds to pursue common goals – providing a shared sense of purpose and an appreciation for diversity that is urgently needed at this time of polarization and division. The 13,000 veterans who serve in AmeriCorps Seniors are an example to us all, as they play their part in a network that serves over 163,000 veteran and military families nationwide.”
Dr. Ajit Pai, Executive Director of the VA’s Office of Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, expressed gratitude for AmeriCorps' contributions, stating, “We are grateful for AmeriCorps members and volunteers for their passion to serve veterans and their families at VA’s national adaptive sports events. From distributing supplies and building competition sites to offering genuine kindness and support to every veteran they meet, AmeriCorps embodies the true spirit of team and plays a crucial role in the success of our rehabilitation sports programs.”
Dave Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, also praised the partnership, noting, “The AmeriCorps teams have been outstanding partners of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have their support since 2016. Their members work tirelessly alongside us to ensure every detail is handled, which results in an exceptional experience for our veterans.”
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, co-presented by the VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America, is the world’s largest annual wheelchair rehabilitation sports event exclusively for veterans. Each year, hundreds of veterans who have sustained permanent physical injuries or neurological impairments use sports and recreation as a means of rehabilitation, competing in over 20 events. During the games, AmeriCorps members from the NCCC program and volunteers from AmeriCorps Seniors help set up and break down sporting event venues, assist participants with their wheelchairs, and engage with participants between events. The VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events also educates veterans and attendees about civilian service opportunities with AmeriCorps, promoting these opportunities throughout the year.
Samantha “Sam” Satre, an AmeriCorps member with NCCC, expressed appreciation for the VA's trust, saying, “We are greatly appreciative of the Veteran Affair's trust in AmeriCorps to serve those who have given so much of themselves for the benefit of us all.”
Rev. Richard Bell, an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer with RSVP, highlighted the impact of AmeriCorps, stating, “It's about helping people. With AmeriCorps, you never leave a senior behind.”
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. Studies indicate that at least a quarter of the 200,000 veterans who transition to civilian life each year struggle with the experience. AmeriCorps addresses this issue by supporting military families and engaging returned and retired service members in community service. Approximately 13,000 veterans extend their service to America each year through AmeriCorps programs, where they connect with a mission and a community.
RSVP, one of three AmeriCorps Seniors programs, engages volunteers who are 55 and over in collective community service projects. These volunteers, alongside AmeriCorps members in the NCCC program, will support the Wheelchair Games in New Orleans.
AmeriCorps members in the NCCC program, aged 18-26, serve in teams that address the nation’s greatest needs. They live in the communities they serve, participating in service-learning and building leadership and life skills. NCCC teams respond to disasters, care for the environment, and complete critical community enhancement and infrastructure projects, serving thousands of military and veteran families each year.
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