Next year’s Department of Defense Warrior Games will be held in Chicago next June, Franklin R. Parker, assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs, announced yesterday.
Parker made the announcement during the closing ceremonies for this year’s Warrior Games at the U.S. Military Academy here. The Navy will host next year’s games, he said.
“We look forward to working with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office to put on an unforgettable Warrior Games for our warrior games athletes and the people who support them,” Parker said.
Commitment to Wounded Warriors, Families
“One of my most important duties is the oversight of the Navy’s wounded warrior program, and I’m deeply committed to our wounded warriors and their families,” said Vice Adm. Dixon R. Smith, the commander of Navy Installations Command. “During the next year, I am personally committed to working my hardest, and our team is personally committed to ensure that we prepare for a superb event in Chicago.”
Chicago is a great location for the Warrior Games, said Ryan Shannon, a medically retired sailor from Morris, Illinois. Shannon competed for the Navy team in track and field, sitting volleyball and swimming.
“Knowing Chicago and the type of town it is, it could be a really big event up there. I’m really excited. We’re huge on sports,” he said. “I’m probably more excited [about the location] than making this team this year because it’s in my backyard.”
Shannon noted that Chicago is the home of Naval Station Great Lakes, where Navy recruits attend boot camp.
“If I had gotten to watch wounded warriors compete -- even for a day in boot camp -- I would’ve been just so hyped up to finish and get out there to do my job. I think it would be great for them to see it,” he said.