Top Vets

Special to Veterans Advantage

The hours, months and years are complete. They were prepared for what was the biggest moment of their lives. But for at least 15 military men and women, it was not the war that was in front of them.

It was to represent the USA in the Beijing Summer Olympics, with two of the bringing home the gold. And a West Point Academy Army Vet bringing home a very big third gold medal.

15 of those who wear the uniform competed in marksmanship, track and field and Greco-Roman Wrestling events, a formidable presence, although lower than in the past. During peacetime, for instance, at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, 52 of the 290 U.S. male competitors were military athletes who won 20 individual or team medals – an impressive 22 percent of Team USA’s hardware. The military secured eight gold, five silver and seven bronze medals that year.

Because the nation is at war, the numbers are not what they used to be, reports the Armed Forces Press Service. Through the Army Family Covenant, however, the U.S. Army continues to offer servicemen and women the same opportunities as those they are sworn to defend. The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in particular, provides high-level athletes support to achieve their sports goals and to represent our nation.

Since 1948, 541 Army soldier-athletes have been selected to either an American summer or winter Olympic team, earning 131 Olympic medals in a variety of sports from hockey to track and field, rowing and shooting to boxing.

“Our numbers are down from years past; however, the World Class Athlete Program does offer soldiers an opportunity to continue to train and work toward their lifelong dreams of competing in the Olympics, as well as competing in national and international competitions,” WCAP Director Willie Wilson said. “The soldiers that are a part of this program are not only outstanding athletes, but they are also outstanding soldiers."

The WCAP helps soldiers participate in national and international competitions to include the Olympic Games, while maintaining a professional military career. WCAP offers all members of the Army (Active, Reserve and National Guard) the same opportunity for selection. All soldiers must be in good military standing. Enlisted members must have completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training. All officers must have completed their branch Basic Officer Course. Selected Reserve and National Guard members will be brought on Active Duty to participate in the program.

So if you are feeling fit, and serve our country, you can start thinking of London 2012. WCAP initiates soldiers into the program at least three years before the Olympic Trials. Soldiers applying for the program must demonstrate the ability to maintain a high national ranking in their specific sport.

We honor all who competed and served their country. They include:

-- Army Staff Sgt. Dremiel Byers, Greco-Roman wrestling;
-- Army Maj. Michael Anti, air rifle;
-- Army Staff Sgt. Keith Sanderson, rapid-fire pistol;
-- Army Pfc. Vincent Hancock, skeet (GOLD MEDALIST);
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, air rifle;
-- Army Staff Sgt. Daryl Szarenski, free pistol;
-- Army Spc. Walton Glenn Eller III, double trap shooting (GOLD MEDALIST);
-- Army Spc. Jeffrey Holguin, double trap shooting;
-- Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Bret E. Erickson, trap shooting;
-- Army Staff Sgt. Libby Callahan, pistol shooting;
-- U.S. Military Academy Cadet Stephen Scherer, air rifle;
-- Air Force Capt. Eli Bremer, modern pentathlon;
-- Air Force Capt. Seth Kelsey, epee fencing;
-- Air Force Capt. Kevin Eastler, 20-kilometer race walk; and
-- Air Force Lt. Col. Dominic Grazioli, trap shooting

“An achievement like this, its got to be a peak for them in their career, and certainly we’re very proud of them,” Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen said ahead of the games. “I wish them the best of luck, and I know they’ll do well and represent not just our military, but they’ll represent our country as well.”

• At age 56, Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Elizabeth "Libby" Callahan became the oldest U.S. Woman competitor in Olympic history with a 25th place finish in the women’s 25-meter pistol shooting event.
• Bret Erickson, retired Army sergeant first class competing in four Olympics -- Barcelona, Atlanta, Athens and Beijing.
• After being eliminated from the quarterfinals of the Olympic Greco-Roman 120-kilogram wrestling tournament today, Army Staff Sgt. Dremiel Byers vowed to continue his quest for an Olympic medal at the 2012 London Games.

Coach K Leads the Way
There were several Active Duty personnel also coaching in these areas, but there’s one noteworthy Veteran who brought home the gold for the USA. Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (seen right) coached the 2008 Men’s basketball team, nicknamed as the “Redeem Team,” referring to their drive to retake the gold medal like the Dream Teams of the 1990s and recover from recent international setbacks.

For more on Coach K, read our HeroVet Profile Here