From walker to competitive power walking: Veteran finds healing competing in Golden Age Games

This story mentions sexual assault and abuse, which may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

“In 2018, I turned to VA for help after more than 17 years of isolation, chronic pain and mental health struggles,” said Sharon Sotero. “That opened the door to my recovery journey.”

Sotero grew up in Arkansas and is one of seven siblings. As a child, she faced severe trauma, sexual assault and abuse from a family member. This childhood abuse significantly impacted her physical and mental health.

At 17, Sotero and her younger sister were removed from their family home and relocated to a juvenile detention center by the state for their safety. Sotero lived in a juvenile detention center until an aunt took her in.

Despite these challenges, Sotero pursued creating a better life for herself by joining the U.S. Air Force as a cook in August 1985, shortly after turning 18.

Sotero served four years on active duty and two as a reservist, where she was promoted to staff sergeant. Throughout her military service, she endured multiple instances of sexual assault, contributing to her ongoing challenges.

Enduring post-service struggles

After her military service ended in 1991, Sotero’s path continued to be marked by trauma, including sexual assault, other physical abuse, and mental abuse.

“Severe depression, substance use and isolation were my only constants,” Sotero recalled. “Initially, I didn’t want help. Instead, I isolated myself and fell into a deeper depression. I became afraid of men. I became afraid of leaving my home.”

Around 2002, she developed agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that causes fear of places and situations, resulting in 17 years of severe isolation. During that period, Sotero was also diagnosed with HIV, the result of an abusive relationship where a former husband intentionally infected her.

“There were times I thought ending my life was the only way out,” Sotero admits. “I didn’t like that feeling. I knew I couldn’t keep living like this. I had to reach out.”

Choosing VA

When Sotero sought help from VA Fayetteville Arkansas Health Care System in 2018, she could not walk without a cane or walker.

She received mental health care treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and talk therapy, physical therapy and pain management, a process that included combining medication and mindfulness techniques. During this time, Sotero was also able to receive HIV treatment.

In October 2022, after a severe depressive episode, Sotero was admitted to inpatient care. When she was discharged, her mental health provider recommended the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC).

“PRRC helps Veterans with serious mental illnesses by teaching them life skills and helping them be more involved in their communities,” said Sotero. “PRRC helped me find purpose.” 

Finding strength in fitness and community

Through PRRC, Sotero met Bradley Anderson, an occupational therapist and National Veterans Golden Age Games (Golden Age Games) coach, who has played a crucial role in her journey.

As a Golden Age Games coach, Anderson focuses on holistically addressing Veterans’ physical and mental health needs by integrating physical activity with mental health support to enhance their overall well-being. Read more about Anderson’s work with Golden Age Games athletes.

“Sharon was initially skeptical about what I was selling, but she was open to learning,” said Anderson. “By February 2023, she had made so much progress, she committed to participating in the Golden Age Games.”

The Golden Age Games is geared towards Veterans aged 55 and older. With its motto “Fitness for Life,” the event offers sports competitions and health education sessions to showcase how sports, wellness and fitness can contribute to helping Veterans lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Sotero’s new health, healing and power stemmed from focusing on functional strength, confidence-building and overcoming fear.

“Brad worked with me four days a week, helping me improve my mobility and strength through bodyweight exercises such as squats and pushups,” said Sotero. “His personalized training helped me ditch the cane and walker and is helping me overcome my fear of men.”

Transformative Golden Age Games experience 

After just six months of training with Anderson, Sotero had stopped using a cane or walker. In 2023, she participated in her first Golden Age Games. She competed in bowling —her favorite event— and took home a fifth-place ribbon in power walking.

“She got stronger and more confident, stopped falling, and through exercise and eating with a purpose, she also lost weight,” said Anderson. “She is living the ‘Fitness for life’ motto.”

This year, Sotero is competing in more events, adding cornhole, boccia, shuffleboard, nine-ball pool and bowling. Next year, she wants to participate in track and field as well.

Encouragement for fellow Veterans

Sotero highlighted the significance of her support network and the camaraderie she discovered while training for the Golden Age Games, emphasizing their positive impact on her journey and her confidence.

“Don’t be afraid to seek help early,” said Sotero. “Fitness has given me a new lease on life. I still fight the urge to isolate daily, but my friends—Jeane Lee, Stacey Stormes and Annie Moore, who also compete in the Golden Age Games, and the ladies from my exercise group, ‘April’s Gals’— won’t let me!”

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. Veterans of all genders and backgrounds have experienced MST.

VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is committed to helping Veterans, their partners and VA staff who IPV impacts. For more information or assistance, contact your local IPVAP Site Coordinator, Primary Care Social Worker or other Provider. Women Veterans can also contact the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC).

Jesus Flores is a writer & editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran