Golden Age Games coach's personal wellness journey to help fellow Veterans

More than a motto—it’s a way of living

Bradley Anderson, an occupational therapist and Golden Age Games coach at VA Fayetteville Arkansas Health Care System, found his calling transforming the lives of Veterans through physical activity. His passion for helping Veterans stems from his own journey to health and well-being. 

“'Fitness for Life' is more than a motto; it’s a way of living,” Anderson says. “It’s about getting Veterans excited about their health and well-being again. Getting them to take good care of themselves and improving their quality of life through physical activity.”

Regular physical activity has many documented benefits. Working out helps people of all ages lower blood pressure, lowers the risk of falls and slows the body’s muscle and bone mass loss. Physical activity also has mental health benefits that include improving brain health and cognitive function, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression, improved sleep and overall quality of life.

Health challenges and recommitment

After serving in the Air Force from 1997 to 2001, Anderson faced several health challenges. While serving, he suffered a back injury from an accident on the flight line and developed asthma due to toxic exposure, and was medically discharged. These issues and food choices increased his weight to over 400 pounds.

“I would indulge in unhealthy snacks and large portions. With my bad back and asthma, staying active was a huge challenge. I couldn’t maintain the level of activity needed to keep the weight off,” Anderson recalls.

Anderson’s wake-up call came in 2019 after comments from his wife and another Veteran. 

“My wife said, ‘I want to retire someday with you, and I’m afraid you’re going to die before you’re 50.’ That was a turning point for me,” Anderson recalls. “There was also a Veteran who challenged me by saying, ‘How are you going to help me, you can’t even help yourself?’”

That started Anderson on his own “Fitness for Life” journey by joining a gym where he exercised regularly, building strength and muscle slowly. He did isometric and bodyweight exercises, such as pushups and sit-ups, cardio exercises and weight training. By summer 2021, he was eating a nutritious diet and had eliminated processed foods and sugars.

By the summer of 2022, he was down to 216 pounds. Today, he’s stable at 240 pounds, still committed to his fitness and healthy eating.  

Empowering Veterans 

Now, he’s channeling that same energy into helping Veterans. The “RazorVets” are a group of Arkansas Veterans receiving their health care through VA Fayetteville Arkansas Health Care System, who Anderson has been coaching and preparing to participate in the Golden Age Games.

“Last year, I got 18 of our Veterans to go to the Golden Age Games. This year, we have 35. We already have five new members for next year’s team,” Anderson proudly notes. 

Anderson emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, applying Whole Health principles that focus on the connection between the mind and body. By eating unprocessed foods, maintaining a regular exercise routine and engaging in mindful practices, he has seen significant improvements in his life and those of the Veterans he coaches. 

The dedication of the "RazorVets" extends year-round. Every week, the team meets for a group workout, and throughout the week, Anderson has one-on-one sessions with Veterans. 

“I have a tell, show and do model of care with my Veterans. I’m not just telling them what to do; I’m down there working with them,” he emphasizes.

This hands-on approach builds trust between Anderson and the Veterans he trains. 

“As Veterans, we all had boot camp drill instruction. The idea someone would get down on the ground with them, get on a cycle beside them, to do the hard work motivates everyone to get better,” Anderson explains. 

The power of teamwork 

The program’s cornerstone is teamwork. 

“A team of like-minded individuals, especially Veterans, working together is always stronger. We push and inspire one another,” Anderson says. “Iron sharpens iron. We all show up and improve each other by 1% each time we meet.”

He says this concept emphasizes the importance of making minor adjustments and improvements each day, which lead to substantial changes in health, fitness and well-being over time.

Veteran’s inspiring transformation 

One standout "RazorVets" story is U.S. Air Force Veteran Sharon Sotero. Before she met Anderson, she was mostly housebound for 17 years, using a cane and a walker to move. 

“Brad worked with me four days a week to help me become stronger,” she shares.

With Anderson’s guidance and encouragement, she has learned to walk without a cane or walker, lost weight and gained confidence and strength. 

“Brad sees our potential that we don’t see in ourselves. He’s also taught us to believe in our potential,” Sotero shares.

Sotero will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, to participate in her second Golden Age Games. She will compete in cornhole, Boccia, shuffleboard, nine-ball pool and bowling. Sotero has aspirations to compete in track and field events in 2025.

Real rewards 

“The true reward is seeing Veterans, like Sharon, regain movement and improve the other 51 weeks of the year,” he says. “Seeing how functional strength improves the Veteran’s quality of life is special.”

While winning medals is a bonus, Anderson’ says the most rewarding aspect is seeing Veterans become healthier and more confident by applying "Fitness for Life" principles to their lives.

“I feel like I’m cheating; every time I help our Veterans, I feel better; it makes me want to do more!” he exclaims. “People say things go downhill as you age, but I don’t think so. We’re going to strap up our boots and we’re going to attack that hill together.”

The Golden Age Games offers Veterans ages 55 and older an opportunity to compete in sports and learn new skills through exhibitions. Learn more by visiting National Veterans Golden Age Games - National Veterans Sports Programs (va.gov).

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