Marine Corps Veteran Finds Camaraderie and Connection at the Golden Age Games
For U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Philip Davis, a 62-year-old from Miami, Florida, the journey to the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games was not just a cross-country trip; it was a voyage back to camaraderie, competition, and purpose that he had longed for since retiring from military service.
This year’s games, hosted by the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System from August 24-29, 2024, brought together Veterans from across the nation, all over the age of 55, to compete, connect, and celebrate the spirit of resilience.
Davis, who served in the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1996 first learned about the Golden Age Games from a fellow Veteran who recognized his love for sports, competition, and staying active.
“He told me about the Games and said I should compete,” Davis recalls. “It was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve always loved the thrill of the game and the challenge of competition, so I knew I had to be here.”
Davis was infantry in the Marine Corps and traveled all over the globe including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Norway, and Iraq. He would later retire and earn his Master’s Degree in Criminology and his Ph.D. in Psychology, teaching at Clayton State University in Georgia. He was also the Commander for VFW Post 8195 in Broward County, Florida.
Davis believes keeping yourself busy is key to dealing with the challenges life brings you as a Veteran. “The Golden Age Games is another example of a healthy distraction to keep your mind sharp and body moving,” said Davis.
A Pathway to Wellness
Founded in 1985, the National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States. It is also the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.
The games embody the VA’s "Fitness for Life" motto, offering both sports competitions and training clinics to emphasize the essential value of sports, movement, and fitness routines.
For Davis, the games represent more than just physical activity—they are a recharge for his mental and emotional well-being.
“Veterans can experience many things during their service to our country, and some of those things stay with you forever, whether they be physical, mental, or emotional,” Davis reflects.
For him, the Golden Age Games offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the values and camaraderie that defined his military career.
“I’ve got to tell you this, it’s the genuine joy of competition that matters. Folks are hugging people whether they got a medal or not. As long as you compete and show that spirit of commitment and community, that is what the military family is all about.”
The Power of Brotherhood and Connection
The games have become a sanctuary for Veterans like Davis, who find in them a rekindling of the brotherhood and sense of purpose that defined their service years.
“As Veterans, regardless of competing against each other at these games, we’re all on the same team,” Davis says. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to experience the nostalgia, camaraderie, and connection many of us have been craving. It’s good for the soul, the mind, and spirit.”
A Positive Impact on Veteran Health
When asked if the Golden Age Games is making a positive impact on Veteran health, Davis was emphatic.
“I definitely concur, or as young people say, I co-sign on that, absolutely! The reason is, you're meeting folks who have really been through it, and you've been there too. I'm speaking with Veterans who know what I'm talking about in terms of the struggles, the pains, and the healing, and that type of connection is priceless.”
The Golden Age Games have long been recognized for their impact on the health, recovery, and overall quality of life for older Veterans.
With events like the basketball free-throw competition, where Davis took gold in the 60-64 age category, and the pickleball competition, where he earned a silver medal, the games provide a platform for Veterans to push their limits, celebrate their achievements, and continue to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
A Celebration of Resilience and Unity
For Davis, winning the gold and silver medals was a proud moment, but it was the experience of competing that mattered most.
“It’s not just about the medals,” he says. “It’s about the people you meet, the memories you make, and the sense of belonging you feel. That’s what these games are all about.”
As the National Veterans Golden Age Games continue to grow, serving thousands of Veterans and training hundreds of VA rehabilitation providers across more than 125 VA health care facilities, they demonstrate the enduring spirit of America’s Veterans.
For Davis, and countless others like him, the Games are not just an event—they are a celebration of life, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that unites all who have served.