Va phoenix coach helps fellow veterans find resilience through fitness | va salt lake city health care | veterans affairs

Joshua Parks, a U.S. Army combat Veteran and recreation therapist with VA Phoenix Health Care System, found his passion for coaching National Veterans Golden Age Games athletes through his

own fitness journey. From 2003 to 2008, Joshua Parks was a cavalry scout with the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (Airborne). He deployed

to Tikrit, Iraq, in November 2006. He would leave Iraq 15 months later, in February 2008. After his service, Parks faced challenges transitioning back to civilian life. “When I got home, I

became a sloth,” he said. “I didn’t run; I only walked when I had to, and I started drinking.” While seeking relief from chronic back pain, Parks spoke with his primary care doctor, who

recommended physical activity as a way of preventing pain. Parks discovered that exercise helped him find comfort and resilience. He also stopped drinking. “Exercise became a crucial part of

my everyday life,” he said. “Fitness became my lifeline, and I want to share that with my fellow Veterans. When I started, it was for my mental health, to get out and explore and not feel

so trapped. Then I kept exercising to fend off pain.”   STRONGER TOGETHER   Parks teaches Veterans to trust the process of gradual improvement and show up regularly for workouts, even when

they lack motivation.   “When they see me pushing through my challenges, it inspires them to do the same, fostering a strong sense of ‘esprit de corps’ among our team,” he shared.   The

“esprit de corps” Veterans experience exercising together unites them around a shared purpose and creates pride, unity and camaraderie within the group. A VETERAN’S TRANSFORMATION   Parks

spoke about a first-time National Veterans Golden Age Games participant from Phoenix, who embodies that indomitable spirit. When she joined Parks’ team, she was grappling with chronic pain

and disheartenment.   “She started slow, walking about a mile in an hour,” Parks said. “Each week, she pushed herself a bit further, a little faster. After a few months of training, she now

walks over two miles continuously.”   Encouraged by her progress, the Veteran decided to try adaptive CrossFit.   “Her transformation is incredible,” Parks said proudly. “She went from

barely moving to become one of our top athletes and is competing in air rifle, cornhole and horseshoes at the 2024 Golden Age Games.”   GROWTH THROUGH SMALL STEPS   Parks said the most

rewarding part of his work is seeing Veterans realize their potential. “I love raising the difficulty ever so slightly each week,” Parks shared. “The best part is seeing the Veterans’ faces

when they realize they can keep up.” If a Veteran is considering participating in the Golden Age Games, Parks encourages them to go for it. He urges Veterans to take small steps, trust their

providers and stay consistent. Exercise is not just about keeping in shape. It can also help with your emotional and mental well-being. Working out can enhance your confidence, distract you

from problems and give you a sense of control. In general, active people experience less anxiety, depression and stress than those who are not active. The Golden Age Games offer Veterans

ages 55 and older an opportunity to compete in sports and learn new skills through exhibitions. To learn more, visit the National Veterans Golden Age Games website. Learn more by visiting

National Veterans Golden Age Games - National Veterans Sports Programs (va.gov). ------------------------- Jesus Flores is a writer and editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine

Corps Veteran