Carlos Valerio

Hospital Corpsman First Class (ret.) Carlos Valerio signed-up for the Navy as a junior in high school through the Delayed Entry Program. He ultimately wanted to be a doctor and thought that a career as a corpsman would bring him closer to that goal. He considers his career as a corpsman to be the greatest job he ever had and spent the majority of his career assigned with Marines. Three years into his career, he was diagnosed with gastric cancer. He began participating in the Navy’s adaptive sports program and found that the mantra of “Recovery through Sport” opened his eyes to new abilities that were possible with a commitment to the program.

He participated in the Warrior Games in 2017, then again in 2018 and 2019 as a veteran. He also joined Team U.S. for the 2018 Invictus Games in Australia. It was then that he felt called to be part of the adaptive sports community for the long haul. Through it all, Valerio’s family has been there to support him. “They have been part of the program just as much as I have,” he said. Now that I have been chosen to represent Team U.S. one more time, my youngest daughter will be able to be part of the program and experience the Invictus games just like her older brothers have.”

What does the Invictus Games mean to you?

“I am grateful to be part of such a great program and I am thankful for their continued support to the many service members that are in need of this program. I will forever be supportive of this program, and will continue to advocate for its success and the support it provides to my fellow veterans and active duty service members.”