Jarek Neczypor

Lieutenant Jarek Neczypor (ret.) joined the Navy because he wanted to serve his country and travel the world. During his time in service, he was forward deployed and sailed across Asia.

After his injuries and throughout his recovery, he participated in the Navy’s adaptive sports program, Navy Wounded Warrior. He connected with other service members who had similar stories to his own, building a new community of support for him on his healing journey. In this network, Neczypor and his shipmates have swapped resources related to education, jobs, and veteran-support organizations. These experiences inspired him to attend law school to pursue legal work at Yale’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

“I was able to make new friends and have a community I can rely on, which is unlike any other,” he said. “It also inspires me to be the best version of myself and to help other veterans. The program provided a chance to recover with people who understood. No matter the challenges, we support each other.”

What does the Invictus Games mean to you?

The Invictus Games mean a celebration of courage and perseverance of the athletes and in turn the spirit of the Armed Forces. They highlight the incredible journeys of recovery and the relentless spirit of military athletes who refuse to be defined by their injuries. The Games inspire us all to see beyond limitations to celebrate human spirit and resilience.