As the world eagerly anticipates Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Team U.S. is proud to announce our Co-Captains who will lead this exceptional group of adaptive sports athletes: Colonel (ret.) Jacquelyn Marty and Master Sergeant (MSG) Ivan Morera.
These remarkable warriors embody the spirit of resilience, dedication, and leadership that defines the Invictus Games, and Team U.S. Their stories of triumph over adversity serve as an inspiration to the entire wounded, ill and injured community, and their leadership will guide Team U.S. as we prepare to showcase the power of adaptive sports on servicemembers’ recovery journeys on the global stage.
Meet the Co-Captains
Colonel (ret.) Jacquelyn Marty:
Col Marty brings a wealth of experience, both from her distinguished military career and her personal journey of recovery. Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1990, she served on active duty for nearly a decade before transitioning to the Reserves. Her life took a drastic turn in 2015 when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the challenges that followed, Col Marty remained committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, participating in multiple triathlons and pushing herself to new limits.
Her journey into adaptive sports began when she competed in the Air Force Trials where she found inspiration in the remarkable stories of her fellow Airmen. A sense of determination and resilience led her to the Department of Defense Warrior Games, where she competed in both 2018 and 2023.
Throughout her recovery, she has not only focused on her own progress but also on mentoring and supporting other wounded warriors. Her leadership, both on and off the field, has made her a beloved figure within the community, and her selection as Co-Captain for Team U.S. is a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Master Sergeant Ivan Morera:
Co-Captain is MSG Ivan Morera exemplifies the courage and tenacity of the U.S. Special Operations community. An Army Green Beret, MSG Morera’s life changed forever during a combat operation in Afghanistan in 2013.
A Taliban insurgent attack resulted in a vehicle rollover, leading to the traumatic amputation of his dominant left hand. Despite this life-altering injury, MSG Morera refused to let his circumstances define him. He spent 10 months at the Center for the Intrepid at Brook Army Medical Center, undergoing rigorous physical and occupational therapy.
Morera’s journey back to military duty is nothing short of extraordinary. Within 18 months of his injury, he completed his first basic static line airborne operation, followed by his first Military Free Fall (MFF) operation in 2018. Today, he stands as the only upper body amputee on MFF status and the only one-handed medic in the U.S. Armed Forces.
His leadership extends beyond his own recovery, as he has been instrumental in guiding and supporting his fellow servicemembers, sharing his experiences, and helping them succeed under the most challenging circumstances. His selection as Co-Captain for Team U.S. is a recognition of his outstanding contributions and his commitment to the principles of resilience and recovery that are at the heart of the Invictus Games.
The Importance of Adaptive Sports and the Invictus Games
As with the Warrior Games, the Invictus Games are more than just an adaptive sporting event. They are a powerful platform that showcases the strength, determination, and resilience of wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from around the world.
Founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, following a trip to see the Warrior Games, the Invictus Games provide an opportunity for these courageous individuals to compete in a variety of adaptive sports, demonstrating that their injuries do not define them. Both the Warrior Game and Invictus Games also offer a unique space for healing, camaraderie, and the forging of bonds that transcend borders.
For Team U.S., the Invictus Games represent a culmination of years of hard work, training, and dedication. These athletes have overcome incredible odds to be where they are today, and their participation in the Invictus Games is a testament to their resilience and strength of character. Adaptive sports have played a crucial role in their recovery journeys, providing them with a sense of purpose, community, and the opportunity to push beyond their perceived limits.
Guiding the Unconquered: Leadership Rooted in Resilience and Grit
Col Jacquelyn Marty and MSG Ivan Morera, as Co-Captains, will lead Team U.S. with the same determination and grit that have defined their own lives. Their stories remind us all of the incredible power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, no matter the obstacles.
As we look forward to the 2025 Invictus Games, we are inspired by their leadership and confident that Team U.S. will continue to embody the values of the Invictus Games—resilience, recovery, and unwavering dedication to one another.
The road to the Invictus Games is a challenging one, but with leaders like Marty and Morera at the helm, Team U.S. is ready to rise to the occasion and showcase the very best of what it means to be “Unconquered.”
