Page 6 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – July 2025

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By Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay
56th Fighter Wing
Garcia felt a deep calling to join the military and defend his country at a time when it needed him most.
by his side every step of the way, providing much-needed support.
The Paralympic Movement first kicked off in the aftermath of World War II, originally aiming to assist war veterans and civilians who sustained injuries during their service. Injuries were diverse, from limb deficiency and impaired muscle power to those who later developed worsening spinal cord injuries and muscular dystrophy.
“I’m 100% disabled, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in 2019,” Garcia recounted. “I was vaguely informed during my appointments with medical that my sickness was due to the environment in Iraq. Breathing in the toxic fumes we were exposed to out there led to neurological damage down the line for me. My nervous system is killing itself.”
“My wife was there even when I didn’t support myself,” said Garcia. “As time passed, I heard about these camps for disabled veterans. In 2022, I learned that there were camps to help us get out there again and active instead of rotting in bed dwelling, doing nothing.”
Challenges like these did not stop Calixtro Garcia, medi- cally retired Army Specialist, who deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Having enlisted shortly after 9/11,
Due to this illness, Garcia’s mental and physical health took a huge hit. No longer able to perform tasks that were once second nature, the disabled veteran pondered what he could do for the rest of his life. Fortunately, his wife was
Luke Air Force Base recently hosted the ninth annual Paralympic training camp, specifically for track and field seated throws. Each year, the Department of Defense selects and supports up to 10 Para track and field wounded veteran athletes to attend training camps like this.
U.S. Veterans and
Team USA personnel
have breakfast prior to Paralympics Training Camp, May 27, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 56th FW has proudly hosted its annual training camp
for veteran para-athletes, gearing them up for the Desert Challenge Games
in Tempe, Arizona. This support from Luke AFB personnel and coaching from Team USA ensured these athletes received top- tier preparation.
U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit stand alongside para-athlete Cedric Geter during an F-35A Lightning II tour, May 28, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Veterans selected for a Paralympic Training Camp, hosted by the 56th Fighter Wing, toured the fighter jet Luke AFB is widely known for. The training camp aided veterans in building strength through competition.
Para-athlete Dennis Bardelli views the inside of an
F-35A Lightning II cockpit during a flightline tour, May 28, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Veteran para- athletes honed their skills at a Paralympic Training Camp hosted by the 56th Fighter Wing. While at Luke AFB, veteran para-athletes toured the jet with the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit and learned more about the stealthy aircraft.
Coach Jasmine Burrell (left) and para-athlete Jesus Ontiveros (right) practice hand movement and techniques during Paralympics Training Camp, May 27, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This Department of Defense-supported program at Luke AFB offers specialized instruction led by Team USA coaches and base personnel.
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