Sitting Team Vets Get 2nd Chance to Rep USA

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2020) – Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 in remembrance of Armistice Day, the cease fire of World War I.

World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11:11 a.m. The holiday was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

Six players on the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team have represented the United States both in the U.S. Military and on the court.

USA Volleyball thanks them and their families for their service and sacrifice.

“I have learned and seen amazing things while serving my country, and the honor I carry to have done so can never be exceeded. After being discharged, it was time to signify myself in a new way, this time on the volleyball court with a new team and new goal. Training and competing side-by-side to come out on top, to be the best in the world. Once again representing Team USA.” – Nicholas Dadgostar, U.S. Air Force

“Being in the military provided me the opportunity to be a part of the best fighting force in the world. No matter where we would go, everyone knew who we were because of our uniforms. Now that I am part of the Men’s Sitting Volleyball team, I still get that feeling. It is awesome to be part of one of the best volleyball teams and programs in the world. Just like being in the military, everyone knows who we are by the jerseys we wear. It is so great to be able to represent my country again, on and off the court, with Team USA.” – John Kremer, U.S. Navy

“It means a great deal to have another opportunity to represent the United States of America as a USAV athlete. When I initially signed up to serve in the military, I was just a young man with an inherent, but not so perfectly attuned desire to serve our country.  After 12-plus years of service in the National Guard and active duty with the Army, I developed a more refined appreciation for all the magnificence this country holds. USAV has provided me the opportunity to carry on this internal passion to represent our country after an unfortunately shortened military career. I have been blessed to experience years of travelling to many other beautiful countries with many wonderful people, but I have always been excited to return to the best of them all.  I implore you all to appreciate all the wonders this country offers. I am so very proud to wear the USA jersey for USA Volleyball affirming that I stand and sit, as that is the nature of my sport, for the best country this world has ever witnessed.” – Dan Regan, U.S. Army and National Guard

“I get choked up talking about it, but it was great. There’s nothing you can really say. I go from fighting a war to playing sports on the biggest stage possible. It’s awesome.” – James Stuck, U.S. Army

“I enlisted in the Air Force at 18, straight out of high school. At the time I had no idea the excitement and sacrifices my future family and I would experience because of this decision; I was just anxious to get out there and serve my country I had been so fortunate to call home! Thirty-two years later, I am proud to say that I chose a career of defending and supporting the great USA and would gladly do it all over again. I have traveled to foreign countries, made lifelong friendships, fought in wars and conflicts, and seen things that no human should have to. It has all culminated in making me even more grateful to call this great nation my home. I am honored to be able to represent the USA and my Lord and savior Jesus Christ playing volleyball as a member of the USMSNT. It is a privilege I never thought I would have, and the men and women I play alongside of are second to none!” – TSGT Patrick L. Young, Retired, U.S. Air Force

Also, Josh Smith, U.S. Marines