Rhoda Bargas

Rhoda Bargas served on active-duty Air Force, Reserves and Air National Guard throughout her 24-year career. She grew up in the Philippines, living in a “stilt hut made of wood, bamboo and palm leaves.” She emigrated to the U.S. at 7-years old and knew that she wanted to serve in the Armed Forces. “I was most proud just to serve this great nation like my stepdad,” she said. “I wanted to be just like him and be able to see myself the way I saw him; as a Patriot and a hero!” She has played for the San Diego Sunfire in the Women’s Professional Football League and later ran in the USAF Marathon in 2019. “I would emphasize that adaptive sports and the Warrior Games are so much more than just athletic events, they are vital tools in the recovery and reintegration of wounded warriors. These programs provide purpose, motivation, and a sense of belonging that many of us lose after being wounded or transitioning out of active service. Adaptive sports help us rebuild confidence, manage stress, and find healthy ways to cope with both visible and invisible wounds.”