Team Navy/Coast Guard Gets Pep Talks from VCNO, ASN, MCPON

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Team Navy/Coast Guard was visited by senior Navy leadership for what turned out to be a pep rally at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., during the 2012 Warrior Games, May 3.

Team Navy/Coast Guard was visited by senior Navy leadership at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., during the 2012 Warrior Games, May 3 and 4th.

The team was visited on May 3, by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia III; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick West; and on May 4, by Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Admiral Mark Ferguson on May 4th.

Garcia discussed how Navy Safe Harbor and the Warrior Games are an important element of the Department of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, which encourages a culture of health and wellness in the fleet.

He also thanked the Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their families for their service and sacrifice to our nation.

"History will show that the group I'm looking at here today is part of the future's next greatest generation," said Garcia. "Once you're part of this team, that's a relationship that won't be broken. I've seen you grow. I've seen you overcome. Hopefully, you athletes and your families know that the best days of your life are ahead of you."

"We are on this team together," said West. "To quote Babe Ruth, 'The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. They may be the greatest bunch of individual stars together, but if they don't play together, then the club wouldn't be worth a dime.' I am darn proud of you out there. Never give up. There is nothing you can't do."

The team cheered "Hooyah!" in response to his enthusiasm.

Ferguson met with the Navy-Coast Guard team to congratulate them on their performance during the Warrior Games and to thank them for serving as a model of perseverance and hard work for Sailors and Coast Guardsmen around the world.

After shaking each of the athlete's hand and awarding each a challenge coin, VCNO told the group "their great sacrifice to the defense of our country will never be forgotten."

"These games are an opportunity to empower and thank you--our great warriors, while emphasizing and focusing on your capabilities, not disabilities," said Ferguson.

VCNO wrapped up his two-day visit to the games by presenting medals to Navy-Coast Guard team members who distinguished themselves during Saturday's swimming events.

The 35 warrior athletes are participating as Team Navy/Coast Guard, sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program, a key component of the Department of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative.

The initiative is meant to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

The Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee's paralympics military program, provides an opportunity for wounded, ill, and injured service members to participate in competitive sports against members of other branches of service.

For more information about Navy Safe Harbor, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil, call 877-746-8563, or e-mail safeharbor@navy.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.>