When the world turns its attention to the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, a powerful group of Team USA athletes will carry more than just national pride onto the ice and snow. Many of them also carry the legacy of military service. The events kickoff March 6th.
From Navy sailors to Marine Corps veterans and former Army soldiers, these athletes have already proven their resilience in uniform. Now, they’re channeling that same discipline and determination into elite competition. Whether racing down alpine slopes, battling on the ice rink, or skiing across snowy Nordic trails, these veterans are determined to leave their mark.
Here are some of the veteran athletes representing the United States who fans should keep an eye on.
David Williams – Para Alpine Skiing
Instagram: @davidwilliams9185
Navy veteran David Williams found a new mission on the slopes. Competing in para alpine skiing, Williams races using a monoski, a specialized sit-ski that allows athletes with lower-limb impairments to carve down the mountain at incredible speeds.
Alpine racing is one of the fastest events in the Paralympic Winter Games, requiring razor-sharp reflexes and total focus. Williams has embraced the challenge, using the mental toughness developed during his time in the Navy to power through demanding downhill courses.
Steve Emt – Wheelchair Curling
Instagram: @stephen.emt
Army veteran Steve Emt is one of the most experienced athletes on Team USA’s Paralympic roster. A three-time Paralympian, Emt has spent years helping grow wheelchair curling in the United States.
Curling may look calm on the surface, but at the elite level it’s a game of strategy, precision, and teamwork. Emt’s leadership and competitive experience make him a cornerstone of the American squad as they aim for podium finishes.
Dan Rose – Wheelchair Curling
Army veteran Dan Rose brings another powerful story of perseverance to the curling sheet. Rose was severely injured by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.
Instead of letting the injury define him, Rose turned toward adaptive sports and eventually found his place in wheelchair curling. The sport demands accuracy and tactical awareness, and Rose has become an important competitor for Team USA.
Katie Verderber – Wheelchair Curling
Instagram: @katieverderber
Another Army veteran on the U.S. curling roster, Katie Verderber served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer before transitioning into adaptive sports.
Verderber has helped strengthen Team USA’s curling lineup with her skill and determination. Her presence also highlights the increasing number of women veterans competing at the highest levels of Paralympic sport.
Travis Dodson – Para Ice Hockey
Instagram: @flaco_trav
Marine Corps veteran Travis Dodson is a force on the ice. As a member of the U.S. para ice hockey team, Dodson has already earned multiple Paralympic gold medals.
Para ice hockey is fast, physical and thrilling to watch. Players maneuver sleds across the ice using specialized sticks while battling for control of the puck. Dodson’s aggressive style and experience make him a key contributor as Team USA looks to continue its dominance in the sport.
Jen Lee – Para Ice Hockey
Instagram: @horay_shus
Army veteran Jen Lee plays one of the most pressure-filled positions in the game: goalie.
As the starting goaltender for Team USA’s para ice hockey team, Lee has built a reputation for clutch saves and calm composure under intense pressure. His quick reflexes and ability to read plays have helped secure victories on the international stage.
Josh Misiewicz – Para Ice Hockey
Instagram:
Marine veteran Josh Misiewicz survived an IED blast in Afghanistan that resulted in double amputation. Today, he is one of the most inspiring athletes on the U.S. para ice hockey roster.
Misiewicz plays with relentless intensity and has been a major contributor to the team’s success. His story reflects the powerful role adaptive sports can play in recovery and rebuilding life after injury.
Dan Cnossen – Para Nordic Skiing
Former Navy SEAL Dan Cnossen is one of the most decorated athletes in Paralympic winter sports. Competing in para Nordic skiing, which includes both cross-country skiing and biathlon, Cnossen has already earned multiple Paralympic medals.
Nordic skiing requires endurance, strength and mental discipline—qualities Cnossen developed during his military service. His ability to perform across both racing and shooting events makes him a constant medal threat.
Josh Sweeney – Para Nordic Skiing
Instagram: @thejoshsweeney
Marine veteran Josh Sweeney, a Purple Heart recipient, is another standout in para Nordic skiing.
After losing his legs to an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan, Sweeney turned to adaptive sports and discovered a passion for Nordic skiing. The sport’s demanding courses and long-distance races push athletes to their physical and mental limits—something Sweeney embraces.
More Than Athletes
For these veterans, the Paralympics represent more than medals or national rankings. They are a chance to showcase resilience, redefine possibility, and inspire others facing life-changing injuries.
Their journeys—from military service to world-class competition—highlight the powerful connection between discipline, determination and purpose.
As the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games approach, these veteran athletes are once again answering the call—this time on snow and ice. And the world will be watching.
