The Warrior Games are an annual Paralympic-style competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans run by the Paralympic division of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

This year, the competition's third edition, was the biggest Warrior Games ever with over 220 competitors and an Opening Ceremony attended by First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.

The follow up celebrations at the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defence, hosted most of athletes from the 2012 Warrior Games along with the USOC chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner.

Panetta (pictured above, centre and below, centre) admitted he was full of admiration for all of them.

"It is, for me, a real pleasure to have the opportunity to be with you, our warrior athletes," Panetta said.

"It's an honour for me to be able to celebrate the remarkable achievements that all of you have done.

"I cannot tell you how much you inspire us with your courage, with your determination, with athletic prowess, and with your physical strength.

"It's an incredible inspiration.

"I believe in the strength, the integrity, the character of the many American service members who have persevered in the face of huge challenges.

"Their stories represent the fighting spirit of the brave men and women who serve on the front lines around the world."

Panetta referred to Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder, who was present at the celebration, as an example.


Snyder was blinded while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.

He was one of the stars at the 2012 Warrior Games, winning seven gold medals – three in track and field and four in swimming.

After the Warrior Games, Snyder then went on to win all five of his swimming events at the US Paralympic swimming trials and will head to London 2012 as a major medal prospect.

"He was determined not to let the loss of his sight stop him," Panetta said.

"When Brad steps up to the blocks in London on September 7 to compete in the Paralympic Games, it will be one year to the day since his injury.

"Brad, we're all in awe of your determination and personal spirit and all of us are going to be cheering your success in London."

The Defence Secretary also explained that he often meets hospitalised war veterans just days after they have been wounded in battle.

"In that acute phase of recovery I know that it's hard for some to imagine ever competing for an athletic event," he said.

"But it is sheer guts that these warrior athletes have displayed in overcoming their mental and physical obstacles.

"It is a miracle of emotional, physical and mental strength.

"The nation owes it to all of its wounded warriors to never forget their service and sacrifice.

"The American people and communities throughout our nation must be partners in this effort, and they are.

"In the past decade of war, we've learned a lot about treating our wounded warriors, including the value of sports, competition, of recreation and strengthening minds and strengthening bodies.

"We owe these brave young people no less than the very best.

"As a nation, we are truly blessed by the men and women in uniform who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect this country."

Panetta was joined at the Pentagon celebration by the chief of staff of the US Army General Ray Odierno who also heaped praise of the athletes.

"We recognise incredibly inspirational and motivated young men and women," he said.

"Athletics has always been key to our military culture.

"In 1928, Army General Douglas MacArthur was given a leave of absence authorised by the 12th Army chief of staff General Charles Summerall to serve as the President of the American Olympic Committee – the predecessor of the United States Olympic Committee."

MacArthur went on to lead the US Olympic team to top of the medal table at the Amsterdam 1928 Olympics Games.

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