Sharon Sotero finds healing competing in Golden Age Games

In 2018, Sharon Sotero "turned to VA for help after more than 17 years of isolation, chronic pain and mental health struggles."

Sotero (pictured above) grew up in Arkansas and is one of seven siblings. As a child, she faced severe trauma, sexual assault and abuse from a family member. This childhood abuse significantly impacted her physical and mental health.

Despite these challenges, Sotero pursued creating a better life for herself by joining the Air Force as a cook in August 1985.

Sotero served four years on active duty and two as a reservist, where she was promoted to staff sergeant. Throughout her military service, she endured multiple instances of sexual assault, contributing to her ongoing challenges.

But it was turning to VA "That opened the door to my recovery journey."

Enduring post-service struggles

After her military service ended in 1991, Sotero's path continued to be marked by trauma, including sexual assault, other physical abuse and mental abuse.

"There were times I thought ending my life was the only way out. I didn't like that feeling. I knew I couldn't keep living like this. I had to reach out," Sotero recalled.

When Sotero sought help from Fayetteville VA, she couldn't walk without a cane or walker.

She received mental health care treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and talk therapy, physical therapy and pain management, a process that included combining medication and mindfulness techniques.

In October 2022, after a severe depressive episode, Sotero was admitted to inpatient care. When she was discharged, her mental health provider recommended the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), which helps Veterans with serious mental illnesses by teaching them life skills and helping them be more involved in their communities.

Finding strength in fitness and community

Through PRRC, Sotero met Bradley Anderson, an occupational therapist and National Veterans Golden Age Games coach who has played a crucial role in her journey.

As a Golden Age Games coach, Anderson focuses on holistically addressing Veterans' physical and mental health needs by integrating physical activity with mental health support to enhance their overall well-being. Read more about Anderson's work with Golden Age Games athletes.

"Sharon was initially skeptical about what I was selling, but she was open to learning. By February 2023, she had made so much progress, she committed to participating in the Golden Age Games," Anderson shared.

The Golden Age Games is geared towards Veterans aged 55 and older. With its motto "Fitness for Life," the event offers sports competitions and health education sessions to showcase how sports, wellness and fitness can contribute to helping Veterans lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

"Brad worked with me four days a week, helping me improve my mobility and strength through bodyweight exercises such as squats and pushups. His personalized training helped me ditch the cane and walker and is helping me overcome my fear of men," Sotero said.

Transformative Golden Age Games experience

After just six months of training with Anderson, Sotero had stopped using a cane or walker. In 2023, she participated in her first Golden Age Games. She competed in bowling, her favorite event, and took home a fifth-place ribbon in power walking.

"She got stronger and more confident, stopped falling and, through exercise and eating with a purpose, she also lost weight," said Anderson. "She is living the 'Fitness for life' motto."

This year, Sotero is competing in more events, adding cornhole, boccia, shuffleboard, nine-ball pool and bowling. Next year, she wants to participate in track and field as well.

Encouragement for fellow Veterans

Sotero highlighted the significance of her support network and the camaraderie she discovered while training for the Golden Age Games, emphasizing their positive impact on her journey and her confidence.

"Don't be afraid to seek help early. Fitness has given me a new lease on life. I still fight the urge to isolate daily, but my friends-Jeane Lee, Stacey Stormes and Annie Moore, who also compete in the Golden Age Games and the ladies from my exercise group, April's Gals-won't let me."

The Golden Age Games start tomorrow.

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. Veterans of all genders and backgrounds have experienced MST.

VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is committed to helping Veterans, their partners and VA staff who IPV impacts.

For more information or assistance, contact your local IPVAP site coordinator, primary care social worker or other Provider. Women Veterans can also contact the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC).

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