By Alyssa Ross
Navy Installations Command
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A native of St. Helena Island will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge July 18-26, 2025, at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
U.S. Navy Chief Intelligence Specialist Dantrell “Dani” Chaplin will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Special Operations Command. During the nine-day competition, Chaplin will compete in archery, field, track and sitting volleyball.
Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the DOD organizes an annual premier and elite adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year is the 15th anniversary, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran service members.
Though there are medals distributed during Warrior Games, the competition most highly celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance and the triumph of the spirit.
Chaplin joined the Navy in 2003 to explore the globe and take advantage of the educational benefits of earning a degree. Chaplin began participating in adaptive sports after some encouragement from a fellow wounded warrior who participated in the Warrior Games in 2024.
“Her passion ignited a spark within me, revealing a world where physical limitations were not barriers, but rather challenges to be overcome,” Chaplin said. “Navy Wounded Warrior became a lifeline for me. Connecting me with other wounded warriors, sharing experiences and finding that shared understanding is incredibly powerful.”
Chaplin participated in her first camp in November 2024 and found a new love for archery. Outside of sports, Chaplin enjoys her “me time” with simple pleasures like casual dinners at home, movie nights and time well-spent with loved ones.
“Family is my anchor, and those connections bring me immense happiness and support,” Chaplin added.
For more information about the 2025 DoD Warrior Games Challenge, visit https://dodwarriorgames.com.
About Adaptive Athletics
Team Navy is part of the Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program. Serious wounds, illness, or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive athletics have been modified to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals. They help wounded warriors rebuild strength and endurance while also drawing inspiration from their teammates. Sports also help build self-esteem, lower stress levels and invite service members to rejoin a team environment. All wounded warriors enrolled in the Navy Wounded Warrior program are encouraged to include adaptive athletics in their recovery.
About Navy Wounded Warrior
Navy Wounded Warrior is an official Navy program that serves as an unbiased advocate, bridging the needs of commands and care teams with those of sailors and Coast Guardsmen in the midst of navigating to a new normal after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Since 2009, Navy Wounded Warrior has helped more than 12,000 seriously wounded, ill and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen, along with their families and caregivers. The program provides individually tailored and comprehensive non-medical assistance designed to optimize the success of enrollees’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
