Skip to main content

Veterans Games Draw Hundreds to Campus

Veterans compete in a 25-yard freestyle heat during the 2015 Veterans Golden Age Games

Veterans compete in a 25-yard freestyle heat during the 2015 Veterans Golden Age Games

OMAHA – Hundreds of veterans, friends and family members flocked to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) when the 2015 National Veterans Golden Age Games came to campus.

The action began first thing in the morning, with two events in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) building.

UNO's Olympic size pool was home to the Games' swimming competitions. The gym was used for singles and doubles badminton.

Sgt. Arnold Magwood

The competition drew veterans from across the country, each with a story to tell.

Arnold Magwood (pictured) lost several fingers while serving in Vietnam.

"I'm just here to have fun," Magwood said. The former Army sergeant was at UNO for badminton, and planned on bowling later that same day.

He admitted that between age and disabilities, many of the veterans were facing more than just an opponent.

"This is combat. But we have experience with that."

Bill Whittaker made the trip from Long Beach, California. The Vietnam veteran competed in the Games last year (held in Fayetteville, Ark.). Whittacker said he's been very impressed with Omaha.

"Last year was good. This has been great."

Traveling to Omaha came with an unexpected perk for the drought-weary California resident: seeing green grass.

"I even got to see some rain," Whittaker said.

As the nation’s top four-year institution for veterans, UNO was proud to host part of the National Veterans Golden Age Games.

The competition is open to veterans age 55 and up, who receive health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For a complete schedule of events, click here.

Related Links

UNO Named No. 1 for Vets

UNO Waives Application Fee for Military, Veteran Students

Free HPER Access for Service Members on Leave

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Become a fan of UNO on Facebook: www.facebook.com/unomaha and follow UNO's Twitter updates at https://twitter.com/unomaha.