Under the crisp Colorado sun and the mighty shadows of the Rocky Mountains, Hope For The Warriors proudly stood alongside our nation’s bravest at the 2025 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Among the energy, sweat, and triumphs was a conversation that captured the heart of this event between Brandon Dueñas, Team HOPE athlete and Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2), and Jenna McDonald, HOPE’s Director of Sports & Recreation, Physical Health and Wellness.
This special episode of the Hope For The Warriors Podcast was recorded on location, offering a heartfelt look at the healing power of adaptive sports, family unity, and the unshakable spirit of military athletes.
Meet Brandon Dueñas: Airman, Athlete, and Advocate
Brandon Dueñas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002 as a Security Forces Defender. After years of dedicated service, he now works at the Pentagon in a headquarters role. But Brandon’s journey has not been without personal battles. Like many warriors, he faced longstanding challenges, and for years, he kept moving forward without seeking help.
That changed recently.
“No matter how long it took, I’ve found excitement in this new path,” Brandon shared. “Having the opportunity to meet, learn, and grow with these amazing warriors has been an amazing experience.”
Now part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program, Brandon has found strength in adaptive sports and inspiration in his fellow teammates.
“AFW2 provides so many opportunities to better yourself to live a fulfilling and complete life, which we all deserve.”
“We’re Here To Adapt”: The Power of Adaptive Sports
Brandon’s first Warrior Games brought unexpected hurdles. He sustained an injury during trials, but instead of stepping back, he lived the meaning of “adaptive” sports.
“I thought I was just going to try the sports, but we ended up trying out for the team. And then I got injured…but I remembered why I was here. I said, “’We’re here to adapt.’ So, I did.”
He pivoted from powerlifting to cycling, participating in multiple events including cycling, field, and sitting volleyball. “Every day I’m up at 3 AM. Training is part of who I am. It’s like brushing your teeth, it keeps me grounded.”
Building a New Brotherhood Through HOPE
The Warrior Games aren’t just about competition. For Brandon, they’re about connection, a camaraderie that transcends uniforms and services.
“It’s not just my team; it’s all the teams. There’s no fighting among services here. It’s just love.”
And that love extends to the families. His children now train with him, up at 4 AM, hitting the gym, practicing jiu-jitsu at night. “My daughter did a 14-mile ride before camp. My youngest wants me to heal fast so I can join the powerlifting squad. They’ve caught the fire.”
Jenna McDonald: Creating Lifelong Wellness Pathways
Brandon’s journey is one of many supported by Jenna, who works every day to ensure that HOPE’s athletes have the tools, equipment, and mindset needed to sustain their physical and emotional health. “This isn’t the pinnacle of the journey. It’s a milestone. We want to keep that momentum going,” she stated.
Her mission: eliminate roadblocks that could stop a wounded warrior’s recovery in its tracks.
“What kind of equipment do we need to keep the fire burning? How can we fill the gaps after this week?” she asked.
Jenna’s focus on consistency over perfection is key. She helps athletes define what wellness means to them on their own terms.
“It’s not about doing 50 pull-ups to pass a PFT anymore. It’s about you, your pace, your journey.”
A Message to Fellow Warriors: “Seek Help. Define Your Path.”
Brandon is now preparing to undergo AFW2 Ambassador Training, where he’ll use his story to inspire others. “We all deal with personal battles. The road to recovery is not the same for everyone. Seek help to determine your path and your pace to overcome barriers to happiness,” he explained.
When a fellow teammate was injured at this year’s Games, Brandon returned the support he once received. “I was just trying to prove to myself I could do it. But when he said my story inspired him…that was everything.”
Family, Fitness, and Forward Momentum
What truly makes HOPE and the Warrior Games unique is the integration of the whole family unit. Brandon emphasized the incredible experience his wife and children had. “They’re not left out. They’re alongside us every step. They were in the family competitions, getting hugs, cheering loud. It’s amazing.”
This inclusive spirit is essential to long-term healing, Jenna explained. “You set an example for your family. They see how movement brings joy and peace. It’s generational healing.”
HOPE Moves Us Forward
Brandon and Jenna’s conversation was raw, real, and profoundly moving, reminding us that healing isn’t linear, and resilience is contagious.
“At Hope For The Warriors, it feels like family from day one,” said Brandon. “From the first email, the first call, I felt seen, supported, and believed in.”
Whether you’re a wounded warrior, spouse, caregiver, or child, HOPE is here. And as Brandon, Jenna, and so many others have shown us, the road to healing may not be easy, but you never have to walk it alone.
Ready to start your journey toward healing and connection?
Whether you’re a wounded warrior, family member, or caregiver, Hope For The Warriors is here to walk with you.
Explore how Team HOPE can help on your journey today.
