From the couch to a champion: a veteran’s journey | va north florida/south georgia health care | veterans affairs

Marine Corps Veteran George Lamb, who sustained a traumatic brain injury, transformed his life from spending his days on the couch to earning gold medals for his achievements in cycling with

the Adaptive Sports Program. Lamb served in the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1995 as a dedicated member of the Rapid Deployment Team. During his service, he and his team undertook more than

ten deployments to locations around the globe, including Bosnia, Japan, Korea, Navarre, the Middle East, and Europe.  After his military service, Lamb pursued multiple careers, including one

with the VA, before eventually settling in Florida, where he began receiving care at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS). During a visit with his primary care

provider, she encouraged him to get off the couch and take a step towards a healthier lifestyle. She referred him to recreational therapy and that’s where he met Katie Blunk, Adaptive Sports

Program Coordinator for the NF/SGVHS. Their introduction sparked the beginning of an inspiring chapter in Lamb's life, filled with new opportunities and the promise of a more active

and fulfilling future. During their first conversation, Blunk asked about three activities he would like to pursue, and one of them was cycling. She mentioned that VA could assist him by

providing a recumbent bike, which is a three-wheeled bicycle. Lamb responded, “Marines don’t ride tricycles,” but Blunk was persistent in encouraging him to give it a try. Once he finally

decided to test it out, Lamb said that he “loved it.”  After discovering his passion for cycling, he participated in the Face of America Ride, which spanned from Washington, D.C. to

Gettysburg, Tennessee, all while riding a recumbent bike. Eager to embrace the competitive side of cycling, he spoke with Blunk, who encouraged him to race in the Golden Age Games. On his

first attempt, he impressively secured both a gold and a silver medal in cycling. During his second outing, despite experiencing issues with loose components in his left knee, causing him to

peddle with one leg, he still managed to walk away with a bronze and a silver medal. Most recently, he achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah,

where he claimed two gold medals, finishing an astounding eight minutes ahead of his closest competitors. When discussing the Adaptive Sports Program and his personal experience, Lamb

expressed, “We are truly like a close-knit family. If someone’s having a bad day, we come together to support one another. I’ve formed strong friendships with many of the members.” “I also

participated in the summer clinic, where I was constantly reminded of what I can achieve. While many people focus on what you can’t do, Katie and the group showed me all the possibilities

and things I can do,” said Lamb. Lamb was deeply moved by the care and compassion exhibited by the recreational therapy team. He shared heartfelt words with Blunk that resonated with her,

bringing tears to her eyes: “Providers improve lives, but recreational therapy continues your life.” Veteran Lamb’s remarkable journey from a Marine Corps Veteran living with a traumatic

brain injury to a gold medal-winning cyclist is truly inspiring. He has faced and overcome significant challenges, transforming his life from being confined to the couch to achieving success

in the realm of cycling. This is the kind of uplifting success story that the VA cherishes and strives to be a part of every single day. Lamb’s determination and resilience serve as a

powerful reminder that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible.