My Dream, My Battle

My nickname is Rocky, I’m a vet and an Olympian at heart.

Whether it was the Air Force, work or family, I tried to do my part.

To me and others it’s important for the world to see,

What determined, driven, disabled vets can be.

My competitive drive strong, seems training I s\never done.

Connie, my loving wife, said, “Just have fun.”

We as a team have trained hard, God knows we have tried.

We served our country and team, both with pride.

Off to Hampton, Virginia to compete in the games.

To try for a victory and personal fame.

Asking myself daily, should I push it, should I dare.

I then realize I’m more than a man in a chair.

I’ll compete in bowling, table tennis, shuffleboard and horse shoes.

Against fine men and women who have long paid their dues.

Connie and my team will root for me and cheer.

If I do well, I’ll qualify for the senior games next year.

After tehse, the 20^th Games, we’ll go to Washington D.C.

A place of respect, a world of history.

We’ll see the Monuments, WW II Tribute and the Vietnam Wall.

Although confined to a chair, I’ll stand ten feet tall.

We remember our friends and loved ones who are now gone.

Their love and memory inspire us to go on.

For Martin “ROCKY” Lopez

By Michael D. Monfrooe USA Retired