Recruiter helps veterans pursue excellence through fencing Published Oct. 28, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Hillary Stonemetz Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- A recruiter assigned to the 313th Recruiting Squadron is involved in a unique program designed to help veterans in the New York City area integrate into the community while pursuing fitness opportunities. Tech. Sgt. Gervacio Maldonado is one of the proponents and original members of the Veterans on Guard program, established in 2013 by Fencers Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to pursuing excellence through fencing. The program is free to all active duty military and honorably discharged veterans, and is funded in part by grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Paralympics and the U.S. Olympic Committee. No prior fencing experience is required. "While I was recovering from a rather debilitating injury to my dominant arm, I saw an advertisement for fencing," Maldonado said. "I thought to myself, I only need full use of one arm to compete in fencing, so I might as well try. Since then, I've completely fallen head over heels for the sport. It has challenged me physically and mentally, exposed me to a world about which I knew very little, and helped keep me in shape." Through the Veterans On Guard program, Fencers Club seeks to promote health, physical fitness and emotional well-being of active duty military and honorably discharged veterans, he said. "Our goals are also to identify and engage disabled and able-bodied veterans to pursue excellence in fencing, professional development, and community service," Maldonado said. He added that the program provides opportunities for veterans to integrate into the broader community through fencing, mentoring, sharing knowledge and experiences, and creates a pipeline for wheelchair fencing for disabled veteran fencers in New York City and surrounding areas. The Veterans On Guard program currently has a core group of about 15 veterans who attend the sessions at a fencers' club in the local area. "We currently have fencers from all over New York City and are looking to expand our program reach to New Jersey, Long Island and the surrounding areas," Maldonado said. "Since our beginning we have hosted tournaments in conjunction with U.S. Olympic Committee and have partnered with other veterans organizations from Columbia University, New York City College and Team Red, White and Blue." "This program will provide veterans of all ages with the opportunity to compete locally, nationally and internationally and eventually mentor and coach," Maldonado said. "One of our goals is to have veterans participate in the Olympics or Paralympics. It also provides veterans a platform to maintain camaraderie outside of a traditional military setting."