Marco de la Rosa

Started: He first tried shooting Para sport in 2014. (teamusa.org, 2016) Reason: He was introduced to the sport at an event organised by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. "The first time I went out to shoot I did so well on it that people were stunned. They told me to go to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Dallas, and I killed it. I earned the gold medal and second place was 100 points behind me." (teamusa.org, 2016; pva.org, 2015) Awards: In 2017 he received the Spirit of the Games Award from the Paralyzed Veterans of America. (texaspva.org, 01 Oct 2017) Additional Info: MILITARY VETERAN He joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1990. In November 1993 he was shot in the back while trying to stop a burglary outside the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton, CA, United States of America, after which he was medically discharged from the military. "Me, my best friend and his cousin, when the Gulf War kicked out, we didn't know it was going to end in three months. So, we all got motivated, and first we tried to join the Army, but then we thought about it, and we talked to a Marine Corps recruiter. My best friend went in first, and I went right after him. We loved it, it was a great experience. I first held a rifle in Marine Corps boot camp, where I also learned how to use, clean, maintain and respect it. I like to help veterans get into the sport. Even if they don't want to try to become elite athletes, they come out for the camaraderie among other veterans." (Illinois Public Media YouTube channel, 29 Jun 2024; ssusa.org, 08 Jun 2024; teamusa.com, 29 May 2024)