Yuma Marine Corps Veteran athlete shines at 2026 Warrior Games

SAN ANTONIO (KYMA) - Marine Corps Veteran Donald Burns has spent much of his lifetime serving others, first through 21 years of military service and now as an inspiration to fellow veterans through adaptive sports.

Burns recently traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the 2026 Department of Defense Warrior Games.

Already a decorated Warrior Games competitor with four medals entering this year's event, Burns described the 2026 competition as one of the most meaningful experiences of his athletic career.

"This was one for the books," Burns said. "The 2026 games...it was a lot of emotions, a lot of challenges. You could see people getting their personal bests, which is what you strive for. Getting a medal is kind of the icing on the cake, but the success is just making the team and showing up."

The competition carried extra significance for Burns, who was competing for the first time as an amputee after having a necrotic leg removed.

"Being able to compete now as an amputee, versus as somebody with just a dead limb, was very emotional," he said. "It was a lot of physical strife, but more of the emotional impact of 'wait a second. I've done this before. I'm just doing it now with some adaptations.'"

Despite the challenges, Burns excelled throughout the week. He completed multiple swimming events and competed as a member of the wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball teams.

His greatest success came in his specialty events: Rifle, pistol and archery.

Burns captured gold medals in all three disciplines. In rifle, he finished 26.1 points ahead of the second-place competitor. In pistol, he recorded a perfect 10.9 score on his final shot.

His most memorable moment came in archery, where he shot a "donut" out of the center of the target during the gold-medal match, a rare accomplishment that removes the center of the target.

Burns credited much of that success to his coach, Eric Burkett.

"To showcase the skill that he's bestowed upon me, at that competitive level, in front of other Paralympians. I mean, the emotions just took over after that match," Burns said. "I embraced him with the success that we've had.”

Burns earned six medals overall at the Warrior Games, but one honor stood out above the rest. He was selected as the Marine Corps' "Heart of the Team," an award recognizing leadership, mentorship and positive influence on fellow competitors.

"I wasn't looking for any kind of award, but this year, I was selected...which was a very heart-felt and emotional moment for me to know that the amount of energy I had spent on myself and others was recognized as being an inspiration to them," Burns said.

As he looks ahead, Burns has his sights set on earning a spot on Team USA for the Invictus Games next year.

Whether or not he is ultimately selected, his impact has already been felt by fellow Veterans, demonstrating that purpose, achievement and community can continue long after military service ends.