WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A Florida Guard member is tightening his black belt and perfecting his judo throws as he prepares to represent the U.S. Armed Forces Judo Team at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled to take place July 12 to 25.
Army Pfc. Misael Velazquez, a truck driver with the 1218th Transportation Company of the Florida National Guard, will be testing his martial arts skills against competitors from all around the world in the 160 pound weight class.
Velazquez has already competed in several competitions as a member of the Puerto Rico national judo team, but this time he will be throwing and pinning his opponents as a U.S. service member.
"This isn't going to be like a normal competition," Velazquez said. "It is 'el Mundo' [Spanish for "the world"]. It will be the best from every country. I'm really proud of myself for making it to this level."
The 2011 Military World Games - officially known as the 5th CISM Military World Games -will be the largest military sports event ever held in Brazil. About 4,900 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in 24 sports, including judo, basketball, fencing and parachuting.
"Pfc. Velazquez shows that you don't have to come from a specific line of work to be a warrior," said Army Capt. Raymond Nagley, commander of the 1218th Company. "As a truck driver, he has been training to conduct transportation support missions, but after his selection to the 2011 U.S. Armed Forces Judo Team he has been training to compete in this international competition."
Nagley said his unit will be at annual training when Velazquez is in Brazil, so he and his 1218th Soldiers will be cheering him on from afar.
"Velazquez really demonstrates the 1218th Transportation Company nickname of 'Transformers'," Nagley said. "He changed from a support occupation specialty into a judo warrior and we're proud that he is representing all of the uniformed services within the United States of America."