PORT ANGELES – A Port Angeles octogenarian has just been named a “game changer” as he took part in the 2023 National Senior Games.
Jerry Rettela is well known around here for his work in supporting veterans, particularly Korean War vets. But Jerry is also a skilled racquetball player. The 88-year-old just returned from winning a bronze and silver medal in Pittsburgh last week at the games presented by health insurance company Humana.
But he also got the additional recognition as being selected a Humana Game Changer.
“You have to first qualify in the state, in order to be eligible to go to the Nationals. Then they send you a questionnaire and I was fortunate to be chosen. And because of what my past was, and my activities, my current activities and etcetera, and particularly my age,” said Rettela
Rettela took up racquetball as part of his therapy in recovering from stenosis of the spine.
“Besides that, they call me the bionic man. I had two knee, replacements, and two hip replacements. They say a person of this nature, it’s unusual for a person to be still active with having those kinds of surgeries in the past,” said Rettela.
Rettela was an Army staff sergeant during the Korean War, and even after his time in the military ended, he continued to serve others. Rettela has been actively involved in helping fellow veterans by organizing regular donations of requested items.
About 12,000 athletes competed in this year’s National Senior Games.