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Athlete Spotlight – Dafne Bonachea Tamargo: Doing Something Amazing

May 30, 2024 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

WASHINGTON – Air Controlman Second Class Dafne Bonachea Tamargo was born in Cuba but lived most of her life in Miami, Fla. She joined the Navy after her grandmother passed away because, as she said, she "wanted to do something daring and impossible."

Her mother was a swimmer and Bonachea Tamargo grew up with an early and deep love for the ocean. Of all the services, the Navy's path married these two drivers in her life. She originally entered as a Navy diver, a highly rigorous program, but her patella shifted during an early training exercise and she had to choose a new course. She transitioned into air traffic control, serving on aircraft carrier flight decks. One of her favorite service memories was while on the USS Lincoln, where she visited the Philippines for a humanitarian community relations (COMREL) assignment.

Sometimes, life at sea can take a toll on spirits, and Bonachea Tamargo truly cares about the wewell-being of her fellow sailors. She stepped up to become the vice president of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) while on the Lincoln and helped boost the morale of 3,000 shipmates. She reguarly made time to get personally invested in her shipmates' successes. She's most proud of her influence in the life of a fellow sailor who was at risk of being passed over for promotion because she couldn't pass her physical readiness test (PRT). She dedicated weeks to teaching her healthier habits and sharing her dedication for staying active. She instigated a transformative change in her friend that will ripple through the rest of her time in service.

After an accident during deployment, Bonachea Tamargo joined Navy Wounded Warrior at Navy Medical Center San Diego. She initially didn't think the adaptive sports program was for her, but her care team insisted because they knew she would be hooked. She attended her first camp in November 2023, where she learned about the Warrior Games. It changed her life and gave her a new goal. "I want to dominate in Games," she said.

Now part of Team Navy, Bonachea Tamargo brings this same sense of friendship and personal responsibility to her teammates. When she sees an athlete who is struggling or beaten down, she is often the first to remind them that it's more important to compare themselves to who they were this time last year, rather than to other athletes.

During the 2024 Warrior Games, Bonachea Tamargo will compete in field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and swimming.

About Adaptive Athletics

Fitness and teamwork are a way of life in the military. Serious illness or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often confining a service member to a hospital bed and significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive athletics are sports that have been modified to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals. They help wounded warriors build strength and endurance while also drawing inspiration from their teammates. All wounded warriors enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior are encouraged to include adaptive athletics in their recovery plans to build strength and endurance. Sports also help build self-esteem, lower stress levels, and invite service members to rejoin a supportive team environment. 

Numquam Navigare Solus – Never to Sail Alone

Navy Wounded Warrior is an unbiased advocate that bridges the needs of commands, care teams, and service members in planning a way forward after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Staff guide Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, with their families and caregivers, to create a comprehensive recovery plan, which provides a holistic approach tailored to individual recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to feel empowered and supported as they adapt to their new normal. Tens of thousands of seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.

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