Veterans Administration photos
	Army veteran and paraplegic Rory Cooper, 47, of Gibsonia, won gold medals in four swimming events, and a silver in the slalom at the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, held in Milwaukee last month. Seven local residents participated. Click photo for larger image.
	James Riemer, 55, of Butler, won a silver medal in the power chair relay. Click photo for larger image.
	Joseph Allshouse, 54, of Claysville, a Vietnam veteran who has multiple sclerosis, won gold medals in four events: air guns, bowling, motorized slalom and power chair 200. Click photo for larger image.

Seven area residents were among more than 500 disabled veterans who took part in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, held this year in Milwaukee June 19-23.

This was the 27th year for the wheelchair games, which are sponsored by the Veterans Administration. The disabled vets competed in events such as shooting air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, swimming, tossing the discus, javelin and shot put.

Athletes compete within three divisions, based on age and experience, and in seven classes within those divisions, based on the severity of their physical disabilities.

The area vets competing were James Riemer, 55, of Butler, a Navy veteran; Thomas Strang, 65, of Canonsburg, also a Navy veteran; Joseph Allshouse, 54, of Claysville, an Air Force veteran; Rory Cooper, 47, of Gibsonia, an Army veteran; Robert Morris, 35, of Grindstone, an Army veteran; James Balfe, 58, of Irwin, an Air Force veteran; and David Patton, 70, of New Castle, a Navy veteran.

Mr. Allshouse, a Vietnam veteran who suffers from multiple sclerosis, won gold medals in four events: air guns, bowling, motorized slalom and power chair 200.

Mr. Cooper, a paraplegic (someone who is paralyzed in two limbs), won gold medals in four swimming events, and a silver in the slalom.

Mr. Morris, a paraplegic who also suffered a brain injury, won a gold medal in archery, a silver medal in basketball, and a bronze medal in bowling.

Mr. Balfe, who suffers from MS, won a gold medal in bowling.

Mr. Patton, a paraplegic, won a silver medal in weight lifting and a bronze medal in the javelin throw.

Mr. Riemer, a quadriplegic (someone with paralysis in all four limbs), won a silver medal in the power chair relay.

Mr. Strang, a paraplegic, won a silver medal in air guns.

"The National Veterans Wheelchair Games have inspired me to improve in sports and to overcome daily living obstacles," said Mr. Strang, who has taken part in games every year since 1998. "I get to watch athletes who have worse injuries fight to finish their events. They are an inspiration to me to be as good as I can be in everything I do."

Mr. Cooper, a Ph.D. research scientist, is a recognized authority in the field of spinal cord health care.

"I compete in the Wheelchair Games to challenge myself, help others, and see friends," he said.

Mr. Riemer and Mr. Patton receive treatment at the VA medical facility in Butler. The others receive treatment from the VA hospital in Pittsburgh.