(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Dane Paquette of Kingsford brought home silver and bronze medals from the 2024 National Veterans Golden Age Games held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The National Veterans Golden Age Games are meant to showcase the value of physical activities for veterans ages 55 and beyond.

A U.S. Air Force veteran from Kingsford says they’re much more than that.

“It’s all about God, country and veterans,” said Dane “Daner” Paquette, 67, who competed in August at Salt Lake City, Utah. “It was just awesome. Best week of my life.”

Paquette was among 1,100 veterans who took part in the 2024 games. The annual event is open to any U.S. military veteran age 55 or older who is enrolled for VA health care.

There are up to eight age categories and three divisions — ambulatory, visually impaired and wheelchair.

Paquette came home with two medals, placing second in free throws in the ambulatory division ages 65 to 69, and earning bronze as a Red Hawk team member in the 3-on-3 basketball event.

Joining Paquette on the Red Hawk squad was Leo Schiavo, 78, of Crystal Falls, who garnered gold in doubles pickleball.

“A great guy,” Paquette said. “A Vietnam veteran who served his country.”

First place was within reach for Paquette in free throws, but a nervous start set him back.

“My first shot was an air ball,” he said with a laugh. The swishes piled up once he took the coordinator’s advice to relax.

It marked the second straight year of attendance for both Paquette and Schiavo.

In 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa, Paquette had a bumpier time after straining a quadriceps muscle running a dash. Lesson learned, he said.

The 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place May 31 to June 5 in Memphis, Tenn., with registration opening in late January. There are nearly 40 competitions and several exhibition events that this year will include Esports.

More information is available at https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-golden-age-games/.

Paquette, who is employed at Super One Foods in Iron Mountain, said he’s anxious to travel to Memphis this spring for the 2025 games.

Is a backdoor cut to Graceland part of the game plan as well?

“Let’s just say, one day at a time,” he said.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.