 DAV gave me hockey and hockey gave me my life back. My name is Kristi Gardner and I'm a veteran. I was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. I was injured on a mission overseas. Originally the doctor said I would never walk or ride a bike or bathe alone or live independently. Yeah, it was devastating at first, but my dog is giving me my freedom back. I've got her by my side. I can have the courage to go about daily life without worrying about my health. And then I met other veterans through events sponsored by the DAV. DAV sponsors us as a sled hockey program. Even though I'm missing a leg, I can still go out and play hockey, be competitive, actually excel at something and be good at something again. I'm a veteran. My victory is having my battle buddy by my side.