Skip to Content

   

GSM3 Jonathan Gancayco Named Warrior of the Month

September 29, 2024 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

WASHINGTON - Gas Turbine System Technician Third Class Jonathan “G” Gancayco joined the Navy in 2018 after being inspired by the movie Battleship.

He served on the USS Eisenhower at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when the aircraft carrier broke the record for 206 consecutive days at sea, making the crew was among the last people on earth to be affected by the virus. As part of the Deck Department, he even had some time driving “The Mighty Ike,” which was a $5.3 billion honor.

He joined Navy Wounded Warrior two years ago after a serious accident. He's faced obstacles outside of his rehabilitation, including managing his medical conditions and navigating the med board process. Gancayco first participated in Navy’s adaptive sports in November 2023 at an introductory camp in Springfield, Va. His care team at Naval Medical Center San Diego encouraged him to go because of his love of playing basketball, visiting the gym, running, and hiking. He credits the program with helping his mental health as he learns to adapt to his new normal. He’s driven to compete again and went on to represent Team Navy at the 2024 Warrior Games. 

Gancayco has become deeply passionate about educating his fellow recovering service members on the benefits of recreational athletics. He credits the program with helping him strive for a new life that was given to him. 

"Adaptive sports has changed my perspective of what I can accomplish despite my health conditions. These camps have been amazing and have truly saved my life," he said. "The journey of my accident made me appreciate life more. We are so busy with our daily life and not paying attention and appreciating the little things. When you see an opportunity, grab it, because you do not know when the next time it will come around. Hug your loved ones and say thank you. Life is beautiful."  

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.

Newsfeed

DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Indoor Rowing | From an overview of indoor rowing’s origins to competition style, here is a list of five facts to know about the sport.
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Shanice Dansby shares her journey with Navy Wounded Warrior. ---- Story shared from DVIDS.
Check out the Summer 2022 Edition of the Navy Wounded Warrior's Family Newsletter! --- July - September 2022
Former Marine Sgt. Dario Santana continues his life of service by serving as the Family Program manager at Navy Wounded Warrior headquarters
Check out the Fall 2022 Edition of the Navy Wounded Warrior's Family Newsletter! --- October - December 2022
Join us in congratulating ITC Deatrice Sumlin! Sumlin was selected as the Navy Wounded Warrior of the Month by Navy Region Southwest for February 2022.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Sitting Volleyball | From the sport’s origin to explaining why one team member wears a different color jersey, here is a list of four facts to know about the sport.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Field | From the explaining the term athletics to the Paralympic Games history, here is a list of five facts to know about the sport.
Congratulations to MA2 Robert Orr! He was selected as Navy Region Southwest's Navy Wounded Warrior of the Month for October 2022.
Join us in congratulating LCDR (Ret.) Jeffery Dewey. Dewey was selected as the Navy Wounded Warrior of the Month by Navy Region Southwest for March 2022.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Shooting | From the sport’s Paralympic Games history to explaining the competition style, here is a list of three facts to know about the sport.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Field | From an overview of golf’s origins to your chances of getting a hole-in-one, here is a list of six facts to know about the sport.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Powerlifting | From the sport’s Paralympic Games history to explaining the difference between weightlifting and powerlifting, here is a list of four facts to know about the sport.
Tony Jungblut finds new life after 26 years in the US Navy through Navy Wounded Warrior. For Jungblut, the Navy Wounded Warrior program offered ways to stay active though adaptive sports and avenues to receive help and care during and after his transition to civilian life.
Congratulations to YN1 (Ret.) Lorraine Currow, who was selected as 2021 Navy Wounded Warrior of the Year by Navy Safe Harbor Foundation.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Cycling |From the DoD Warrior Games events to the sport’s origin, here is a list of four facts to know about the sport.
Check out the Spring 2022 Edition of the Navy Wounded Warrior's Family Newsletter! --- April - June 2022
Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Tiffany Hamilton shares her personal story of her recovery journey with PTSD.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Archery | From the types of bows to sports origin, here is a list of facts to know about the sport.
DoD Warrior Games Featured Sport: Swimming | From the explaining the sport’s Paralympic Games history to the different types of starts, here is a list of six facts to know about the sport.
Back to top