From Combat To The Crease: Jen Lee’s Journey From U.S. Army Veteran To Paralympic Gold

For Paralympic sled hockey goalie Jen Lee, the path to service began in the aftermath of one of America’s darkest days.

“My inspiration, and what really drew me to want to join the military, was 9/11,” the 39-year-old recalled. “I was a sophomore in high school at the time. Growing up, I was always watching war movies and reading books, playing with G.I. Joes. But when September 11^th happened, it gave me the motivation to want to enlist.”

Three years after graduating high school, Lee joined the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic in 2005. Two years later, he deployed to Iraq, where the long days and desert heat tested his endurance and discipline.

“I had a good military career throughout my young life,” he said. “It taught me so much about teamwork, camaraderie, and putting others before yourself.”

Those lessons would one day serve him in ways he could never have imagined.

In 2009, while stationed stateside, Lee’s life changed forever. A motorcycle accident cost him his left leg above the knee. For a young soldier who had built his identity on physical strength and mobility, the loss was devastating.

“It was definitely difficult,” he admitted. “Just knowing that you’re going to be permanently disabled for the rest of your life — that was something I never thought would happen to me. But I was very grateful to have a great support system — my family, the military community, and organizations that helped wounded service members.”

One of those organizations was Operation Comfort, a nonprofit that introduced injured veterans to adaptive sports at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. That’s where Lee first saw sled hockey — and where his next mission began.

“If it wasn’t for that organization and its founders, Janis and Tom Roznowski, I wouldn’t be playing sled hockey,” Lee shared.

Through Operation Comfort, Lee began training with other wounded veterans, learning to navigate the ice in a sled. What started as therapy quickly became a passion.

“There’s a lot of similarity between the Army and the hockey team,” he explained. “You incorporate teamwork, bonding, and cohesiveness. You have to build that trust — it’s not just on the ice, it’s off the ice too. These guys become your brothers.”

Within a few years, his dedication and athleticism earned him a spot on the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. He made his Paralympic debut at the Sochi Games 2014 as the backup goalkeeper, where Team USA captured gold. They repeated the feat in 2018 and again in 2022, where Lee was the starting goalie, never allowing a goal across the four games and shutting out Team Canada 5-0 in the gold medal match.

“I’m very grateful to be part of three gold-medal teams for sure,” he said. “That first year, I was just getting my feet wet. By the third one, I was one of the older guys showing the ropes — giving pointers to the younger players and helping them find their way.”

Lee’s time in the military continues to shape who he is — as a teammate, as a leader, and as a father.

“For me, it’s always team first,” he said. “And the biggest thing is to lead by example. It’s not just about talking about what you know — it’s about showing it through your work ethic. Whether it’s a drill, a tough workout, or something challenging, I make sure I can do it myself before expecting others to.”

That attitude, he said, has been vital in maintaining Team USA’s dominance in the sport. The U.S. sled hockey team has never lost a Paralympic final since Lee joined its ranks — a streak built on culture as much as talent.

“It’s about balance,” he explained. “You’ve got to stay mentally sharp and bring energy to the team. When we’re playing down, I try to get the guys to dig a little deeper. The goal is always to come out on top again — but it’s not going to be easy. Nothing worth it ever is.”

As a proud U.S. Army veteran, Veterans Day holds deep meaning for Lee.

“For me, it really goes back to everyone who served — from the Revolutionary War to today,” he said. “It’s something I feel very honored to celebrate and reflect on, along with everyone else who’s worn the uniform.”

Lee stays connected to his military roots through friendships with fellow veterans who also became sled hockey players.

“There are a lot of veterans on our national team, past and present,” he said. “We started together in rehab, learning sled hockey, supporting each other. We still keep in touch, even if we’re in different states.”

When asked what civilians can do to support veterans better, Lee’s answer was simple but heartfelt: “Just a little appreciation. Whether it’s a ‘thank you’ or a small gesture, it goes a long way. Some people don’t even get acknowledged. Saying, ‘Hey, thanks for your service,’ means more than you think.”

After years of traveling the world with Team USA, Lee’s focus has expanded to something even greater than gold — his one-year-old daughter, LeiAna.

“Having her really changed my perspective,” he said. “Now, a lot of what I do is for her. When she’s older, she’ll be able to see what her dad did, competing at a high level as a Paralympian. I want her to know that anything is possible.”

As he trains for what could be his fourth Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina 2026, Lee admits the body doesn’t bounce back as easily as it once did. But his motivation remains sharp.

“The biggest goal is to stay healthy — physically and mentally,” he said. “As a goalie, your mindset is everything. There’s going to be more pressure, more eyes on the team, more expectations. You just have to trust the process and enjoy every moment.”

And enjoy it he will. “I think I’m just going to try to soak up every memory,” he said, smiling. “Meet as many athletes as possible, trade pins, eat great food, and take in everything Milan-Cortina has to offer.”

Lee, who was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and grew up in San Francisco, California, carries dual pride when representing the United States.

“There’s definitely a sense of pride representing that part of my heritage,” he said. “But at the same time, as an American veteran, it’s an honor to represent the U.S. — my country.”

After the 2026 Games, he hopes to stay involved in adaptive sports, possibly coaching or working with Team USA. “I definitely want to stay in the sports industry,” he said. With a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a MBA in marketing, “maybe coaching, maybe helping grow para sports in Taiwan. It’s not as big there yet, but hopefully I can be part of changing that.”

His advice for veterans struggling to find purpose after service: “Never feel like you’re alone,” he said. “There’s always going to be someone to help you, to pick you up. You’re never going through the struggle by yourself.”