Soldier randomly attacked in Loussac library to participate in Warrior Games

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – An Anchorage resident will represent the United States Navy in the Department of Defense’s (DOD) upcoming Warrior Games Challenge, more than two years after a horrific attack left her unable to walk.

In February 2022, an encounter in the Loussac library changed the life of Coast Guard Yeoman 1st Class Angela Harris forever.

She was the victim of a random attack while returning books in the library lobby. A man stabbed her in the back with a knife. The attack damaged nerves in her spinal cord, leaving her unable to walk.

Nearly two years after the stabbing, Harris attended her first disability sports training camp in Port Hueneme, California.

“During this camp, I made lifelong friendships and learned that with adjustments, I can accomplish anything,” Harris told the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

In a statement to Alaska’s News Source, Harris said she was still recovering from the attack and declined an interview.

Harris will compete in archery, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, track and field and wheelchair rugby. During the 10-day competition, Team Navy will compete against athletes from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Travis Claytor, communications director for the DOD Warrior Games, says each athlete has their own unique story and path to recovery.

Claytor says disability sports are a natural fit for members of our armed forces who are wounded, injured or ill. He says many military members have a competitive and fighting spirit that leaves a big void when something happens that prevents them from performing their duties.

“What (athletes) have in common is that they are all part of a community that is healing together,” Claytor said. “And they all use disability sports as part of their recovery process.”

“The Warrior Games – and especially the disability sports community – allows them to be part of something again, and more importantly, they can be part of a community again that has some things in common,” he said. “They’re all wounded, sick or injured… Even though their journeys may be different, this is something they can share.”

Harris moved to Alaska in 2005, just seven years after joining the Coast Guard. She spent the majority of her military career on the Arctic Operations Team.

Harris will compete with approximately 250 military personnel and veterans at the 2024 Games. The DOD Warrior Games will be held June 21-30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

Supporters can cheer them on from Alaska by watching the livestream event on the DOD Warrior Games website.

“I encourage everyone to tune in and watch the competitions, hear the stories and learn more about these athletes,” Claytor said. “We are very grateful for the military in this country. And part of that is supporting them on their road to recovery. Just because they are recovering doesn’t mean they don’t need the support.”

“And that’s why I encourage everyone: The best thing you can do is learn about it. Learn about the programs, learn about the Warrior Games. And while you’re doing that, you can enjoy some really cool sports.”

Harris is also on the list of participants for the US team for the 2025 Invictus Games.

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