Candice Caesar is a powerful woman with a powerful name. Like the historical figure Julius Caesar, she’s learned that experience is the teacher of all things. Her life has been full of experiences—some difficult, some unforeseen, but all deeply inspiring. 

Experience taught Candice that the Army would give her a career she could be proud of. It taught her that the ability to walk shouldn’t be taken for granted. It also taught her that running could save her in more ways than one and would ultimately be the catalyst for more life-altering change. From veteran to mother, disabled athlete to Paralympian hopeful, Candice has worn many labels throughout her life—each one more heroic than the last.

A native Texan, Candice came from a long line of veterans, including her grandfather who fought in World War II, and her father who served in Vietnam. “I have always been a giver,” she says. “And I thought, ‘What better way to give than through service to my country.’”

Candice devoted five years of her life to the armed forces before a tragic accident on December 5, 1999, changed everything. The details of the incident are hazy, but Candice was told that she was riding in a vehicle that crashed, leaving her severely wounded. She sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injuries that left her traumatized and paralyzed.

At just 27 years old, with a young son and a marriage that would soon end, Candice faced a future far different from the one she had envisioned. Unable to walk, talk, or control her own body, she was told by doctors that she would likely never walk again. But Candice, with her indomitable spirit, refused to accept that fate. She wasn’t just going to walk again—she was going to walk a marathon.

With relentless determination, Candice didn’t just achieve her goal. She surpassed it. She completed 24 full marathons, 100 half marathons in all 50 states (and Washington, D.C.), and multiple Boston Marathons. Her incredible journey didn’t stop there—she went on to compete in open-water triathlons and hand-cycling. But life, as it often does, threw her another curveball.

In March 2020, while training during the pandemic, Candice suffered a foot drop that caused her to trip and fall, re-injuring her body in a way that prevented her from bearing weight on her legs, standing, or running.

Faced with this setback, Candice could have given in to despair. But instead, she found a new passion—archery. Introduced to the sport by a friend from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Candice fell in love with it, quickly excelling and eventually earning a spot on the U.S. National Para-Archery Team. Competing at the national and international levels, she won gold in the recurve mixed team open at the 2022 Para Pan American Championships and again at the 2023 Para Pan American Games. Her goal now? To continue pushing herself to the highest levels.

Candice’s journey is not just one of personal triumph but also a reminder of the strength that comes from community. With the support of organizations like Team Red, White and Blue and Paralyzed Veterans of America, she’s been able to pursue her dreams and overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. Her story is also a powerful message to those who look up to her—whether young girls, female athletes, or members of the military community—that anything is possible with determination and support.

“I was never really conscious of those who could possibly be looking up to me as a black female athlete,” Candice reflects. “But I do not take this charge lightly.”

Throughout her journey, Candice’s son has been her biggest cheerleader, reminding her daily of all she has overcome and the incredible example she sets for others. “He is my support system, and since losing my mom and aunt during my archery journey, he’s my biggest cheerleader.”

Candice was recently a guest on The Lasting Mission, Mission Roll Call’s podcast, where she shared her inspiring story and how she continues to push the limits in the world of para-archery. Don’t miss the episode airing this Friday, August 23, where you can hear Candice discuss her path to the National Para-Archery Team and her unwavering commitment to finding new ways to achieve greatness.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that every veteran deserves to find their tribe—a community that understands, supports, and uplifts them. Candice’s journey shows us that with the right support, no challenge is too great.

If you’re a veteran or a supporter, your voice matters. Join Mission Roll Call today, and become part of a movement dedicated to enacting change for our nation’s heroes. Together, we can build a community where every veteran has a place to belong and a voice to be heard. Share your voice. Make a difference. Join Misson Roll Call.