Veterans Committee Announces Its 2024 Award Recipients, Including Lifetime Achievement honorees

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — How do you properly celebrate the best Vet Worlds ever? With the best party ever, of course.

Fresh off Team USA’s historic success at the 2024 Veteran Fencing World Championships in Dubai (where the United States earned a record 26 medals, including nine golds), the USA Fencing Veterans Committee is eager to recognize these athletes and honor the fencers who make the Vet community so extraordinary.

After a banner year, it’s tough to pick just one highlight. But that was the challenge the Veterans Committee faced, ultimately selecting eight standout fencers for 2024 awards. This includes two Lifetime Achievement Award recipients and six age-group Fencers of the Year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors Vet fencers who have showcased remarkable talent and dedication both in and out of competitive bouts over a span of 10 years or longer. 

In contrast, the Fencer of the Year Award celebrates a fencer’s accomplishments over the most recent season. For Fencer of the Year, the committee uses points-based criteria to identify the most outstanding fencers in each age group — across all weapons and genders. Three top results were used for each category with additional results being used as tie breakers. Consideration was also given for outstanding results in multiple weapons. 

Since 2023, the committee has recognized one Fencer of the Year in each age group across five divisions: Vet 40, Vet 50, Vet 60, Vet 70, and Vet 80, underscoring the committee’s commitment to honoring excellence at every competitive level within the Vet fencing community.

In Vet 60 this year, the committee chose to honor two fencers because each had such stellar seasons and were statistically tied in points.

“The Veterans Committee is pleased to honor this inspiring and accomplished group of athletes who range from Vet 40 to Vet 80 and who include lifelong fencers as well as those who began fencing much later in life,” says Valerie Asher, chair of the Veterans Committee and an accomplished Vet fencer herself. “The Veterans Committee appreciates the help of the community in identifying our candidates for Lifetime Achievement awards and plans to open another round of nominations after this year's Veterans Dinner.” 

Speaking of the dinner, tickets are on sale now for the celebration, which takes place during the January 2025 North American Cup in Kansas City.

The dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2025. Tickets and tables are now available.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the dinner, where we will celebrate our eight honorees, the collective achievements of the U.S. World Veterans Team, and — most importantly — the strength of the U.S. veteran fencing community,” Asher says.

Let’s meet the 2024 honorees!

Diane Reckling has devoted nearly five decades to fencing, inspiring generations of fencers with her resilience, competitive spirit and commitment to growing the sport. A fencer since the 1970s, Diane medaled in the inaugural Empire State Games and later coached high school fencing for 21 years.  Overcoming injuries and health challenges, Diane continued to excel, representing the U.S. on 11 Veteran World Championship teams and earning numerous national medals across all three weapons. Beyond her own accomplishments, Diane has been a dedicated leader, holding positions on the Fencers Club Board of Directors and chairing the Westchester-Rockland Division of USA Fencing. Her dedication to advancing high school fencing in New York State has left a lasting impact, with her efforts instrumental in establishing varsity fencing. 

Joshua Runyan, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and retired Delta Airlines captain, is celebrated for his excellence in Veteran fencing and his dedication to the sport. With 16 national gold medals and five Veteran World Championship individual medals, including a bronze in 2024 and gold in 2019, Josh has left an indelible mark on the Veteran fencing community. He has been a steady presence on U.S. World Veteran Teams, contributing to several team medals (including men’s saber team gold in 2024), and has competed on U.S. Armed Forces Fencing Teams at Military World Championships. As an assistant coach for UC San Diego, he volunteered thousands of hours, helping shape a successful collegiate program. Josh, a Master of Saber and Prevot in Foil, is also known for his dedication to his faith and his leadership in youth ministry, making him a true ambassador for the sport.

• Vet 40 Fencer of the Year: Adam Maczik

• Vet 50 Fencer of the Year: Julie Seal

• Vet 60 Fencers of the Year: Robin Pernice, Chris Matt

• Vet 70 Fencer of the Year: Joe Streb

• Vet 80 Fencer of the Year: Davis Carvey

Mark your calendars for the Annual Veteran Committee Awards Dinner, where these seven exceptional athletes will be honored.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025

Time: 7–10 p.m.

Location: Aztec Ballroom at Hilton President, 1329 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105

Tickets: Available here

The night is shaping up to be another special one with opportunities to reconnect with longtime friends, form new connections and have some fun.

With pre-dinner drinks provided, guests can toast the successes of our world-conquering Vet fencers as the Veterans Committee presents its Vet Fencers of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Space is limited, so get your tickets as soon as possible. If you’re able, please consider making an additional donation during registration — any gift made while buying your tickets or at the dinner itself will benefit the U.S. Fencing Foundation’s Veteran Fund.

We hope to see you there!