SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Surging across the ice as chants of “Ro-ssi-ya! Ro-ssi-ya!” from raucous Russian fans filled the venue, Joshua Sweeney felt the rush of adrenaline he used to experience as a soldier.

Less than five years after stepping on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan, the retired U.S. Marine sergeant is serving his country again overseas — in the sporting arena.