In a groundbreaking collaboration, Army veteran Danielle Green has become the first female combat veteran to be immortalized as a character in the popular video game series Call of Duty, marking a significant milestone in both gaming and veteran stories.
The Call of Duty operator bundle, inspired by Green, is set to launch alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on Friday. The character, named 50/50, is equipped with a bionic arm, mirroring Green’s own prosthetic, the Hero RGD, crafted by Open Bionics and supported by the Call of Duty Endowment.
Green’s journey began on May 25, 2004, when a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Baghdad resulted in the loss of her left arm. Being left-handed, she faced the challenge of relearning basic tasks. Her prosthetic, known for its durability and strength, represents more than just technological progress for her. “I love my bionic arm. It gives me balance, it makes me feel whole,” Green shared with Military Times. “As a combat veteran wearing this arm in public, I know it’s about more than just me. Little girls who have lost a limb see someone like them moving forward with confidence.”
The Hero RGD bionic arm, revealed at the Call of Duty Endowment Bowl in Las Vegas, is noted for its advanced design, combining titanium joints and high-strength nylon. It features a wireless muscle-sensor system allowing Green to move with precision. Unique to Green’s version are personalized engravings, including the date of her injury, coordinates of Mount Kilimanjaro, and a purple wedding band similar to the one recovered from the battlefield.
Samantha Payne, CEO of Open Bionics, has long admired Green’s resilience, stating, “She exudes strength and a vibrant, live-your-best-life energy.” Open Bionics, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers the Hero RGD to eligible veterans, emphasizing the prosthetic’s adaptability and resilience. “Our users are makers, parents, veterans, and builders. They are busy and active. We wanted to build something that could keep up with them,” Payne noted.
Green’s collaboration with Call of Duty emerged from a partnership between the Endowment and Open Bionics, aiming to bring a real veteran’s story into gaming. Payne added, “When the Endowment reached out, we saw an opportunity to celebrate a true hero.”
This project is more than a game release for Green; it’s a bridge to other veterans seeking new purpose. “In the military, we never leave anyone behind, and that’s how I see this project,” she stated. “This is my way of helping hundreds of thousands of veterans who are looking for a new purpose in life.”
Dan Goldenberg, executive director of the Call of Duty Endowment, emphasized the significance of Green’s story, “It is easy to tell stories of beaten-down veterans or incredible heroics. But the quiet heroics of pushing through difficulty and going on to do great things are just as important.”
Since its inception in 2009, the Call of Duty Endowment has assisted over 150,000 veterans in securing quality civilian jobs. Veterans in need of employment support are encouraged to visit the Endowment’s website for guidance, from résumé assistance to interview preparation.
With her story now part of a global gaming phenomenon, Green is forging a path that connects the experiences of veterans with mainstream culture. Proceeds from her operator bundle will aid the Endowment’s efforts in placing veterans in meaningful careers. “This isn’t the end of my story,” Green declared. “It’s just a new chapter. We are not talking about surviving anymore. We are talking about thriving.”
