Stories

The Army Caregiver Program issues new resource guide for caregivers and families of wounded, ill or injured Soldiers.
June 1, 2024 — The Army Caregiver Program has released a new resource guide titled "Army Caregiver Fact Sheet" for caregivers and families of wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers. This guide provides comprehensive information to help caregivers navigate the steps required during a medical emergency, from traveling to the Soldier's bedside to managing medical care and recovery. It includes details on Army requirements, necessary documentation, important contacts, and available assistance, such as invitational travel authorizations and special compensations. The fact sheet can be accessed and downloaded from www.arcp.army.mil/family_caregivers/process/inpatient... MORE

Retired Army Sgt. Joel Rodriguez, his wife Liannie - his caregiver – pose with their children after Team Army medaled silver in the wheelchair basketball game at the 2022 Warrior Games in Orlando, FL

“I’m most proud of myself for not giving up” ~ Capt. Victoria Rollin
May 26, 2024 — Veteran Captain Victoria Rollin, recently retired from the Army, has been selected for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando. Her journey to the games marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the severe emotional distress and mental health challenges she faced, including psychosis and a bipolar disorder diagnosis, stemming from sexual harassment and trauma during her military service. Rollin credits the Army Recovery Care Program and adaptive sports for her ongoing rehabilitation and newfound sense of purpose. Grateful for the support she has received, Rollin is determined to share her positive experience with the Soldier Recovery Unit and encourages others to seek help without fear of ending their careers. Now, as she trains for the Warrior Games, she finds strength and camaraderie among her teammates and competitors, proud of her resilience and commitment to recovery... MORE

Christina O'Brian (L) and Victoria Rollin run in a cross-country competition.

From Team Army to Team New Orleans Saints & Pelicans… Capt. Nate Degen Scores!
May 26, 2024 — Captain Nate Degen, a resilient and adaptable Army helicopter pilot, is set to compete as a Team Army athlete at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Alongside this achievement, he has been offered a groundbreaking opportunity to work with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans through the DOD Skillbridge program. Having recovered from multiple injuries at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Degen found support in planning a career in sports management. He expressed excitement about joining the Saints' business operations division, particularly in Fan Engagement Experience, marking a full-circle moment as he grew up a Saints fan. Degen, who will compete in archery, air rifle, shotput, discus, and team sports, attributes his recovery to adaptive sports and the support of his family, team, and fans. Awaiting the birth of his second child, he balances his roles with enthusiasm and determination, sharing words of encouragement and a competitive spirit with his fellow service members... MORE

Capt. Nathan Degen on deployment in the Middle East.

Team Army Ultimate Champion says every day is a new day to get better!
May 26, 2024 — 1st Lt. Hannah Wright of Team Army reflects on her journey to the 2024 Warrior Games, which began as part of her recovery from ovarian cancer. After intensive surgery and chemotherapy, Wright found solace and strength in adaptive sports, significantly improving her stamina and endurance. Now, at 26, she competes for the title of Ultimate Champion, a role she humbly embraces despite initial surprise. Training rigorously under the guidance of recreational therapist Lorraine Currow and former champions Ross Alewine and Lorraine Currow, Wright balances her recovery with her new assignment at Fort Moore, Georgia. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, encouraging others not to discount their abilities despite medical challenges. Grateful for the support from Team Army Nation, Wright is dedicated to representing the Army with pride and determination... MORE

1st Lt Hannah Wright is warming up for track competition at the 2024 Army Trials

A Soldier who lost his sight says adaptive sports brought him back to life.
May 26, 2024 — Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo, who is blind, faced a challenging journey after concussions from his deployments triggered a rare genetic condition, Leber’s Optic Neuropathy, causing his vision to fade. Despite his initial despair and struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Escobedo found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Myra, an Army Veteran, and his family provided unwavering support. Escobedo discovered adaptive sports like beep ball and eventually set his sights on the Warrior Games. His hard work paid off, and he will compete in track, cycling, rowing, and field events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Escobedo credits adaptive sports with significantly aiding his rehabilitation and recovery, allowing him to regain his independence and confidence. His message to others facing health crises is to focus on solutions, seek assistance, and use available resources... MORE

U.S. Army Veteran Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo practices sprinting with his running guide Preston Gantt at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Soldier recovers with the sound of music
May 26, 2024 — Army Reservist Sgt. Lee-Syonne Burchell, a 27-year-old with a passion for music, turned a training accident into an opportunity for personal growth and healing. After injuring her shoulder in March 2022, Burchell underwent surgery and was assigned to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Stewart. During her recovery, she explored new interests such as painting, meditation, and adaptive physical fitness, but found profound solace in music therapy. Through this program, she not only improved her musical skills but also gained confidence, performing in events like the Army Trials and Battle of the Bands. Balancing her recovery with her medical career aspirations, Burchell interned at Winn Army Hospital and continues to pursue her goal of returning to active duty while considering med school. She emphasizes the importance of support and communication during recovery, expressing gratitude for the Army Recovery Care Program's role in her journey... MORE

Sgt. Lee-Syonne Burchell, singing at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, in May 2023.

Injured Soldier obtains internship with National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency through the Army Recovery Care Program
May 21, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, a 56-year-old Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear specialist with fourteen years of service, sustained a significant thumb injury during a deployment to Kuwait in March 2022. Initially downplaying the injury, he soon realized its severity as it severely impacted his work. After an MRI revealed torn ligaments, he returned to the U.S. and underwent surgery at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in January 2023. With partial use of his thumb restored, Smith is now preparing for medical retirement and transitioning to a new career. With support from the SRU, he obtained IT certifications and began an internship with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Grateful for the SRU's assistance, Smith encourages other soldiers to fully utilize available resources for their recovery and career transitions... MORE

Staff Sgt Michael Smith on deployment in August 2022 in the Middle East.

A COVID diagnosis saves a Soldier’s life and the Soldier Recovery Unit helps him recover.
May 21, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Todd Summers, an active-duty soldier from Fort Riley, Kansas, faced a life-threatening battle with COVID-19 after returning from a deployment to Korea in 2020. Hospitalized and placed on a ventilator, he struggled with severe lung issues and discovered an unrelated but critical colon condition that required multiple surgeries. Following a difficult recovery, including a significant weight gain and a diabetes diagnosis, Summers transferred to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir. There, he underwent further medical treatment and adaptive reconditioning therapy, which helped him regain his health and fitness. Remarkably, Summers lost 70 pounds, reversed his diabetes, and was declared fit for duty. Grateful for the support of his family, medical staff, and the SRU, he encourages others to persevere and utilize the resources available to them, embodying a champion's spirit throughout his recovery journey... MORE

Staff Sgt Todd Summers at the Soldier Recovery Unit

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