Stories

When a 17-year career Soldier changes jobs to support ARCP because the program worked for him
November 9, 2023 — After seventeen years in the Army as a Human Resources Specialist, Sgt. 1st Class Brett Hartley is doing the unthinkable this late in his career…changing jobs. He’s thought this through and has good reason. After spending a year at the Walter Reed Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), he found a new purpose and passion... MORE

Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Sgt. 1st Class Brett Hartley) Sgt. 1st Class Brett Hartley, his wife, Christine, and Wrigley.

We may be wounded warriors, but we can still serve
November 7, 2023 — Motivational speaker Les Brown often says, “If you can look up, you can get up.” Words Retired Army Staff Sgt Michael Johnson lives by today. The petroleum logistics specialist reflects on his time at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). “I was at the Fort Belvoir SRU after hurting my leg on deployment in Poland. I had perpetual headaches while recuperating, which led to imaging that showed I had lesions on my brain and, ultimately, the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).”... MORE

Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Michael Johnson) Michael Johnson at Yale University through the Warrior Scholarship Program in June 2023.

Army Captain tackles Lupus, the MED Board, and life
November 6, 2023 — Army Captain Anna Walker is from a military family. Five out of six siblings all serve and come by it honestly. “My Dad was in the Navy for twenty years and was a Lt. Commander when he retired. I wanted to serve 20 years just like him. I enjoyed it. But then, life changes.”... MORE

Photo By MaryTherese Griffin | Army Capt. In June, Anna Walker and her mom, Cynthia, at the 2023 Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge in San Diego, California. “I'm so proud of Anna. Given her condition, I’m amazed at her energy to do what she does. She won’t give up.” – Cynthia Walker.

“The SRUs have the same mission. They are there to help you.”
October 27, 2023 — Army Spc. Davona Jones is one tough Soldier. For five years, the Parachute Rigger worked hard, had goals, and kept forging ahead, ready for anything. Then, the unexpected happened... MORE

Photo By Spc. Robert Regan | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Roschell Brown, left, U.S. Army Spc. Davona Jones, center, and Staff Sgt. Jewel Lewis, right, celebrate together at the track medal ceremony during the DoD Warrior Games Challenge, Naval Air Station North Island in San Deigo, California, June 6, 2023. More than 200 wounded, ill, or injured warrior athletes representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command are competing in 11 adaptive sports including archery, track and field, swimming, rowing, shooting, powerlifting, cycling, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair rugby. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Robert Regan)

“You gotta want it to get it!”
October 27, 2023 — Sgt. 1st Class John Williams knows something about teamwork and working toward a goal. More specifically, a goal line; as the 1st Platoon Sergeant at the Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord Soldier Recovery Unit, he was also a former NFL player... MORE

Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy John Williams) John Williams's teammate on the Baltimore Ravens celebrates William's big play during a game against the Houston Oilers.

Faith, family, and fortitude
October 27, 2023 — It’s pretty common. Most Soldiers don’t know that a Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) exists until they need one. Army Major Josh Lindsey, a program management acquisitions officer, was one of them. “Jan 25, 2023, I was clearing my current unit at Ft Sam Houston, and on my way home from work on my motorcycle, a truck hit me.” He flew over the bike, lost his helmet, and his head hit a concrete wall... MORE

Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Maj. Josh Lindsey) Maj. Josh Lindey in Brooke Army Medical Center right after his accident in January 2023.

Army LT says don’t put your pain off- get checked out!
October 25, 2023 — Last year, this time, 1st LT Hannah Wright was a busy lady. The executive officer (XO) was training at Fort Johnson Louisianna with her unit, the 22nd Infantry 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Out of the blue, her training got derailed, and so did her life until she got to the Brooke Army Medical Center Soldier Recovery Unit... MORE

Photo By MaryTherese Griffin | (Photo courtesy Hannah Wright) 1st LT. Hannah Wright with a comfort quilt signed by members of her platoon before her second surgery at BAMC.

“Once I learned how to accept my fate, it was amazing what I learned I could do.”
October 25, 2023 — Army Sgt Sergio Calderon Diaz looks back at his 17 years in the Washington State National Guard, knowing he made the right decision to join. “It just happened. I wasn’t sure I would like the military, so I picked the guard. I started with a three-year contract, and I liked what I did so much I kept reenlisting,” he said with a chuckle... MORE

Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Sergio Calderon Diaz) Sgt. Sergio Calderon Diaz at archery practice before leaving for Pacific Trials in Hawaii.

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