Stories

“Adaptive Sports made me better than I ever was.” ~ Sgt. Lydia Figary, Team U.S.
February 14, 2025 — Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Lydia Figary, a lifelong adrenaline junkie, had her life changed by a night jump accident in July 2022, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury and severe leg injury. After four surgeries and discovering adaptive sports in a Marine recovery program, she not only recovered but thrived, winning gold in swimming at the Warrior Games. Now, competing in the Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Figary credits adaptive sports for her transformation, emphasizing their importance in recovery and the support from fellow athletes. She continues to inspire and motivate others, recently winning silver in women's snowboarding and advocating for public support of the Invictus Games... MORE

Marine Corps Sgt. Lydia Figary wins silver in women’s snowboarding at the 2025 Winter Invictus Games at Whistler/Vancouver, Canada.

Teaching Soldiers how to DJ is a hit!
February 14, 2025 — At Joint Base Lewis McChord's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), the Career, Education, and Readiness tool offers unique opportunities, such as DJing classes led by recreational specialist and former JBLM SRU Soldier Dave Iuli. These classes help soldiers like retired Army Spc. Gerald Blakley and Spc. Jamal Morris focus on something other than their recovery, learning a new skill that can turn into a career or a fulfilling hobby. Iuli, a DJ himself, finds passion and therapeutic value in music, and he shares this with soldiers, who gain both technical knowledge and a creative outlet. This initiative showcases the SRU's innovative approach to supporting soldiers' recovery and future opportunities... MORE

Army Spc. Gerald Blakley in the DJ class at JBLM’s Soldier Recovery Unit.

I AM Not Done Yet.
February 6, 2025 — Retired Army CW5 Bruce McCormick, now 61, is living a childhood dream by competing in the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16. After a helicopter accident in 2005 left him with a crushed right ankle, McCormick turned to adaptive sports during his recovery at Fort Carson and Fort Moore. Competing in Alpine Skiing, rowing, and swimming, he emphasizes the importance of adaptive sports in his recovery and shares his journey to inspire others facing life-changing injuries or illnesses. McCormick's participation in the Winter Invictus Games represents his message of resilience: "I am not done yet," and he encourages others to explore adaptive sports for their recovery... MORE

Ret Army CW5 Bruce McCormick shares with the Team that he is NOT done yet and will prove it while competing on Team US at the 2025 Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, from February 8 to 16.

Team US Member ready to climb another mountain at Winter Invictus Games
February 6, 2025 — Retired Navy Master Chief Steve Flemming, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2023, is set to compete in the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16. Despite his health challenges, Flemming has embraced adaptive sports, inspired by a life-changing opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. His journey highlights resilience and the importance of adaptive sports in recovery. Competing in Alpine skiing, skeleton, wheelchair basketball, and swimming, he encourages others facing similar challenges to find and conquer their own "mountains," representing their strength and perseverance... MORE

Retired Navy Master Chief (Center) at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in August of 2023.

We ARE TEAM U.S.!
February 6, 2025 — Team U.S. is gearing up for the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16, inspired by the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" and focused on recovery through adaptive sports. Co-Captains retired Air Force Colonel Jacquelyn Marty and retired Army Master Sgt. Ivan Morera, both overcoming significant injuries, emphasize the importance of building relationships and resilience among team members. Marty's recovery journey began after a car accident in 2015, while Morera lost his left hand in 2013 due to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Both credit adaptive sports with helping them find hope and purpose beyond their injuries, and they aim to set positive examples for their children and fellow service members... MORE

Retired Army Master Sgt Ivan Morera and Retired Air Force Colonel Jacquelyn Marty are co-captains of Team U.S. They took a moment to strike a pose before talking to the team about bonding during the 2025 Team U.S. Invictus Games Training Camp located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)

Soldier Mom will show how it's done at Winter Invictus Games
January 23, 2025 — Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring, a stay-at-home mom who recently had her second child, is set to compete for Team U.S. in the Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver. After medically retiring last April due to a knee injury, she discovered adaptive sports at the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit, which played a crucial role in her recovery. Moehring, who won four gold medals in swimming at the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge, will now compete in swimming, Nordic skiing, and skeleton at the Invictus Games. She credits her supportive coaches and husband for her success and aims to promote adaptive sports as a vital part of a Soldier’s recovery, hoping to inspire her children with her achievements... MORE

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring and her family.

Therapy in the SRU changes a Soldier’s path in life
January 16, 2025 — Army Spc. Kaden Cobban of the Montana National Guard suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an explosion during an 18-month deployment in the Middle East. Despite his injury, he chose to continue his mission, not wanting to burden his unit. After returning home, Cobban was referred to the Soldier Recovery Unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he received extensive therapy, including vision and horse therapy, which transformed his life. Grateful for the support and treatment he received, Cobban plans to medically retire from the Army and pursue a career in equine therapy, inspired by his positive experiences at the SRU. He credits the program and his care team with helping him recover and find a new purpose... MORE

Spc. Kaden Cobban bonds with a horse during equine therapy.

National Guard Soldier Thankful for Soldier Recovery Unit
January 16, 2025 — Army Sgt. Alissa Rock, a multifaceted individual balancing roles as a wife, mom, Soldier in the Indiana National Guard, truck driver, and insurance worker, is now aspiring to become a lawyer. After sustaining a severe back injury during a deployment exercise, she was medically evacuated and treated through the Army Recovery Care Program at the Ft. Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit. With support from her Transition Coordinator, Mr. Coleman, Rock has regained her confidence and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, with plans to attend law school. Grateful for the holistic recovery approach and the help from nonprofits, she emphasizes the importance of communicating needs to leadership and advocates for the SRU program’s resources... MORE

Alissa Rock is promoted to Sergeant at Fort Belvoir by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Affeltranger.

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