Stories

“Losing my sight made me a better snowboarder.”
January 15, 2025 — Retired Army Staff Sgt. Michael Murphy, who lost his sight in 2018 due to an accident while on deployment, is set to compete for Team U.S. in the first-ever Invictus Winter Games. Adaptive sports have given him a new lease on life, allowing him to participate in events like rowing, swimming, snowboarding, and skeleton. Having previously competed in the 2022 Warrior and Invictus Games, Murphy feels blessed to showcase his skills, especially in snowboarding, where he has learned to trust his guides completely. He attributes his recovery and success to the support of his adaptive sports community and his fiancé Ashley. Murphy's guide dog, Maverick, also plays a crucial role, providing emotional support during competitions. Murphy aims to inspire others and demonstrate the potential of blind athletes at this international level... MORE

Mike Murphy is airborne while snowboarding in a competition in Vermont in March 2024

Breast Cancer Survivor proud to represent Army on Team US at Invictus Winter Games
January 14, 2025 — Bryce Ewing's Army career was cut short by a breast cancer diagnosis at 23, but she has found new purpose through adaptive sports. As a medically retired Aviation Operations Specialist and mother of two from Warner Robins, Georgia, Ewing credits adaptive sports with improving her mental health and confidence. Training rigorously, she will compete in swimming, rowing, seated volleyball, and snowboarding at the first Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. Despite having no prior experience in snowboarding, she embraces the challenge, highlighting the supportive community of coaches and teammates. Ewing's journey reflects resilience and the power of adaptive sports in recovery, providing her with physical and emotional strength and a sense of global camaraderie. Proudly representing Team US, she encourages others to watch the Winter Invictus Games for inspiration and support... MORE

Retired Army Spc. Bryce Ewing at her first powerlifting meet in Atlanta, Georgia, May 2024.

Soldier with ALS says she owes her life to adaptive sports
January 13, 2025 — Mary Porter, a retired Army Major and physician, was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, dramatically altering her life. Despite the rapid progression of her symptoms, she found solace and a renewed sense of purpose in adaptive skiing. Porter embraces adaptive sports with enthusiasm, training hard for the Winter Invictus Games in Toronto, and believes these sports have given her hope in the face of a terminal diagnosis. She finds inspiration in the resilient community of adaptive athletes and maintains a positive outlook, determined to live life to the fullest. Her husband, Alex, supports her daily, and she cherishes the new relationships and opportunities brought by adaptive sports, feeling these experiences have profoundly changed her life... MORE

Ret. Army Maj. Mary Porter Sit-skiing in Colorado.

Return to duty Soldier has Paralympic dreams
January 8, 2025 — Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Peters, who suffered an ischemic stroke in 2021, has made a remarkable recovery through the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Riley and by embracing adaptive sports. Once discharged from the hospital in a wheelchair, Peters now walks, runs, competes, and enthusiastically supports fellow Soldiers in their recoveries. A former competitive cyclist, he transitioned to a three-wheeled tricycle for stability, a move he hopes will pave the way to the 2028 Paralympic Games. Along the way, he developed the “ataxi-grip” to help those with balance issues maintain a more stable and aerodynamic riding position. Driven by his own experiences, Peters encourages others not to let their impairments limit their potential, championing consistent practice and self-belief as the keys to success... MORE

Sgt First Class Jeffrey Peters on a trike during his week with the Paralympic Talent ID Camp, Oct 22, 2024, in Colorado Springs.

Purple Heart recipient says pay attention to that Army Training!
January 6, 2025 — Arizona National Guard Soldier Sgt. Aneska Holness received the Purple Heart on December 4, 2024, after surviving an explosion in the Middle East earlier that year. When her building collapsed, she was injured and trapped but still helped rescue her roommate and other Soldiers. Several comrades were killed, and the event underscored the importance of Army training, particularly first aid. Holness later underwent hip surgeries for her injuries—including a traumatic brain injury—and recovered at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit, grateful for the medical care and support she received. She was honored to be recognized with the Purple Heart, calling it “bittersweet,” and encourages fellow Soldiers to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and take drills and training seriously... MORE

Sgt. Aneska Holness, after receiving the Purple Heart at Ft Bliss on Dec 4, 2024.

When the weak become strong
January 6, 2025 — Army Staff Sgt. Houston Taylor, a 27-year-old Louisiana National Guardsman, suffered a life-altering stroke in October 2023 that left him unable to use his left side. Doctors had to remove part of his skull due to swelling, and after extensive hospital stays, he was transferred to the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in February 2024. There, Taylor relearned to walk and regained partial use of his left arm through intensive therapy. Despite setbacks and limited involvement in adaptive reconditioning events, he found motivation in fellow SRU Soldier Maj. Ken LeBlanc, who encouraged him to complete a 5k in October—Taylor ultimately walked the entire distance with a cane. Grateful for the support, Taylor reminds other Soldiers in similar situations to lean on faith, family, or friends and never hesitate to reach out for help... MORE

SSG Houston Taylor exchanged his cane with Maj. Ken LeBlanc for the SRU Guidon he carried across the finish line at a 5k in October 2024.

Life goes on with Adaptive Sports
January 2, 2025 — Retired Army Staff Sgt. Bobby Green shares his journey of overcoming spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries through the power of adaptive sports. After a fall from a tactical vehicle in Kuwait, Green faced uncertainty about his future. Initially skeptical about adaptive sports, he discovered its transformative impact at the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit. Embracing activities like seated shot put, archery, and sitting volleyball, Green credits adaptive sports with saving his life and giving him the tools to adapt. Now retired, he mentors athletes and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and the doors that adaptive sports can open... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Bobby Green works on his shot-put technique, September 23, at York Lion Stadium, Toronto, Canada, in preparation for the Invictus Games.

Transforming struggle into strength
December 18, 2024 — Most Soldiers are unaware of Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) until they need one, yet the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) operates 24/7 to support recovery and transition. At a recent ARCP Summit at Fort Belvoir, the new Struggle Well program was highlighted as a tool to transform struggles into strengths. Behavioral health consultant Krista Argiolas, who led Struggle Well training, emphasized the program’s focus on creating individualized growth plans for Soldiers, much like the Comprehensive Recovery Plan (CRP). By addressing not only physical recovery but also practical life and career matters, the SRUs aim to treat the whole Soldier through diverse interventions tailored to different learning styles. Argiolas believes recovery goes beyond military service, enabling Soldiers to continue serving themselves, their families, and their communities. She proudly champions the program’s ability to help Soldiers see life beyond their struggles and foster a stronger sense of purpose... MORE

ARCP Behavioral Health Consultant Krista Argiolas answers questions at a Summit for Post-Traumatic Growth at Fort Belvoir. December 4, 2024

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