Stories

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

“Adaptive sports regifted confidence to me.” ~ Tiffanie Johnson
December 11, 2024 — After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Corporal Tiffanie Johnson’s life changed drastically, leaving her feeling lost and disconnected from the Army she loved. At the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Walter Reed, adaptive sports offered her a lifeline she hadn’t anticipated. Initially hesitant, Johnson eventually embraced the opportunity, finding not only physical strength but also mental and emotional healing through activities like seated volleyball and air rifle—where she discovered hidden talents. Competing in the Warrior Games and Invictus Games, she overcame challenges, including fatigue and limitations in three limbs, by learning to adapt and thrive. Adaptive sports not only restored her confidence and sense of purpose but also allowed her to reconnect with the military community. Now balancing school, part-time work, and a stable diagnosis, Johnson views adaptive sports as a transformative gift that gave her back the confidence and belonging she once feared she had lost... MORE

Team US, Army Veteran Cpl. Tiffanie Johnson at the 2023 Invictus Games in Duesseldorf, Germany. September 8, 2023.

“Adaptive Sports made a difference for me” ~ PFC Michael Romulus
December 4, 2024 — Private First-Class Michael Romulus' military dreams were cut short after a severe accident during basic training left him paralyzed. Determined to recover, he focused on relearning basic skills with the help of the Army Recovery Care Program at Fort Moore Soldier Recovery Unit. Surrounded by mentors and peers, he discovered adaptive sports, excelling in archery, seated shot put, and seated discus, even winning gold medals at the 2024 Endeavor Games. His experiences inspired him to pursue bioengineering at Morehouse College to develop spinal cord technology, driven by his own journey and desire to help others with similar injuries... MORE

PFC Michael Romulus gets strapped in to throw discus during an adaptive sports camp.

Helping those who help our Soldiers
December 4, 2024 — At an Army Recovery Care Program summit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, occupational and physical therapists, clinical and social workers, doctors, and others from the fourteen Soldier Recovery Units shared information on ways to help. Joy Davis, an occupational therapist at the Fort Liberty SRU, stressed the value of coming together at events like this. “It’s integral for us to do a great job for our program and unit. Coming here, we can gather as much information as possible to take back and share to improve things for our Soldiers.” Davis says the goal is to deliver a holistic, high-level experience to wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers. According to Fort Liberty SRU Physical Therapist Brett Clingerman, talking with peers and leadership and hearing from subject matter experts at events like this is invaluable... MORE

Physical Therapist Brett Clingerman and his colleague Occupational Therapist Joy Davis reviewed notes from the 2024 OT/PT and Post Traumatic Growth Summit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on December 4, 2024.

QUICK LINKS

CONNECT