Stories

“Their goal is to help my goal become a reality.” ~ Sgt. Russel Mendenhall
August 22, 2024 — Sgt. Russel Mendenhall experienced a life-altering injury while on patrol in Somalia, where he suffered a brain bleed and seizure after hitting his head in a Humvee. Diagnosed with Todd Paralysis, he was airlifted from Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and later to a hospital in Germany. His recovery journey eventually brought him to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he found immense support. With help from his Recovery Care Coordinator, Kenneth Tate, and the dedicated SRU staff, Mendenhall embraced the rehabilitation process, aiming to return to duty while balancing his full-time nursing studies in Utah. He is now committed to spreading awareness about the SRU's importance, encouraging fellow soldiers to prioritize their recovery and utilize the program’s resources... MORE

Staff Sgt. Qwane Hane and Sgt. Russel Mendenhall at the Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit

Returning to duty or not, the SRU is for you
August 19, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class Miles Kihara served 14 years in the Army Special Forces with the 1st Battalion and planned to serve 20, but health issues led him to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) after being stationed in Okinawa. Kihara knew little about the SRU but quickly realized it was the right place for him to focus on recovery. Engaging in physical therapy, adaptive reconditioning, and job fairs, he found the SRU to be a supportive environment. Now in the medical board process, Kihara plans to retire in the coming months and is exploring new career opportunities, emphasizing how the Army Recovery Care Program helps soldiers through transitions... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Miles Kihara explains how showing up in person to meet with potential employers at a job fair is crucial

“If your time in the Army is done, find a new mission.” ~ Ret. Army 1st LT Cameron Kerr
August 7, 2024 — Retired Army 1st Lieutenant Cameron Kerr served with the 101st Airborne Division in Kandahar from 2010-2011, where he was severely injured by an IED explosion, resulting in a left leg amputation. Despite the trauma, Kerr remained conscious throughout his ordeal, allowing him to process the situation and communicate with his family before surgery. He credits the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) for his rehabilitation, praising its physical therapy and support. Now, years later, Kerr works as an Operations Manager for ARCP, completing a full circle by contributing to the very program that helped him recover. His advice to recovering Soldiers is to accept their situation quickly, embrace new opportunities, and find a new mission to pursue... MORE

Cameron Kerr and his wife were in front of the 24-foot Tiny House on Wheels they had built

Mother of five thankful for SRU during pregnancy
August 7, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Brittany Ramsey, a mother of five and a Soldier, found herself needing the Army's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) during her fifth pregnancy due to complications like gestational diabetes and a pelvic floor prolapse. Initially skeptical, she realized the value of the SRU, which helped her recover physically and pursue her long-time goal of attending law school. Ramsey, now in a JD flex program, credits the SRU for providing the support she needed to stay on track with her career and education, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and seeking help when needed... MORE

Brittany Ramsey’s family: Husband Phillip; Their Children (L-R) Harper, Tobin, Phillip, Sadie, and Samuel.

Don’t just take care of your Soldiers- take care of yourself too!
August 6, 2024 — Sgt. Chrishna Wray, an active-duty Soldier from Jamaica, has served in the Army for 12 years, facing significant health challenges including knee, hip, and back injuries, and fibromyalgia. Despite these issues worsening during a deployment to Korea, she prioritized her duties over her health. Now assigned to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Wray is undergoing physical therapy and adaptive reconditioning while navigating the medical board process. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and is exploring Career Education and Readiness opportunities, including an internship with the DOD Inspector General’s office, as she prepares for a potential transition to civilian life... MORE

Working with Chaplain not part of Soldier’s plan
July 30, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Junel Custodio, known as "Pops," joined the Army at 31, starting in the Infantry as a Medic before becoming a Chaplain's Assistant. His journey back to faith began after meeting Chaplain Brian Harvey during a suicide prevention talk, which led Custodio to embrace spirituality and stop drinking. Despite experiencing significant losses and physical pain, Custodio found solace and purpose in his new role. After injuring his back on deployment, he was sent to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir, where he underwent surgeries and received comprehensive support. Custodio is now being medically discharged and plans to pursue a master's in clinical therapy or social work to continue serving Soldiers. Music, a lifelong passion, played a therapeutic role in his recovery, culminating in a memorable performance of the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals game. Custodio's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of support systems in overcoming adversity... MORE

Staff Sgt Junel Custodio is a Chaplain’s assistant in the Army

National Guard Soldiers need to learn about the SRU
July 29, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Adrienne Toliver, with a 34-year career in the Maryland National Guard, also worked as a contractor for the Defense Intelligence Agency. During her last deployment, she needed surgery for a severe foot issue and was sent to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in November 2022. Toliver had previously sent Soldiers to the SRU but never expected to need its services herself. Her experience highlighted the importance of the SRU for both Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers. At the SRU, she received comprehensive care that addressed her physical, mental, and spiritual health, especially significant as she dealt with the loss of her sister. Toliver managed to continue her education, completing a master's degree in healthcare administration with a 3.7 GPA. She emphasizes the critical support SRUs provide, from medical care to morale activities, and advises Soldiers to utilize these resources rather than attempting recovery alone. Awaiting medical retirement, Toliver remains committed to informing fellow Guardsmen about the benefits of the Army Recovery Care Program... MORE

“When you transfer to an SRU, your main mission is to get better and go back into the fight!”
July 25, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp, known as "G," has a unique perspective on the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) after personally benefiting from it multiple times in his 24-year career. After nine deployments and several surgeries for medical issues, including a hiatal hernia, "G" utilized the Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) at Ft Stewart, Fort Bliss, and Fort Moore to recover. His extensive experience with SRUs led him to become a squad leader at Ft Cavazos SRU and later an operations NCO at MRC-West, Ft Sam Houston. "G" emphasizes the importance of SRUs in focusing solely on the Soldier's recovery, dispelling the myth that they hinder career progression. He advocates for Soldiers to use the support and resources available, such as the Career Education and Readiness branch, to ensure long-term health and career stability. His empathy and firsthand experience make him a strong advocate for the wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, urging them to prioritize their recovery and leverage the comprehensive support offered by the ARCP... MORE

Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp is proud to have been part of the Army Recovery Care Program

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