Stories

Transition Coordinators to Soldiers: We’ve got your back!
July 23, 2024 — At the annual training for Transition Coordinators (TCs) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, TCs gathered to discuss new policies and best practices for aiding Soldiers transitioning out of the Army. James Coleman, a TC at Fort Belvoir's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), emphasized the privilege of his role, noting his understanding of Soldiers' struggles as a former Marine. Stephen Kammerdiener, a TC at Fort Campbell's SRU with a long military family background, highlighted the importance of building personal relationships with Soldiers to effectively guide them. TCs play a crucial role in offering Soldiers opportunities for job skills training, career fairs, and educational prospects, aiming to support them through their transition. Both Coleman and Kammerdiener stressed the need to build trust with Soldiers, who often face significant uncertainty. They expressed pride in their work and the positive impact they have on Soldiers' futures... MORE

Stephen Kammerdiener and James Coleman, both Transition Coordinators in the Army Recovery Care Program

Soldiers getting out? Listen to that Transition Coordinator!
July 18, 2024 — At the annual Transition Coordinator (TC) Sustainment Training for the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP), Sgt. Major Imari Jackson, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for ARCP, emphasized the vital role TCs play in assisting wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, especially those facing medical retirement. Jackson praised TCs as premier transition specialists, crucial in helping Soldiers navigate their future plans amidst personal challenges. He highlighted the comprehensive support available to Soldiers at the Soldier Recovery Unit, including the Career Skills Program, which aids in acquiring civilian job skills. Jackson underscored the genuine care TCs provide, urging Soldiers to trust in the program's support for their future success... MORE

Sgt. Major Imari Jackson, Sr enlisted advisor for the Army Recovery Care Program, lets Transition Coordinators know they are the best at helping Soldiers Transition out of the Army.

Transition Coordinators help build a road map to a Soldier's Future
July 17, 2024 — Transition Coordinators (TCs) play a crucial role in assisting Soldiers medically retiring from the military, a task that requires empathy and adaptability. At the annual training event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), TCs like Mary Ball shared best practices and challenges. Ball highlighted the rewarding experience of helping Soldiers define their post-military goals. She recently assisted Spc. Joey Parli, who, after surviving a severe motorcycle accident, found a new path in life. Parli, once a Corrections/Detention Specialist, discovered a passion for golf and pursued a degree in kinesiology while recovering at JBLM's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). TCs like Ball help Soldiers connect with necessary resources, guiding them through educational and career transitions. Parli now studies at the University of Colorado, crediting the support from TCs and the SRU for his successful transition. Ball emphasizes that each Soldier's journey is unique, and TCs are committed to finding the right resources and support to help them succeed... MORE

Retired Army Spc. Joey Parli utilizes golf as part of his therapy during his recovery from a motorcycle hit-and-run accident

Heart of Gold
July 16, 2024 — Retired Army Spc. JP Lane received the Heart of the Team Award at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games, an honor voted on by his teammates. This marked Lane's debut as an athlete at the games, a stark contrast to his previous role as an ESPN commentator in 2022. A survivor of a 200lb bomb blast in Afghanistan, Lane lost both legs and sustained multiple injuries but found renewed purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Crystal, and teammates, including Retired Army Sgt. Shawn Lee, highlight his ability to inspire and uplift others. Lane, who won multiple medals at the games, advocates for sharing personal stories to help others facing challenges... MORE

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Honorable Alex Wagner, left, congratulates U.S. Army veteran J.P. Lane for earning the Heart of the Team Award for Team Army at the send-off ceremony during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

“It’s not just something I say. Adaptive sports truly saved my life.” ~ Corine Hamilton
July 11, 2024 — Corine Hamilton, initially resistant to adaptive sports as part of her recovery at Walter Reed's Soldier Recovery Unit, now credits them with transforming her mental and physical health. Following a life-altering car crash in Germany in 2021 that left her paralyzed from the waist down, Hamilton found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. Encouraged by the Army Recovery Care Program, she has become a nine-time medalist for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games. Competing in events like shot put, where she achieved a personal best and gold medal, has boosted her confidence and upper body strength, essential for her daily life. Hamilton, who also competed in the 2022 Warrior Games and the Invictus Games, is dedicated to continuing her training and supporting fellow athletes, all while pursuing a degree in healthcare management. She aims to inspire others in their mental and physical recovery journeys... MORE

Spc. (R) Corine Hamilton competes in hand cycling at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Just keep moving
July 9, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Jeffrey Peters faced an unexpected setback just days before the 2024 Warrior Games due to a severe cycling accident. Despite his injuries, Peters arrived in Orlando determined to support his team. Known for his past successes, including eleven medals at the 2022 Warrior Games and three at the 2023 Invictus Games, Peters' resolve was undiminished. His journey through recovery, following an ischemic stroke in 2021, exemplifies his resilience. With the help of the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Riley and the support of his family, Peters overcame significant physical challenges. At the 2024 Warrior Games, he adapted to compete with one arm, winning eight medals. Peters' story is a testament to perseverance and the strength of the Warrior Games community, encouraging others to keep moving forward despite their obstacles... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John D. Kline, Commanding General of the United States Army Center for Initial Military Training, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, right, presents the silver medal to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Peters in a medal ceremony at the track event during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Recovery Services to the rescue!
July 5, 2024 — Ten days, eleven adaptive sports, and more than 200 athletes from the U.S. and Australia made the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando not only memorable but also a source of inspiration for the broader community. It takes immense dedication to pull these games off—from logistics to coaches to communications and medical. With their unwavering commitment, the Medical Team for Team Army was like a daily cog in the wheel, helping to keep the machine moving. We found Retired Staff Sgt Gene Calantoc on track day on a table in the medical tent. His teammates nicknamed him "Gene the Machine" at these games! Daniel Rendeiro, a physical therapist from Ft. Cavasos, did his best to keep Gene the Machine moving. "I'm working on Gene's back. He just finished throwing the discus, which puts a lot of rotational stress on the back, so it took a toll on his mid-back. I will do my best to get the soreness out," said Rendeiro. Calantoc, a left-leg above-the-knee amputee, participated in seven of the eleven sporting events. Rendeiro emphasized the unique challenges these athletes face at the Warrior Games when we asked about the importance of a robust medical team. "The key is that most folks don't realize how grueling it is here at Warrior Games. An Olympic athlete has one event they specialize in and compete in, and these athletes here are required to specialize in multiple events over a very brief and intense period." Calantoc went from powerlifting to cycling, then wheelchair rugby, indoor rowing to wheelchair basketball, archery, and field events, all in eight days. "We call it recovery services because we help them recover between events so they can be at their best for the next event," said Rendeiro, underlining the vital role of the medical team in the recovery process. Calantoc's determination was evident as he expressed his readiness to return to the competition after Rendeiro's help. "I'm feeling amazing because all the physical therapists are out here for us athletes every day. We have so many sports; we must wake up and do it again. Our resilience keeps us going but having them around us gives us hope. Especially if you get injured, they are helping us out here." The help goes beyond the PT Rubdown. These athletes are continuing to recover and overcome, and it is not lost on this team of professionals who've pledged their support to this fantastic Army team. "That's why we have the medically related staff here, including the healthcare staff, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physical therapy assistants. Our lead is a Physician's Assistant, and we also have a clinical social worker here for behavioral health. We've got the athletes covered! We want to help them in any area they need," said Rendeiro. This medical team is always sitting on ready, and Calantoc appreciates them, and the entire support system, for Team Army at the games. He smiles and shares his progress so far. "I got silver in powerlifting, cycling, rowing, and rugby, bronze and silver in archery, and silver in wheelchair basketball." He also won a silver in discus and a bronze in shotput. That's nine medals for the machine! Medals aside, Calantoc has a message for anyone experiencing a drastic health change. He encourages adaptive sports for physical and mental health: "Go out there and try it; your injury or illness is not the end of your life. Talk to and connect with an athlete to get inspiration. Seeing people better than me pumps me up and makes me want to do better. This mutual support within the athlete community is a powerful motivator. Go find someone better than you and get motivated!"... MORE

Physical Therapist at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Adaptive Sports is not just a game changer; it’s a life changer!
July 2, 2024 — Retired Army Sgt. First Class Gabi Cha, a two-time Warrior Games athlete and participant in the 2022 Invictus Games, emphasizes the transformative power of adaptive sports for wounded, ill, or injured servicemembers. Competing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Cha celebrates the magic of the Warrior Games held at Disney. Despite severe injuries from her 2007 deployment in Baghdad, resulting in multiple surgeries and right leg paralysis, Cha has triumphed in adaptive sports, earning multiple medals. She reflects on the life-changing impact of adaptive sports, particularly during challenging times such as the recent loss of her mother and grandmother. As a mentor and medalist in track, cycling, and field events, Cha continues to inspire and support fellow athletes, focusing on her future endeavors in sit-skiing, bobsledding, wheelchair rugby, and hand cycling marathons... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Gabi Cha participates in the seated shot put at field practice during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

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