FALLS CHURCH, Va –
It’s pretty common. Most Soldiers don’t know that a Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) exists until they need one. Army Major Josh Lindsey, a program management acquisitions officer, was one of them.
“Jan 25, 2023, I was clearing my current unit at Ft Sam Houston, and on my way home from work on my motorcycle, a truck hit me.” He flew over the bike, lost his helmet, and his head hit a concrete wall.
“It cracked my skull in half, and I had a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a blood clot in my brain, and my carotid artery in my neck almost fully dissected.” He was at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) from January 25th until Feb 14th. He went on to two other medical facilities for treatment before going to the SRU at Joint Base San Antonio.
Lindsey was clearing his unit when the accident happened. He was about to start a new chapter in his military career. “On January 30th, I was supposed to retire from the Army, and on Jan 31, I was supposed to swear into the Space Force. I am one of very few Army Soldiers selected to transfer to the Space Force.”
The married father of three had a new mission- to get better. “I never knew what the SRU was. SFC Barretta was great. He walked me through everything; my only job was attending appointments and getting better. It was hard for my family, but my wife was there by my side every day. I couldn’t drive for six months, so she had to take me to all my appointments.”
Through programs at the SRU, Lindsey learned that hard work and communication with the cadre will help a Soldier succeed. “I thank God for that, and I am happy to say I am one of the lucky ones who gets to Return to Duty. Many great people are helping you through the program, not just physically and mentally but also with the business and career side of it.”
He’s still planning to go to the Space Force; he’s kept them up to date, and they said if the Army deems him medically fit for transfer, it will happen. “My recovery has been remarkable, and the brain injury rehab and orthopedic teams have cleared me.”
He credits his doctors, the staff at the SRU, and his family with his recovery journey but, first and foremost, gives glory to God.
“I always had a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus, but after this, I do see what happened to me is a miracle. All the doctors told me that most people would have died from the accident. I know God kept me here for a reason, and he has plans for me.”
He’s grateful for his Army career and looks forward to his new adventure with the Space Force. “Helping establish this new service is an honor. I'm excited to help build the Space Force. The opportunity is amazing.”
Lindsey wants to exemplify faith, family, and fortitude to others. “No matter what happens, God has a plan for us, and HE won't put anything in front of us that we can’t accomplish or overcome. Set a daily goal at the SRU and do what they tell you. “