Stories

Tag: adaptive sports

Team Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko: “I’m giving hope to those with a stroke”
June 24, 2024 — U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Jack Peko, who suffered a stroke in November 2022, is now recovering at the Ft. Riley Kansas Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and competing in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Learning about adaptive sports at the SRU, Peko represents Team Army in Orlando, using his experiences to inspire others with similar conditions. Despite using a wheelchair and working on his speech, he medaled in the precision air rifle competition and looks forward to competing in shot put and discus. Peko's wife, Gloriah, and their children support his journey, emphasizing the importance of adaptive sports in recovery and resilience... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko wins silver for Team Army in the precision air competition during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Going from competitor to mentor and coach
June 21, 2024 — Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Greg Quarles, who sustained severe injuries during his eighth deployment in the Middle East, found a new purpose through adaptive sports at the Fort Moore Soldier Recovery Unit. Despite doubts and significant physical challenges, Quarles became a successful athlete, competing in the Department of Defense Warrior Games and representing Team USA at Invictus Games. Transitioning from competitor to coach, he now mentors others, emphasizing the transformative power of adaptive sports. He believes these sports help injured soldiers regain their physical fitness and mental well-being, advocating for the mindset and determination required to adapt and thrive despite injuries. Quarles continues to inspire through his coaching and his home inspection business, demonstrating that recovery and adaptation are lifelong journeys... MORE

Team Army coach Greg Quarles will have his first year of coaching indoor rowing competition at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando

Spc. Noah Strunk: “Warriors are always ready to go, and I am.”
June 20, 2024 — Army Spc. Noah Strunk is competing in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games as he prepares to medically retire from the Army on June 28th. Strunk, a field artillery radar operator, joined the Army with plans to serve for twenty years but sustained a severe knee injury in 2022, leading to multiple surgeries and his participation in the Army Recovery Care Program. Adaptive sports became a crucial part of his recovery, giving him a new purpose and helping him overcome depression. Strunk's passion for the Army remains strong, and he is determined to excel in swimming, track, and cycling at the Warrior Games, viewing this competition as a continuation of his journey rather than its end... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Noah Strunk is pumped and ready to compete with Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Team Army Ultimate Champion: “I had let go of the crutches in life, and the word can’t.”
June 6, 2024 — Retired Army Sgt. Justin Mathers, after a severe motorcycle accident left him unable to feel his legs, embarked on a remarkable recovery journey through the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), leading him to compete in the Department of Defense Warrior Games. Following injuries sustained in Iraq and subsequent surgeries, Mathers discovered adaptive sports at the SRU, initially struggling but eventually finding inspiration from fellow veterans. Encouraged by his wife and a dedicated physical therapist, he shed weight and successfully competed in the 2022 Warrior Games, earning multiple medals. Determined to push his limits, Mathers transitioned from recumbent cycling to becoming a USA para-cycling national champion. Now, as he prepares for the 2024 Warrior Games, Mathers reflects on his transformative experience, crediting the SRU and adaptive sports for his recovery and renewed sense of purpose. With aspirations for the Paralympics and Team US at Invictus, he emphasizes the vital role of adaptive sports in helping veterans feel relevant and connected... MORE

Ret. Army Sgt. Justin Mathers trains with Former Team Army and Team US athlete Mike Murphy.

I want to show others you can be resilient no matter what.
April 26, 2024 — Staff Sgt Daniel Pereyra's journey through a health crisis and career change is marked by gratitude despite pain. Diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer in 2022 while serving in Fort Bliss, Pereyra underwent a grueling seventeen-hour surgery, enduring chemo and radiation afterward. Despite the challenges, he found support from his military unit and is now transitioning to a career outside the Army due to medical retirement. Pereyra's resilience, fueled by his love for music and teaching, propels him forward as he plans to become a nurse and continue helping others, showcasing his determination to overcome cancer and inspire resilience in others... MORE

Staff Sgt Daniel Pereyra at the 2024 Army Trials

Every mile IS a memory for a Soldier who had a stroke.
March 22, 2024 — A touching story of Major Jeremy Ditlevson, a soldier who suffered a stroke, unable to walk or speak. At the 2024 Army Trials, Jeremy recognizes Coach Adriane Wilson from over 20 years ago, showcasing progress in his recovery. The encounter proves that "every mile is a memory," as Jeremy's excitement and gestures reveal his ability to recall past connections. Coach Adriane is moved by the reunion, emphasizing its significance in Jeremy's journey. Jaralyn, Jeremy's wife, expresses joy at witnessing his memory recall, marking a significant milestone in their recovery... MORE

Major Jeremy Ditlevson reconnects with Adriane Wilson, one of the coaches for Team Army at the 2024 Army Trials

I don’t know how to spell can’t.
March 8, 2024 — Retired Army Specialist JP Lane, a combat engineer who lost both legs and suffered extensive injuries in Afghanistan 13 years ago, has become a beacon of resilience and inspiration through his remarkable journey of recovery and advocacy. Beginning his rehabilitation at the Fort Sam Houston Soldier Recovery Unit, Lane underwent numerous surgeries and, alongside his wife Crystal, embarked on a mission to share their story nationwide, offering hope to others facing similar challenges. Lane, also a talented musician and speaker, discovered a newfound passion for adaptive sports during the 2022 Warrior Games, igniting a desire to return to athletics despite his injuries. Now, at the 2024 Army Trials in Fort Liberty North Carolina, Lane is competing in various events with the goal of earning a spot on Team Army for the upcoming Department of Defense Warrior Games... MORE

Ret. Army Spc. JP Lane in the discus competition at the 2024 Army Trials.

Take advantage of the SRU, don’t be too big for it!
March 7, 2024 — Captain Nathan Degen, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, recounts his journey of injury and recovery, culminating in his decision to join the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir due to mobility limitations affecting his ability to fly. Despite initial reluctance, Degen emphasizes the invaluable support provided by the SRU, highlighting the comprehensive care and opportunities for rehabilitation, including adaptive sports. He encourages fellow soldiers to embrace the assistance offered by the SRU, stressing the importance of prioritizing self-care and recovery. Degen's involvement in adaptive sports and the support from the SRU have not only facilitated his physical rehabilitation but also provided him with career opportunities post-Army. With his family nearby, Degen finds solace in the SRU environment, enabling him to balance recovery with family life while preparing for a transition beyond the military... MORE

Capt. Nate Degen in shotput competition at the 2024 Army Trials

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