Stories

Tag: Army Medical Command

Soldier recovers with the sound of music
May 26, 2024 — Army Reservist Sgt. Lee-Syonne Burchell, a 27-year-old with a passion for music, turned a training accident into an opportunity for personal growth and healing. After injuring her shoulder in March 2022, Burchell underwent surgery and was assigned to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Stewart. During her recovery, she explored new interests such as painting, meditation, and adaptive physical fitness, but found profound solace in music therapy. Through this program, she not only improved her musical skills but also gained confidence, performing in events like the Army Trials and Battle of the Bands. Balancing her recovery with her medical career aspirations, Burchell interned at Winn Army Hospital and continues to pursue her goal of returning to active duty while considering med school. She emphasizes the importance of support and communication during recovery, expressing gratitude for the Army Recovery Care Program's role in her journey... MORE

Sgt. Lee-Syonne Burchell, singing at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, in May 2023.

Injured Soldier obtains internship with National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency through the Army Recovery Care Program
May 21, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, a 56-year-old Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear specialist with fourteen years of service, sustained a significant thumb injury during a deployment to Kuwait in March 2022. Initially downplaying the injury, he soon realized its severity as it severely impacted his work. After an MRI revealed torn ligaments, he returned to the U.S. and underwent surgery at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in January 2023. With partial use of his thumb restored, Smith is now preparing for medical retirement and transitioning to a new career. With support from the SRU, he obtained IT certifications and began an internship with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Grateful for the SRU's assistance, Smith encourages other soldiers to fully utilize available resources for their recovery and career transitions... MORE

Staff Sgt Michael Smith on deployment in August 2022 in the Middle East.

Warrior Games gives you a chance to showcase your abilities.
May 21, 2024 — Sgt. Bianca Hayden, a former triathlete and Cavalry Scout, has served as a full-time guardsman for six years, with deployments to Afghanistan, Germany, and Poland. In 2022, while on deployment in Poland, she sustained a severe shoulder injury that was initially misdiagnosed. After returning to the U.S., she discovered extensive damage, including a fractured humerus and a torn labrum, requiring multiple surgeries. Hayden's recovery journey at the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) involved adapting to her new physical limitations and embracing adaptive sports. She has since competed in the Warrior Games, showcasing her resilience and determination. Hayden credits the SRU for its comprehensive support, encouraging other soldiers to utilize the resources available for recovery and personal growth... MORE

Sgt. Bianca Hayden with a superb one-armed discus throw

After a stroke, a Soldier Nurse Practitioner embraces help from SRU.
May 21, 2024 — Maj. Chelsea Johnson, a dedicated military nurse practitioner with 31 years of service, experienced a life-altering stroke in 2022 after recovering from COVID-19. Initially paralyzed and unable to speak, she underwent extensive rehabilitation and found support at the JBLM Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Through various therapies, including equine therapy and speech therapy, she made significant progress. Her husband, Michael, highlights her remarkable recovery journey and the vital role of SRU staff. Despite her challenges, Chelsea remains resilient and determined, embodying a message of perseverance and hope for other soldiers facing adversity... MORE

Major Cheslea Johnson finds therapeutic benefits with skiing during her recovery at the JBLM Soldier Recovery Unit.

Scared of life after the military? Don’t be.
April 29, 2024 — At the 2024 Leadership Summit for the Army Recovery Care Program, U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary James Rodriguez engaged Soldier Recovery Unit leaders, offering insights on transitioning service members into civilian jobs. Emphasizing individual responsibility and rejecting victimhood, Rodriguez unveiled the Employment Navigator Partnership Program, aiming to connect veterans with employment opportunities faster and with better earnings than traditional methods. He addressed concerns about spouse employment and highlighted the importance of acquiring licenses and certifications during military service, citing cyber security, IT, airline piloting, AI, and green energy as burgeoning fields. Rodriguez's message stressed leveraging military-trained skills in corporate settings, advocating for legislation supporting spouse job transitions and providing resources for veterans, active duty, and spouses through DOL.gov/vets... MORE

Honorable James D. Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary of Veteran’s Employment and Training Services, shares job opportunities and new programs from the Department of Labor

“Everything I do, I do to support him.” ~ Jeralyn Ditlevson
April 29, 2024 — Jeralyn Ditlevson, a military spouse and veteran herself, has embraced her role as caregiver for her husband, Major Jeremy Ditlevson, following his debilitating stroke after nearly 20 years of Army service. Despite the unexpected turn their lives took, Jeralyn's unwavering support and positivity shine through as she navigates their new reality. As Jeremy finds solace and purpose in adaptive sports, Jeralyn steps into the role of coach and cheerleader, supporting him wholeheartedly. Their journey highlights the resilience of military families and their commitment to supporting fellow soldiers, especially within recovery programs. Jeralyn's upbeat attitude and dedication serve as an inspiration for caregivers and military spouses alike, demonstrating strength in the face of adversity and a profound sense of community within the military... MORE

I am where I am, and this is the new me
April 29, 2024 — Army Spc. Bryce Ewing was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23, an uncommon occurrence for young women. Despite facing initial misdiagnosis and a lack of specific support for her age group, Ewing underwent extensive treatment and found solace and assistance at the Fort Stewart Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Through their support, she not only navigated her recovery but also discovered adaptive sports, finding strength and resilience in her journey. Now thriving, she advocates for breast cancer awareness and encourages others to be their own advocates in their healthcare journeys... MORE

Retired Army Specialist Bryce Ewing competes in powerlifting at the 2024 Army Trials

“They were going to make sure I got back to my daughter” ~ Cpl. Melesete Togia
April 29, 2024 — The article recounts Cpl. Melesete Togia's harrowing battle with COVID-19 while deployed in Iraq, where she nearly lost her life and accepted her impending death. Through the heroic efforts of medical staff in Iraq and Germany, she survived and returned home to her daughter. Togia emphasizes the profound impact of the Army Recovery Care Program, which supported her physical and emotional recovery, enabling her to participate in adaptive sports and compete for Team Army. Now retired, she is grateful for the program's role in her transformation and encourages others facing challenges to seek help and embrace opportunities for growth and healing... MORE

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