Stories

Tag: Army Medical Command

From Team Army to Team New Orleans Saints & Pelicans… Capt. Nate Degen Scores!
May 26, 2024 — Captain Nate Degen, a resilient and adaptable Army helicopter pilot, is set to compete as a Team Army athlete at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Alongside this achievement, he has been offered a groundbreaking opportunity to work with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans through the DOD Skillbridge program. Having recovered from multiple injuries at the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Degen found support in planning a career in sports management. He expressed excitement about joining the Saints' business operations division, particularly in Fan Engagement Experience, marking a full-circle moment as he grew up a Saints fan. Degen, who will compete in archery, air rifle, shotput, discus, and team sports, attributes his recovery to adaptive sports and the support of his family, team, and fans. Awaiting the birth of his second child, he balances his roles with enthusiasm and determination, sharing words of encouragement and a competitive spirit with his fellow service members... MORE

Capt. Nathan Degen on deployment in the Middle East.

Team Army Ultimate Champion says every day is a new day to get better!
May 26, 2024 — 1st Lt. Hannah Wright of Team Army reflects on her journey to the 2024 Warrior Games, which began as part of her recovery from ovarian cancer. After intensive surgery and chemotherapy, Wright found solace and strength in adaptive sports, significantly improving her stamina and endurance. Now, at 26, she competes for the title of Ultimate Champion, a role she humbly embraces despite initial surprise. Training rigorously under the guidance of recreational therapist Lorraine Currow and former champions Ross Alewine and Lorraine Currow, Wright balances her recovery with her new assignment at Fort Moore, Georgia. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, encouraging others not to discount their abilities despite medical challenges. Grateful for the support from Team Army Nation, Wright is dedicated to representing the Army with pride and determination... MORE

1st Lt Hannah Wright is warming up for track competition at the 2024 Army Trials

A Soldier who lost his sight says adaptive sports brought him back to life.
May 26, 2024 — Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo, who is blind, faced a challenging journey after concussions from his deployments triggered a rare genetic condition, Leber’s Optic Neuropathy, causing his vision to fade. Despite his initial despair and struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Escobedo found hope and purpose through adaptive sports. His wife, Myra, an Army Veteran, and his family provided unwavering support. Escobedo discovered adaptive sports like beep ball and eventually set his sights on the Warrior Games. His hard work paid off, and he will compete in track, cycling, rowing, and field events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Escobedo credits adaptive sports with significantly aiding his rehabilitation and recovery, allowing him to regain his independence and confidence. His message to others facing health crises is to focus on solutions, seek assistance, and use available resources... MORE

U.S. Army Veteran Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo practices sprinting with his running guide Preston Gantt at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

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

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