Stories

Tag: Army Medical Command

“If your time in the Army is done, find a new mission.” ~ Ret. Army 1st LT Cameron Kerr
August 7, 2024 — Retired Army 1st Lieutenant Cameron Kerr served with the 101st Airborne Division in Kandahar from 2010-2011, where he was severely injured by an IED explosion, resulting in a left leg amputation. Despite the trauma, Kerr remained conscious throughout his ordeal, allowing him to process the situation and communicate with his family before surgery. He credits the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) for his rehabilitation, praising its physical therapy and support. Now, years later, Kerr works as an Operations Manager for ARCP, completing a full circle by contributing to the very program that helped him recover. His advice to recovering Soldiers is to accept their situation quickly, embrace new opportunities, and find a new mission to pursue... MORE

Cameron Kerr and his wife were in front of the 24-foot Tiny House on Wheels they had built

Don’t just take care of your Soldiers- take care of yourself too!
August 6, 2024 — Sgt. Chrishna Wray, an active-duty Soldier from Jamaica, has served in the Army for 12 years, facing significant health challenges including knee, hip, and back injuries, and fibromyalgia. Despite these issues worsening during a deployment to Korea, she prioritized her duties over her health. Now assigned to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Wray is undergoing physical therapy and adaptive reconditioning while navigating the medical board process. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and is exploring Career Education and Readiness opportunities, including an internship with the DOD Inspector General’s office, as she prepares for a potential transition to civilian life... MORE

Working with Chaplain not part of Soldier’s plan
July 30, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Junel Custodio, known as "Pops," joined the Army at 31, starting in the Infantry as a Medic before becoming a Chaplain's Assistant. His journey back to faith began after meeting Chaplain Brian Harvey during a suicide prevention talk, which led Custodio to embrace spirituality and stop drinking. Despite experiencing significant losses and physical pain, Custodio found solace and purpose in his new role. After injuring his back on deployment, he was sent to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir, where he underwent surgeries and received comprehensive support. Custodio is now being medically discharged and plans to pursue a master's in clinical therapy or social work to continue serving Soldiers. Music, a lifelong passion, played a therapeutic role in his recovery, culminating in a memorable performance of the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals game. Custodio's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of support systems in overcoming adversity... MORE

Staff Sgt Junel Custodio is a Chaplain’s assistant in the Army

National Guard Soldiers need to learn about the SRU
July 29, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Adrienne Toliver, with a 34-year career in the Maryland National Guard, also worked as a contractor for the Defense Intelligence Agency. During her last deployment, she needed surgery for a severe foot issue and was sent to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in November 2022. Toliver had previously sent Soldiers to the SRU but never expected to need its services herself. Her experience highlighted the importance of the SRU for both Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers. At the SRU, she received comprehensive care that addressed her physical, mental, and spiritual health, especially significant as she dealt with the loss of her sister. Toliver managed to continue her education, completing a master's degree in healthcare administration with a 3.7 GPA. She emphasizes the critical support SRUs provide, from medical care to morale activities, and advises Soldiers to utilize these resources rather than attempting recovery alone. Awaiting medical retirement, Toliver remains committed to informing fellow Guardsmen about the benefits of the Army Recovery Care Program... MORE

“When you transfer to an SRU, your main mission is to get better and go back into the fight!”
July 25, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp, known as "G," has a unique perspective on the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) after personally benefiting from it multiple times in his 24-year career. After nine deployments and several surgeries for medical issues, including a hiatal hernia, "G" utilized the Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) at Ft Stewart, Fort Bliss, and Fort Moore to recover. His extensive experience with SRUs led him to become a squad leader at Ft Cavazos SRU and later an operations NCO at MRC-West, Ft Sam Houston. "G" emphasizes the importance of SRUs in focusing solely on the Soldier's recovery, dispelling the myth that they hinder career progression. He advocates for Soldiers to use the support and resources available, such as the Career Education and Readiness branch, to ensure long-term health and career stability. His empathy and firsthand experience make him a strong advocate for the wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, urging them to prioritize their recovery and leverage the comprehensive support offered by the ARCP... MORE

Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp is proud to have been part of the Army Recovery Care Program

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

Being here is such an honor
June 30, 2024 — Sgt. Noah Rydesky is thrilled to compete for Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, describing the experience as an honor beyond anything he's ever known. His journey to the Games was harrowing; after being assaulted and left for dead in Colorado on February 13, 2022, he was found with frostbite and severe injuries. His recovery began in a hospital and continued at the Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), where the supportive staff helped him overcome his physical and emotional challenges. Initially struggling in a dark place, Rydesky found solace and strength in adaptive sports, which he quickly embraced. Now, he competes in field, track, and swimming, his favorite sport. Rydesky's competitive spirit shines as he jokes about aiming for gold and proudly thanks his coaches and the SRU staff for their unwavering support... MORE

Team Army athlete Sgt. Noah Rydesky, with one of his gold medals in swimming, was flanked by athletes from Team Air Force and Team Marines

Adaptive sports helped me have a routine
June 29, 2024 — Army Specialist Alexis Pantoja's journey of recovery and resilience is nothing short of miraculous. After suffering a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle hit-and-run accident on September 24, 2022, Pantoja was in a coma for ten days and had to relearn basic skills such as walking, talking, and writing. His rehabilitation included participation in adaptive sports at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), which helped him establish a daily routine and regain his abilities. Now a competitor in the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, Pantoja reflects on his remarkable progress and the importance of adaptive sports in his recovery. Although he will not return to duty due to his medical condition, Pantoja proudly represents Team Army in field, track, and rowing events. His story highlights the power of perseverance, routine, and the support of a dedicated community, inspiring others with similar challenges to strive for a positive outcome... MORE

Spc. Alexis Pantoja of Team Army throws in the discus competition

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