Stories

Tag: DHA

Purple Heart recipient says pay attention to that Army Training!
January 6, 2025 — Arizona National Guard Soldier Sgt. Aneska Holness received the Purple Heart on December 4, 2024, after surviving an explosion in the Middle East earlier that year. When her building collapsed, she was injured and trapped but still helped rescue her roommate and other Soldiers. Several comrades were killed, and the event underscored the importance of Army training, particularly first aid. Holness later underwent hip surgeries for her injuries—including a traumatic brain injury—and recovered at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit, grateful for the medical care and support she received. She was honored to be recognized with the Purple Heart, calling it “bittersweet,” and encourages fellow Soldiers to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and take drills and training seriously... MORE

Sgt. Aneska Holness, after receiving the Purple Heart at Ft Bliss on Dec 4, 2024.

When the weak become strong
January 6, 2025 — Army Staff Sgt. Houston Taylor, a 27-year-old Louisiana National Guardsman, suffered a life-altering stroke in October 2023 that left him unable to use his left side. Doctors had to remove part of his skull due to swelling, and after extensive hospital stays, he was transferred to the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in February 2024. There, Taylor relearned to walk and regained partial use of his left arm through intensive therapy. Despite setbacks and limited involvement in adaptive reconditioning events, he found motivation in fellow SRU Soldier Maj. Ken LeBlanc, who encouraged him to complete a 5k in October—Taylor ultimately walked the entire distance with a cane. Grateful for the support, Taylor reminds other Soldiers in similar situations to lean on faith, family, or friends and never hesitate to reach out for help... MORE

SSG Houston Taylor exchanged his cane with Maj. Ken LeBlanc for the SRU Guidon he carried across the finish line at a 5k in October 2024.

Life goes on with Adaptive Sports
January 2, 2025 — Retired Army Staff Sgt. Bobby Green shares his journey of overcoming spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries through the power of adaptive sports. After a fall from a tactical vehicle in Kuwait, Green faced uncertainty about his future. Initially skeptical about adaptive sports, he discovered its transformative impact at the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit. Embracing activities like seated shot put, archery, and sitting volleyball, Green credits adaptive sports with saving his life and giving him the tools to adapt. Now retired, he mentors athletes and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and the doors that adaptive sports can open... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Bobby Green works on his shot-put technique, September 23, at York Lion Stadium, Toronto, Canada, in preparation for the Invictus Games.

Transforming struggle into strength
December 18, 2024 — Most Soldiers are unaware of Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) until they need one, yet the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) operates 24/7 to support recovery and transition. At a recent ARCP Summit at Fort Belvoir, the new Struggle Well program was highlighted as a tool to transform struggles into strengths. Behavioral health consultant Krista Argiolas, who led Struggle Well training, emphasized the program’s focus on creating individualized growth plans for Soldiers, much like the Comprehensive Recovery Plan (CRP). By addressing not only physical recovery but also practical life and career matters, the SRUs aim to treat the whole Soldier through diverse interventions tailored to different learning styles. Argiolas believes recovery goes beyond military service, enabling Soldiers to continue serving themselves, their families, and their communities. She proudly champions the program’s ability to help Soldiers see life beyond their struggles and foster a stronger sense of purpose... MORE

ARCP Behavioral Health Consultant Krista Argiolas answers questions at a Summit for Post-Traumatic Growth at Fort Belvoir. December 4, 2024

“Adaptive sports regifted confidence to me.” ~ Tiffanie Johnson
December 11, 2024 — After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Corporal Tiffanie Johnson’s life changed drastically, leaving her feeling lost and disconnected from the Army she loved. At the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Walter Reed, adaptive sports offered her a lifeline she hadn’t anticipated. Initially hesitant, Johnson eventually embraced the opportunity, finding not only physical strength but also mental and emotional healing through activities like seated volleyball and air rifle—where she discovered hidden talents. Competing in the Warrior Games and Invictus Games, she overcame challenges, including fatigue and limitations in three limbs, by learning to adapt and thrive. Adaptive sports not only restored her confidence and sense of purpose but also allowed her to reconnect with the military community. Now balancing school, part-time work, and a stable diagnosis, Johnson views adaptive sports as a transformative gift that gave her back the confidence and belonging she once feared she had lost... MORE

Team US, Army Veteran Cpl. Tiffanie Johnson at the 2023 Invictus Games in Duesseldorf, Germany. September 8, 2023.

“Adaptive Sports made a difference for me” ~ PFC Michael Romulus
December 4, 2024 — Private First-Class Michael Romulus' military dreams were cut short after a severe accident during basic training left him paralyzed. Determined to recover, he focused on relearning basic skills with the help of the Army Recovery Care Program at Fort Moore Soldier Recovery Unit. Surrounded by mentors and peers, he discovered adaptive sports, excelling in archery, seated shot put, and seated discus, even winning gold medals at the 2024 Endeavor Games. His experiences inspired him to pursue bioengineering at Morehouse College to develop spinal cord technology, driven by his own journey and desire to help others with similar injuries... MORE

PFC Michael Romulus gets strapped in to throw discus during an adaptive sports camp.

Helping those who help our Soldiers
December 4, 2024 — At an Army Recovery Care Program summit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, occupational and physical therapists, clinical and social workers, doctors, and others from the fourteen Soldier Recovery Units shared information on ways to help. Joy Davis, an occupational therapist at the Fort Liberty SRU, stressed the value of coming together at events like this. “It’s integral for us to do a great job for our program and unit. Coming here, we can gather as much information as possible to take back and share to improve things for our Soldiers.” Davis says the goal is to deliver a holistic, high-level experience to wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers. According to Fort Liberty SRU Physical Therapist Brett Clingerman, talking with peers and leadership and hearing from subject matter experts at events like this is invaluable... MORE

Physical Therapist Brett Clingerman and his colleague Occupational Therapist Joy Davis reviewed notes from the 2024 OT/PT and Post Traumatic Growth Summit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on December 4, 2024.

The Strength of a Military Family
November 26, 2024 — summarize Every November since 1996, Military Family Month recognizes military families' service and sacrifices. This year, we honor the Calantoc Family, who’ve had more than their share of sacrifices due to unfortunate circumstances. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc married in 2009, embarked on a military career journey for Gene, and welcomed three children during their multiple military moves. “I was very clueless initially when he said he would join the military. You can’t imagine what happens in a military family’s life. I had to be up to the task,“ said Miho Calantoc. Originally from San Diego, the Calantocs moved four times in ten years. “It’s definitely something most people won't experience. One month after we had our first daughter, my husband got orders to deploy for nine months to Afghanistan. We just moved to Kentucky, our first duty station, so we had no family, no friends, and I was a newbie in this military world.” She says she made new friends by “networking” the network. “ Before we got into the military, I didn’t have a lot of friends. Reaching out to people was a new thing for me. It was hard to do because I didn’t want to burden anybody. The military taught me it's okay to ask for help, and networking is vital.” She did this by engaging with Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, which she says was instrumental in building her confidence to seek help and build lifelong friendships. Many people hear that story when military families or military moves are discussed. What happened on their third assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, changed their lives forever. “Our life changed 180 degrees. Our goal was twenty years in the Army. I just had our third child when we were in Missouri, and he was only 8 months old when Gene had his accident,” said Miho. Gene had a terrible motorcycle accident while riding with friends in March 2020, the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. At a hospital two hours away, a nurse called Miho and explained Gene would need his leg amputated and said they would update her by phone with information after his surgery. “ We turned the car around and went home; we weren’t allowed in the hospital,” said Miho. Staff Sergeant Calantoc admires his bride, who moved heaven and earth to reunite her family. “I am very proud of Miho. She has been so supportive, even though this is not what she signed up for, and wasn’t prepared for this outcome. She is truly amazing.” Because of COVID restrictions, it would be more than two months before the family would reunite. It was a busy two months for Miho and the kids. “We didn’t see Gene until he got to his next assignment, the Soldier Recovery Unit in San Antonio. That was in May. We also had to move out of our home within two months, and I had to clear Gene from all his work stuff before we headed to San Antonio. So, I had to do everything by myself with the kids,” said Miho. Mica Calantoc is old enough to remember when her dad had two legs. She says life is normal now, but it was a lot of newness initially. The abrupt move to another state, a new school, and the new way to navigate the house. “It's different because my dad needs a little help. It is weird, though, at night because he takes his leg off to go to bed,” said the 12-year-old with a giggle. The Calantocs have quite the military journey as a family to share, enduring more than their share, but they are proud, according to Miho, to have served for ten years. “It’s not easy, and the struggle is real. People automatically think of the stability you get in the military — housing, paycheck, medical. They don’t understand the struggle of not having a spouse who is in training or deployed. Add to that if you then become a caregiver and how much work it is to care for someone with a disability and keep the whole house running, likely living somewhere away from family.” Staff Sgt. Calantoc medically retired in 2021 and turned to adaptive sports as a way to recover. He made Team Army and competed at this year’s Warrior Games. It most definitely became a family affair. “I like to see how much my Dad can do in those sports. He’s fast because he practices a lot. I'm really proud of him, and I like to see him in wheelchair rugby,” said Mica. “He plays with the kids in his wheelchair. We are learning to adapt and are comfortably placed into our new normal as a military family,” Miho shared. She is particularly proud of their children and how they’ve embraced this unplanned journey. “After seeing Daddy with a disability, I’ve noticed our kids are more compassionate and embracing of others with a disability. They are very considerate and helpful .” Recognizing his family's sacrifices and strength, Calantoc is thankful his wife fits into military life perfectly and handles everything like a champ. “She means everything to me. She’s always loving and caring. When I am sad or depressed, she is there to lift me up. Our family is a blessing, and I know the Lord knows what is coming for me in the future. I’m ready.” Military Family Month, celebrated every November since 1996, recognizes the service and sacrifices of military families. This year, it honors the Calantoc Family. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc have navigated multiple relocations, deployments, and a life-changing motorcycle accident in 2020 that led to Gene's leg amputation. Despite challenges, Miho has been a steadfast support, handling the care of their three children and adapting to new circumstances. Gene’s involvement in adaptive sports and participation in the Warrior Games highlight their resilience. Their story underscores the importance of support systems, like Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, and the strength found within military families... MORE

The Calantoc Family after the powerlifting competition at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

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