Stories

Tag: Army Recovery Care Program

A caregiver's work is never done
November 26, 2024 — November is Warrior Care Month. No one truly knows the life of a caregiver until they end up in that position themselves. “This is my full-time job now because of Jack’s stroke. I had to quit my job to be a full-time caregiver. I am the caregiver-in-chief now,” chuckles Gloriah Peko, who is celebrating 9 years of marriage with her Soldier husband, Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko. He suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor on November 3, 2022. The Peko household was turned upside down, and the caregiver-in-chief had to ease their four children into their new normal. Eight-year-old Jayden is the oldest and has the most memories of his Dad before the stroke. He admits it’s been an adjustment: “I was feeling a little frustrated because Daddy was different. We have to work hard every day to communicate. He gets to come see me play soccer, and he is a big cheerleader—I hear him cheering for me.” Jack Peko is in a wheelchair and has mobility issues along with impaired speech. Gloriah says there is always the Jack factor when she or the family does anything. “When I want to go somewhere, I have to find someone to help care for him. If I have to run to the store, for example, Jack has to go with me, or someone has to be here.” Gloriah and Jack are thankful her parents live nearby. “They’ve been a huge help with our kids. My Mom’s been dropping them off and picking them up from school. She is such a big help.” Being a caregiver in the Peko house is magnified to the 10th power for Gloriah with kids aged 2, 4, 7, and 8, plus keeping up with her husband’s schedule. In a slow and eager voice, SFC Peko shares their hectic day. “Every day, Gloriah will help me do my stretches, walking just to warm up my legs and working my arms. I have occupational and physical therapy, which I go to as well. Our days are full. If I have a doctor's appointment, it throws a wrench in my routine.” Gloriah explains how military spouses tend to stay focused on the original plan. When faced with this challenge, she is beyond thankful for the Fort Riley Soldier Recovery Unit and how they’ve been a constant source of support. “We feel so much better now. Two years ago, when the stroke happened, we had no idea what was going to happen next. We didn’t have an alternative plan because THE plan was for us to serve 20 years. Well, that isn’t happening. Our time at the SRU with everyone has been such a Godsend. We are grateful for what they have done for Jack and what they are doing for us beyond the Army.” Gloriah feels compelled to ask other military spouses if they have a disaster plan. “What’s your disaster plan? It’s a shock when you don’t have one, and something happens,” she says thoughtfully, wanting other military spouses to think about that. Sgt. 1st Class Peko talks about how their plan derailed everything.” It’s a big adjustment. I didn’t think about school or anything after the Army because I wanted a twenty-year career. I constantly think about it now because I have to support my family.” Peko’s Transition Coordinator at the Fort Riley SRU, Lisa Smith, works hard to ensure Soldiers are ready for work. In Peko’s case, she researched all the courses he could take to help him find a career after the Army. “I’m going to work in IT. She has me taking courses on the computer at home. I have so many options to look into,” said SFC Peko excitedly. Adaptive sports have played an enormous part in his recovery as well. Peko was on Team Army and competed at this year's Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, where he brought home four silver medals. It’s now a part of his life, he says. “I try to squeeze adaptive sports into my days when I don’t have an appointment. The SRU is great about having me come in and work for an hour with archery. My goal is to continue in adaptive sports, and I definitely want to try out for Team Army again.” According to Gloriah, the hard work of being a caregiver can be slow and frustrating at first. She encourages patience and ‘me- time’ for any caregiver: “Be patient with the loved one you are taking care of. Be prepared and try to find time for yourself. You need that so you don’t go over the edge.” As he completes his medical board process, Sgt. 1st Class Peko reflects on his journey and says the best-laid plans can change, but family makes all the difference. “I think the hardest part is I was so used to supporting my family, and now I watch them do everything- the table is turned. I love my family so much.”... MORE

The Pekos were honored on the field this season at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.

Become vulnerable, accept help, and get well
November 26, 2024 — Retired Army Capt. Alissa Sheiness, a former combat medic turned surgical registered nurse, faced a drastic turn in her career after complications from an emergency C-section led to multiple surgeries. Her recovery journey at the Army's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) highlighted the significance of the Army Recovery Care Program. Initially skeptical, Sheiness found immense support and therapeutic programs that aided her physical and emotional healing. Her experiences have inspired her to advocate for Soldiers to embrace vulnerability and seek necessary help. Now medically retired, Sheiness is pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree and aspires to give back to the military community by working with Soldiers and veterans, emphasizing the importance of self-care... MORE

Then Sgt. Alissa Sheiness, May 2016 Fort Bliss, TX.

The Soldier Recovery Unit worked with me and my family
November 19, 2024 — Maj. Kayla Lytle of the Pennsylvania National Guard, recovering from a torn labrum and bicep injury sustained during a mission, found invaluable support at the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir. Despite challenges like family separation and her mother-in-law's cancer diagnosis, the SRU leadership provided her with flexibility, including frequent passes to be home. When facing a long wait for surgery, SRU leaders advocated for her to receive treatment at a civilian hospital near her family. Post-surgery in February 2024, Lytle has been diligently working on recovery, while also planning for her future with the help of her Transition Coordinator, Mr. Coleman. She has enrolled in a certified clinical medical assistant program and is pursuing a phlebotomy certification, supported by financial aid opportunities she discovered through the SRU. Lytle credits the SRU for facilitating her medical care, recovery, and career readiness, and reflects positively on her decision to join the program despite initial hesitations. Activities like art therapy and yoga at the SRU helped her achieve a successful recovery, enabling her to transition confidently back to Guard duty and civilian life... MORE

“Being at the SRU gave me a sense of relief that I’m not the only one.”
November 13, 2024 — Captain Kyra Maggio, an Army Reserve Officer, is breaking the stigma around mental health in the military by sharing her recovery journey at a Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). After struggling with isolation and depression during a deployment to Kuwait in early 2023, she sought support at the Fort Carson SRU before transferring to Fort Bliss to be closer to her family. Maggio found relief through therapy, psychiatry, and adaptive sports offered by the SRU, helping her realize that behavioral health challenges are just as valid as physical injuries. As she prepares for medical retirement, Maggio is grateful for the guidance of her Transition Coordinator, who has helped her explore career opportunities, including plans to start a small business in El Paso focused on healthy eating. Encouraging others to embrace the SRU, Maggio hopes to inspire Soldiers, particularly National Guard and Reservists, to seek the support they need and not suffer in silence... MORE

Capt. Kyra Maggio enjoys caring for horses as part of her therapy at the Fort Bliss SRU.

“I do things differently through adaptation.”
November 8, 2024 — Captain Stefanie Faull’s life changed dramatically after a freak accident in 2020 led to the elective amputation of her right leg below the knee. Despite years of challenging limb salvage efforts, Faull made the tough decision to prioritize her quality of life, supported by her family and medical team at the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) and the Center for the Intrepid. With resilience and a positive attitude, she completed over 2 million meters of rowing during her recovery and successfully graduated from physical therapy school while receiving a promotion. Determined to continue her Army career as a physical therapist, Faull is now preparing for her next assignment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Drawing on her personal experience, she emphasizes treating the whole Soldier and encourages others in recovery to embrace the SRU’s support. Faull’s journey demonstrates the power of perseverance and humor as she moves forward, committed to helping others and serving on her own terms... MORE

One month after her amputation, Capt. Stefanie Faull showed off her new leg!

A Soldier, horses, and the SRU
October 16, 2024 — Army Master Sgt. Corey Seeton, who suffered severe knee and shoulder injuries during a 2023 deployment, found recovery and peace at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) through working with horses. Engaging in equine-facilitated learning, Seeton discovered how building a bond with horses helped him decompress and focus on healing. He volunteers with the program three days a week, appreciating the unique relationship-building aspect of the therapy. Seeton encourages other Soldiers to explore the SRU's programs, emphasizing the benefits of camaraderie and personalized recovery. As he approaches retirement, Seeton reflects positively on his decision to embrace the SRU’s resources... MORE

Master Sgt Corey Seeton works with Willow, a ten-year-old quarter horse.

Recent Purple Heart recipient recovering at Fort Belvoir SRU
October 16, 2024 — Army Sgt. Jada Lassiter, who received the Purple Heart at Fort Belvoir’s Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), is still processing the events leading to her award. She was injured in an explosion during an overseas deployment, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, kidney damage, and multiple broken bones. Airlifted to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany and then to the SRU, she is now focused on her recovery, engaging in therapeutic activities like cycling and art therapy. Though unsure if she will return to duty, Lassiter finds comfort and support at the SRU, bonding with fellow Soldiers and appreciating the resources available. She encourages others to fully embrace the SRU’s offerings and support networks during recovery... MORE

Sgt. Jada Lassiter with Major Carson at her Purple Heart ceremony

Soldier rebuilds herself in the most peaceful way.
October 16, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class Porsha Gigliotti, stationed at the Hawaii Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) since September 2022, found peace and balance through the unit's gardening program. After fourteen years of active duty in a high-stress career, personal struggles led her to seek help at the SRU. Gigliotti, who is preparing for medical retirement, appreciates the SRU's focus on the Soldier’s mental and physical well-being. In addition to gardening, she engages in adaptive reconditioning events and career programs, helping her transition to civilian life. Married with 11 children, she is completing a master’s degree in business and executive leadership and plans to pursue a doctorate. Gigliotti encourages Soldiers to seek help at the SRU, recognizing its invaluable support in recovery... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Porsha Gigliotti in the garden at the SRU in Hawaii.

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