Stories

Tag: Soldier Recovery Unit

If I had to recover without the SRU it would be extremely difficult.
March 3, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Devin Fink, a resilient married father of two, shares his journey of survival as he competes for a spot on Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando. Medically retiring due to injuries sustained during multiple deployments, including a significant traumatic brain injury (TBI) from an explosion during the Afghanistan withdrawal, Fink credits the Walter Reed Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) for his progress. Despite challenges such as cognitive deficits, impaired speech, vertigo, hearing loss, and a brain tumor, Fink remains determined, finding solace in volunteering with Cover Six Canines and embracing adaptive sports like air rifle shooting. Grateful for the camaraderie and support he finds through the SRU and adaptive sports, Fink sees the opportunity to compete on Team Army as a chance to continue serving and finding purpose despite his medical retirement... MORE

Staff Sgt. Devin Fink in front of helicopter

The advantage of recovering in the SRU
March 3, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Travis Beeghley, part of the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), shares insights gained from his own journey of injury and recovery. Having faced challenges navigating healthcare outside the military when he tore his ACL in 2016, Beeghley emphasizes the support and resources available within the SRU, underscoring its value for soldiers facing similar situations. Reflecting on his decision to utilize the SRU after a subsequent injury in 2022, Beeghley encourages others to consider this option early on, stressing the importance of seizing available assistance for both physical and mental health recovery. Engaging in adaptive sports activities at the SRU, Beeghley finds fulfillment in contributing to others' rehabilitation journeys while pursuing his own athletic goals. He urges fellow soldiers not to lose hope and to leverage the Army Recovery Care Program for comprehensive support, emphasizing that even amidst medical evaluations, opportunities for progress and assistance abound within the SRU setting... MORE

Staff Sgt Travis Beeghley at wheelchair rugby camp

The SRU takes you from can’t do to can do.
March 2, 2024 — Spc. Berenice Carmona, a member of the South Carolina National Guard, faced life-altering injuries during a deployment to Kuwait in 2021, but her resilience and determination have led her on a remarkable journey of recovery and adaptation. After sustaining injuries to her meniscus and ACL, Carmona found herself at the Fort Stewart Soldier Recovery Unit, where she embraced the support and resources available to her. Through therapy and adaptive reconditioning, Carmona discovered a passion for adaptive sports, finding renewed purpose and morale as she learned to navigate life differently... MORE

Spc. Bernice Carmona and her comrades in the gym

Going to the SRU means you get specialized care to repair what’s broken
February 21, 2024 — CW3 Kirk Holden, a Criminal Investigation Division Specialist and Army Reservist for 24 years, endured numerous injuries throughout his service, including shoulder, neck, and back injuries. Despite the pain, Holden adhered to the military ethos of pushing through discomfort until a doctor at Ft. Bliss advised him to seek treatment at a Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Relocating to Joint Base Lewis McChord's SRU in February 2023, Holden now recognizes the importance of addressing injuries promptly. He emphasizes the value of the Army Recovery Care Program, advocating for Soldiers to seek specialized care rather than ignoring injuries. Currently on the path to medical retirement, Holden is optimistic about his recovery at the SRU and is exploring adaptive sports opportunities, such as wheelchair rugby, with aspirations to participate in the upcoming 2024 Army Trials. He acknowledges the transformative impact of adaptive reconditioning programs, highlighting his newfound skills and strength, and looks forward to potentially representing Team Army in adaptive sports competitions... MORE

CW3 Kirk Holden is taking morning laps on day one of wheelchair rugby camp.

I would not have been able to take the time to take care of myself had it not been for the SRU
February 8, 2024 — 1st Lt. Matthew Hovey, a Field Artillery Officer, faced a challenging deployment after sustaining a neck injury in 2022 while working with NATO Forces in the Middle East. Despite the injury, he remained committed to his unit, managing his pain through self-care measures during the deployment. Upon returning, Hovey transitioned to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) to address his injuries, recognizing the importance of prioritizing his health over returning to his previous career in construction. Through surgeries and rehabilitation, he learned to focus on his own recovery, embracing adaptive sports as part of his healing journey. Inspired by the prospect of competing in adaptive sports competitions like the Warrior Games, Hovey now aims to make Team Army, highlighting the transformative impact of the SRU's resources and counseling support. He encourages fellow Soldiers to explore the opportunities available at the SRU, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of resources and trying new activities to aid in their recovery journey... MORE

1st Lt. Matthew Hovey after cervical fusion surgery #3 at Walter Reed.

Soldier says hits in rugby and life won’t stop her
February 8, 2024 — Soldiers from various Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) recently gathered at Fort Belvoir to participate in a wheelchair rugby camp, an intense physical sport that serves as a crucial component of recovery for individuals like Spc. Brooke Jader from Fort Riley SRU. Despite initial health concerns stemming from a deployment to Cuba in 2022, which led her to the SRU due to Bilateral Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Jader found solace and progress through adaptive sports. Learning to navigate the challenges of wheelchair rugby not only bolstered her physical resilience but also fostered teamwork and confidence, as demonstrated on social media platforms. Grateful for the support and activities provided by the SRU, Jader remains determined in her recovery journey, with aspirations to pursue further studies in the medical field post-Army, alongside competing in the upcoming Army Trials at Fort Liberty. She credits her time at the SRU for shaping her path toward recovery and acknowledges the valuable opportunities it has afforded her... MORE

Spc. Brooke Jader "meets the hit" during wheelchair rugby camp at Ft. Belvoir.

The Army Recovery Care Program is like a one-stop shop for getting well
February 8, 2024 — Sgt First Class Saul Sierra, a veteran of 29 years in the Army, faced a significant shoulder injury in April 2022, leading him to the Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) for treatment. Through adaptive reconditioning programs, particularly wheelchair rugby, Sierra found newfound motivation and support, inspired by his fiancé's success on Team Army at the Warrior Games. Embracing the resources provided by the Army Recovery Care Program, Sierra is not only focusing on his physical recovery but also preparing for his post-Army career, including federal resume building and management courses. With aspirations to join Team Army at the upcoming Army Trials in March 2024, Sierra emphasizes the importance of utilizing the SRU's services, encouraging younger Soldiers to embrace the care and opportunities available for their recovery and future endeavors... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Saull Sierra during a warm-up at the 2024 Wheelchair Rigby Camp at Fort Belvoir.

The SRU sets Soldiers up for success whether they return to duty or retire.
February 2, 2024 — After sustaining an injury during a deployment in 2022, Sgt. Christopher Mulligan found himself facing uncertainty about his future as a Soldier. However, his experience at the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, proved to be a turning point. With personalized support and guidance from his Transition Coordinator, James Coleman, Mulligan not only recovered from his injury but also found a new career path in the intelligence community. The SRU's comprehensive assistance, from medical care to career planning, enabled Mulligan to transition smoothly into civilian life, with plans to complete his education and embrace new opportunities. His journey highlights the vital role of support systems like the SRU in helping military personnel navigate life-changing transitions with confidence and optimism... MORE

Sgt Mulligan before his back surgery in July 2022.

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