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Tag: Soldier Recovery Unit

Team Army Staff Sgt. Derrick Thompson: “This is redemption year”
June 23, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Derrick Thompson views this year's Warrior Games in Orlando with greater preparedness and determination compared to last year's Warrior Games Challenge in San Diego. After being diagnosed with life-threatening diabetes three years ago and undergoing recovery at the Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Unit, Thompson participated cautiously last year. This year, he is fully committed, aiming for redemption, and has already won gold in the men’s 200-meter and silver in the 100-meter track events. Thompson is also competing in multiple sports, including cycling, archery, and wheelchair basketball. Beyond sports, he recently welcomed his third child and is preparing for retirement. His focus on health, bolstered by the Army Recovery Care Program and his SRU, has been crucial in his recovery. Embracing his new normal with positivity and gratitude, Thompson is motivated to be his best for his family and team, playfully confident about Team Army's success... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derrick Thompson competes in the cycling event during the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Cpl. Patrick Dayton: “Adaptive sports are a lifeline to a life with others like me.”
June 21, 2024 — Retired Army Cpl. Patrick Dayton, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2022, found a renewed sense of purpose through adaptive sports and the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Initially not athletic, Dayton discovered the camaraderie and team spirit he missed from the military through the Warrior Games. After extensive rehab at the Center for the Intrepid, he embraced his new life as an amputee and immersed himself in adaptive sports. Now a proud member of Team Army, he competes in powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming, and track, finding emotional and physical strength among fellow warriors. Dayton highlights the importance of adaptive sports in providing a new purpose and a supportive community for those with visible and invisible injuries... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Cpl. Patrick Dayton waits for his turn to compete in the field event at the 2024 Army Trials, Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Spc. Noah Strunk: “Warriors are always ready to go, and I am.”
June 20, 2024 — Army Spc. Noah Strunk is competing in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games as he prepares to medically retire from the Army on June 28th. Strunk, a field artillery radar operator, joined the Army with plans to serve for twenty years but sustained a severe knee injury in 2022, leading to multiple surgeries and his participation in the Army Recovery Care Program. Adaptive sports became a crucial part of his recovery, giving him a new purpose and helping him overcome depression. Strunk's passion for the Army remains strong, and he is determined to excel in swimming, track, and cycling at the Warrior Games, viewing this competition as a continuation of his journey rather than its end... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Noah Strunk is pumped and ready to compete with Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

Team Army Ultimate Champion: “I had let go of the crutches in life, and the word can’t.”
June 6, 2024 — Retired Army Sgt. Justin Mathers, after a severe motorcycle accident left him unable to feel his legs, embarked on a remarkable recovery journey through the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), leading him to compete in the Department of Defense Warrior Games. Following injuries sustained in Iraq and subsequent surgeries, Mathers discovered adaptive sports at the SRU, initially struggling but eventually finding inspiration from fellow veterans. Encouraged by his wife and a dedicated physical therapist, he shed weight and successfully competed in the 2022 Warrior Games, earning multiple medals. Determined to push his limits, Mathers transitioned from recumbent cycling to becoming a USA para-cycling national champion. Now, as he prepares for the 2024 Warrior Games, Mathers reflects on his transformative experience, crediting the SRU and adaptive sports for his recovery and renewed sense of purpose. With aspirations for the Paralympics and Team US at Invictus, he emphasizes the vital role of adaptive sports in helping veterans feel relevant and connected... MORE

Ret. Army Sgt. Justin Mathers trains with Former Team Army and Team US athlete Mike Murphy.

Catch me if you can!
June 6, 2024 — Retired Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc is set to compete in the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games, held from June 21-30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. After losing his left leg above the knee following a motorcycle accident in March 2020, Calantoc discovered adaptive sports through the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Joint Base San Antonio. An avid athlete before his injury, he embraced sports like archery, powerlifting, rugby, cycling, wheelchair basketball, and rowing to aid his recovery. Weighing 130 pounds, he can bench press 259 pounds and aims to double his weight. Training five times a week, he strives to improve daily, driven by his personal motto of outdoing his previous performance. Calantoc is determined to make Team US and compete in the Invictus Games, with aspirations for the Paralympics in archery and powerlifting. His positive outlook and discipline are bolstered by the camaraderie of his teammates and the support of his family. Excited to compete and help fellow athletes facing similar challenges, he emphasizes that an injury or illness is not the end but a new beginning. Known for his speed and competitive spirit, Calantoc is ready to showcase his skills at the Warrior Games, particularly in wheelchair basketball and rugby, with a playful warning to his Air Force competitors: "Be ready – you gotta catch me!"... MORE

Retired Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc steals the ball and makes the basket in a wheelchair basketball competition at the 2024 Army Trials

The Army Caregiver Program issues new resource guide for caregivers and families of wounded, ill or injured Soldiers.
June 1, 2024 — The Army Caregiver Program has released a new resource guide titled "Army Caregiver Fact Sheet" for caregivers and families of wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers. This guide provides comprehensive information to help caregivers navigate the steps required during a medical emergency, from traveling to the Soldier's bedside to managing medical care and recovery. It includes details on Army requirements, necessary documentation, important contacts, and available assistance, such as invitational travel authorizations and special compensations. The fact sheet can be accessed and downloaded from www.arcp.army.mil/family_caregivers/process/inpatient... MORE

Retired Army Sgt. Joel Rodriguez, his wife Liannie - his caregiver – pose with their children after Team Army medaled silver in the wheelchair basketball game at the 2022 Warrior Games in Orlando, FL

“I’m most proud of myself for not giving up” ~ Capt. Victoria Rollin
May 26, 2024 — Veteran Captain Victoria Rollin, recently retired from the Army, has been selected for Team Army at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando. Her journey to the games marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the severe emotional distress and mental health challenges she faced, including psychosis and a bipolar disorder diagnosis, stemming from sexual harassment and trauma during her military service. Rollin credits the Army Recovery Care Program and adaptive sports for her ongoing rehabilitation and newfound sense of purpose. Grateful for the support she has received, Rollin is determined to share her positive experience with the Soldier Recovery Unit and encourages others to seek help without fear of ending their careers. Now, as she trains for the Warrior Games, she finds strength and camaraderie among her teammates and competitors, proud of her resilience and commitment to recovery... MORE

Christina O'Brian (L) and Victoria Rollin run in a cross-country competition.

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.

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