Stories

Tag: ARCP

Retired Army Pilot has his “sites” set on Team Army
March 5, 2024 — Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bruce McCormick, a veteran helicopter pilot with six deployments spanning 36 years in the Army, recounts his journey through injuries and rehabilitation, culminating in his participation in the Army Recovery Care Program and adaptive sports. Despite enduring ten surgeries for an ankle injury sustained in 2005, McCormick found hope through a successful transplant surgery in 2015 and rediscovered resilience through adaptive sports at the Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit. Now a dedicated father of five daughters, McCormick is aiming for a spot on Team Army at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, competing in various events such as air rifle shooting, swimming, cycling, rowing, and team sports. With his daughters eagerly supporting his endeavor, McCormick views the opportunity to compete as a chance to reclaim his identity and inspire his family, showcasing the transformative power of adaptive sports in rebuilding confidence and embracing new challenges... MORE

U.S. Army veteran Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard (Bruce) McCormick stares down his target during the shooting event at the 2024 Army Trials

Adaptive sports take your mind off your problems.
March 4, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Abel Baez, a six-foot-five infantryman, has endured years of pain from a surgically repaired ACL and meniscus tear, leading him to discover adaptive sports as a tool for recovery at the Fort Stewart Soldier Recovery Unit. Despite facing medical retirement after 18 years of service, Baez found solace and purpose in adaptive sports, such as wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, which not only kept him physically engaged but also helped him mentally... MORE

Staff Sgt. Abel Baez in the shot put competition at the 2024 Army Trials

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

Return to duty amputee Soldier says, “Tell me I can’t do something."
February 26, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Adam Proctor, a combat medic who lost his leg in 2021, defied expectations by returning to duty and excelling in adaptive sports competitions. Initially reluctant to face the reality of his situation, Proctor embraced the challenge, determined not to let anything or anyone deter him from his military career. Despite facing a rigorous recovery process at the Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit, Proctor's perseverance paid off when he was selected to compete for Team Army at the Warrior Games Challenge, ultimately winning six medals. His resilience not only inspired his fellow soldiers but also served as a powerful example to his five sons, instilling in them the belief that anything is possible... MORE

Staff Sgt Adam Proctor sitting on his motorcycle.

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.

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