Stories

Tag: ARCP

Targeting Soldiers with archery
October 16, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class David Ware, a medically retired infantryman and human intelligence collector, found recovery through adaptive sports after a 2013 motorcycle accident led him to the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). Ware, who grew up practicing archery as a family hobby, rediscovered his passion for the sport and joined Team Army in 2022 as a competitive archer. Now an archery coach, Ware is committed to helping others find healing through the sport. He encourages Soldiers at the SRU to explore the many recovery programs available and to find their new purpose after injury. Recently ranked 23rd in the nation for archery, Ware continues to compete and coach Team Army in preparation for the Army Trials and Warrior Games. Alongside his wife, Emily, also an Army veteran, Ware volunteers with Veterans and first responders, sharing the calming and therapeutic benefits of archery with others... MORE

Coach David Ware is working with Soldiers at the range at Fort Liberty, North Carolina

“As a Reservist, I had a choice. I’m glad I came to the SRU” ~ Maj Ken LeBlanc
October 16, 2024 — Ken LeBlanc, an Army Reserve civil affairs officer and corporate medical executive, suffered a stroke during his last deployment to Poland. After receiving a stent in his carotid artery, he was transferred to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in San Antonio. Initially skeptical about staying at the SRU, LeBlanc is now grateful for the comprehensive care plan and rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy and adaptive reconditioning programs. He highlights the value of mindfulness and personal development in his recovery and urges other soldiers to embrace SRU resources. Despite cognitive challenges, LeBlanc is optimistic about his recovery and medical board process, aiming to complete his 20 years of service. He credits his recovery to the encouragement and support from the SRU team... MORE

Maj. Ken LeBlanc particpating in drum therapy.

Soldier thankful for how breast cancer changed the way she values life.
October 15, 2024 — Sgt. Kristen Shepherd, a 30-year-old human resources specialist, is recovering from breast cancer at the Fort Stewart Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) after her diagnosis in June 2023. Despite no family history or genetic predisposition, Shepherd underwent surgeries and is now focused on healing and caring for her nephew. She praises the comprehensive support of the SRU, describing the staff as a "family away from home," helping her through treatment, including adaptive reconditioning and emotional support. Shepherd plans to pursue a master’s degree or a new career with the help of her Transition Coordinator. Now an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness and the Army Recovery Care Program, she encourages Soldiers in similar situations to embrace the SRU's resources and prioritize their recovery... MORE

Sgt. Kristen Shepherd pictured with family

Where one door closes, another one opens.
October 1, 2024 — Quintis Reese is a dedicated professional in both his civilian and military roles. As a Medical Lab Specialist in the Army Reserves, Reese served globally, facing challenges like his Achilles injury during a deployment to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, he completed his mission and pursued officer training. Following his medical retirement, Reese found new direction with the help of the Army Recovery Care Program. This fall, he's set to continue his healthcare career as a quality assurance manager at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, embracing this new opportunity with his family's support... MORE

Sgt. Quintis Reese, with his daughters Nina, Saniah, Aria and his wife Ashley at the San Diego Safari Park.

After crash, pilot turns to JBLM Soldier Recovery Unit for help returning to duty.
September 18, 2024 — CW2 Ian Tambornino, a passionate Army helicopter pilot, experienced a life-altering event in February 2023 during a training exercise in Alaska when a horrific helicopter crash severely injured his arm. Despite extensive damage to his ulna nerve, flexor tendon, and veins, he was saved by his crewmates and received medical treatment that reconstructed his arm. During his recovery, Tambornino was assigned to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), where he has focused on physical recovery and career readiness. Although the road to recovery has been challenging, involving adaptive reconditioning activities like yoga to regain motion, Tambornino remains determined to return to the cockpit. With the support of his Transition Coordinator and training opportunities at JBLM, he is working on maintaining his flight knowledge through ground school and simulations. Grateful for the SRU's resources, he emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and taking recovery step by step, with his ultimate goal being to fly again... MORE

CW2 Ian Tambornino is ready to return to the cockpit and fly again.

At the SRU, the opportunities are there if you apply yourself.
September 18, 2024 — Recovery Care Coordinator Kenneth Tate, a medically retired Army veteran, has spent over a decade helping Soldiers at the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Carson. After his own military career was cut short due to a medical condition, Tate experienced firsthand the challenges Soldiers face during recovery. Now, as an RCC, he ensures that Soldiers take full advantage of the many opportunities available at the SRU, such as internships, free schooling, and certifications, which help prepare them for returning to duty or transitioning to civilian life. Tate emphasizes the importance of applying oneself to these opportunities, sharing stories of success, including Soldiers who have secured high-paying jobs after leveraging IT certifications. His personal experience as a former SRU client makes him relatable and effective, encouraging Soldiers to engage with the programs available and take control of their future... MORE

“I don’t want to go to a job after the Army; I want a career.”
September 17, 2024 — Master Sgt Keith Brooks, a 23-year Army veteran, has faced significant challenges throughout his military career, including a severe knee injury sustained during his second deployment to Iraq. Despite enduring seven surgeries and 18 months of rehabilitation, Brooks transitioned from infantry to a CBRN specialist and continued his service. His journey saw him return to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) twice, most recently in 2023, where he faced medical retirement. Brooks is now embracing the opportunities available to him, including job fairs, internships, and career development programs, as he prepares for life after the Army. He actively mentors younger soldiers, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of transition resources. Through internships, educational programs, and certifications, Brooks is paving the way for a future career in federal contracting, determined to secure a successful post-military career for himself and his family... MORE

Master Sgt. Keith Brooks with Command Sgt. Major Harold Dunn

Retired Soldier helps others get out of their comfort zone.
September 9, 2024 — Lisa Smith, an Army Recovery Care Program Transition Coordinator at Fort Riley, excels at helping Soldiers transition to civilian life by building trust and sharing her own experiences as a twice-transitioned Soldier. With over 30 years in the Reserves and six years of mobilization, Smith uses her extensive background to guide Soldiers through their recovery and career planning. She has been instrumental in supporting Soldiers like Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko, who suffered a stroke, by providing opportunities for career development and ensuring comprehensive support for their families. Smith’s dedication helps Soldiers navigate their futures beyond the Army... MORE

Retired Sgt 1st Class Lisa Smith is in her eighth year as a Transition Coordinator helping Soldiers at Fort Riley’s Soldier Recovery Unit

"Life isn’t happening to me; it's happening for me.”
September 9, 2024 — Spc. Dominique Washington’s Army career was unexpectedly cut short in August 2023 when she suffered a stroke at age 29. Despite having no prior health issues, she experienced two more strokes and a seizure in the following months. Her recovery journey began at the Fort Drum Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in December 2023. Initially hesitant, Washington found the SRU’s support invaluable, helping her cope with the trauma of her strokes and the loss of her mother to a similar condition. The SRU provided her with the care and encouragement needed to navigate her new reality and focus on raising her daughter... MORE

“It is a blessing that I am here at an SRU.” ~ Staff Sgt. Julia Vickers
September 4, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Julia Vickers experienced a transformative year after being deployed to Camp Humphries, Korea, where she faced significant mental health challenges. Initially hesitant to join the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir, believing it was only for combat-injured soldiers, she soon realized its value for her own recovery and transition. With eleven years of active duty, Vickers, who started as a lab technician before moving to human resources, found the SRU’s support crucial. The SRU allowed her to focus on her care and career transition, reigniting her passion for healthcare. She is now preparing for a new career in nursing, combining her medical and human resources experience... MORE

Staff Sgt Vickers with her mother, Crystal Banks, and her grandfather, Samuell Banks

Job Fairs at the SRU give Soldiers hope for their future
September 4, 2024 — Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Yoha, a sixteen-year Guardsman from California, is transitioning to civilian life after a medical retirement due to injuries sustained during deployment. Despite his initial plan for a twenty-year career, Yoha’s deployment to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia led to severe back and hip pain, dizziness, and multiple injuries, necessitating his evacuation to the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). At the SRU, Yoha is undergoing extensive therapy and medical treatment while leveraging job fairs and resume writing coaching to translate his military skills into civilian job opportunities. He finds the resources at SRU invaluable in navigating this challenging transition... MORE

CW2 Michael Yoha speaks with FEMA representatives at a job fair

Tough times don’t last; tough people do
August 22, 2024 — Master Sgt. Natalia Laughlin, a combat medic and mother of three, faced significant challenges after sustaining injuries during a run in 2022. As a former platoon sergeant at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), Laughlin found herself on the receiving end of the care she once provided. Her injuries included a hip and back injury, as well as a torn ligament in her hand. While managing her recovery, Laughlin also dealt with her 20-year-old daughter’s epilepsy and upcoming brain surgery, adding emotional strain to her physical recovery. Despite the hardships, Laughlin found strength in gratitude and the support of the SRU, including one-on-one therapy. She encourages others to embrace the SRU programs and seek help, emphasizing the importance of mental health and vulnerability. Her motto, “Tough times don’t last; tough people do,” embodies her resilience and determination to inspire others... MORE

“Their goal is to help my goal become a reality.” ~ Sgt. Russel Mendenhall
August 22, 2024 — Sgt. Russel Mendenhall experienced a life-altering injury while on patrol in Somalia, where he suffered a brain bleed and seizure after hitting his head in a Humvee. Diagnosed with Todd Paralysis, he was airlifted from Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and later to a hospital in Germany. His recovery journey eventually brought him to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he found immense support. With help from his Recovery Care Coordinator, Kenneth Tate, and the dedicated SRU staff, Mendenhall embraced the rehabilitation process, aiming to return to duty while balancing his full-time nursing studies in Utah. He is now committed to spreading awareness about the SRU's importance, encouraging fellow soldiers to prioritize their recovery and utilize the program’s resources... MORE

Staff Sgt. Qwane Hane and Sgt. Russel Mendenhall at the Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit

Returning to duty or not, the SRU is for you
August 19, 2024 — Sgt. 1st Class Miles Kihara served 14 years in the Army Special Forces with the 1st Battalion and planned to serve 20, but health issues led him to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) after being stationed in Okinawa. Kihara knew little about the SRU but quickly realized it was the right place for him to focus on recovery. Engaging in physical therapy, adaptive reconditioning, and job fairs, he found the SRU to be a supportive environment. Now in the medical board process, Kihara plans to retire in the coming months and is exploring new career opportunities, emphasizing how the Army Recovery Care Program helps soldiers through transitions... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Miles Kihara explains how showing up in person to meet with potential employers at a job fair is crucial

“If your time in the Army is done, find a new mission.” ~ Ret. Army 1st LT Cameron Kerr
August 7, 2024 — Retired Army 1st Lieutenant Cameron Kerr served with the 101st Airborne Division in Kandahar from 2010-2011, where he was severely injured by an IED explosion, resulting in a left leg amputation. Despite the trauma, Kerr remained conscious throughout his ordeal, allowing him to process the situation and communicate with his family before surgery. He credits the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) for his rehabilitation, praising its physical therapy and support. Now, years later, Kerr works as an Operations Manager for ARCP, completing a full circle by contributing to the very program that helped him recover. His advice to recovering Soldiers is to accept their situation quickly, embrace new opportunities, and find a new mission to pursue... MORE

Cameron Kerr and his wife were in front of the 24-foot Tiny House on Wheels they had built

Mother of five thankful for SRU during pregnancy
August 7, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Brittany Ramsey, a mother of five and a Soldier, found herself needing the Army's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) during her fifth pregnancy due to complications like gestational diabetes and a pelvic floor prolapse. Initially skeptical, she realized the value of the SRU, which helped her recover physically and pursue her long-time goal of attending law school. Ramsey, now in a JD flex program, credits the SRU for providing the support she needed to stay on track with her career and education, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and seeking help when needed... MORE

Brittany Ramsey’s family: Husband Phillip; Their Children (L-R) Harper, Tobin, Phillip, Sadie, and Samuel.

Don’t just take care of your Soldiers- take care of yourself too!
August 6, 2024 — Sgt. Chrishna Wray, an active-duty Soldier from Jamaica, has served in the Army for 12 years, facing significant health challenges including knee, hip, and back injuries, and fibromyalgia. Despite these issues worsening during a deployment to Korea, she prioritized her duties over her health. Now assigned to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit, Wray is undergoing physical therapy and adaptive reconditioning while navigating the medical board process. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and is exploring Career Education and Readiness opportunities, including an internship with the DOD Inspector General’s office, as she prepares for a potential transition to civilian life... MORE

Working with Chaplain not part of Soldier’s plan
July 30, 2024 — Staff Sgt. Junel Custodio, known as "Pops," joined the Army at 31, starting in the Infantry as a Medic before becoming a Chaplain's Assistant. His journey back to faith began after meeting Chaplain Brian Harvey during a suicide prevention talk, which led Custodio to embrace spirituality and stop drinking. Despite experiencing significant losses and physical pain, Custodio found solace and purpose in his new role. After injuring his back on deployment, he was sent to the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Belvoir, where he underwent surgeries and received comprehensive support. Custodio is now being medically discharged and plans to pursue a master's in clinical therapy or social work to continue serving Soldiers. Music, a lifelong passion, played a therapeutic role in his recovery, culminating in a memorable performance of the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals game. Custodio's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of support systems in overcoming adversity... MORE

Staff Sgt Junel Custodio is a Chaplain’s assistant in the Army

National Guard Soldiers need to learn about the SRU
July 29, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Adrienne Toliver, with a 34-year career in the Maryland National Guard, also worked as a contractor for the Defense Intelligence Agency. During her last deployment, she needed surgery for a severe foot issue and was sent to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) in November 2022. Toliver had previously sent Soldiers to the SRU but never expected to need its services herself. Her experience highlighted the importance of the SRU for both Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers. At the SRU, she received comprehensive care that addressed her physical, mental, and spiritual health, especially significant as she dealt with the loss of her sister. Toliver managed to continue her education, completing a master's degree in healthcare administration with a 3.7 GPA. She emphasizes the critical support SRUs provide, from medical care to morale activities, and advises Soldiers to utilize these resources rather than attempting recovery alone. Awaiting medical retirement, Toliver remains committed to informing fellow Guardsmen about the benefits of the Army Recovery Care Program... MORE

“When you transfer to an SRU, your main mission is to get better and go back into the fight!”
July 25, 2024 — Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp, known as "G," has a unique perspective on the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) after personally benefiting from it multiple times in his 24-year career. After nine deployments and several surgeries for medical issues, including a hiatal hernia, "G" utilized the Soldier Recovery Units (SRUs) at Ft Stewart, Fort Bliss, and Fort Moore to recover. His extensive experience with SRUs led him to become a squad leader at Ft Cavazos SRU and later an operations NCO at MRC-West, Ft Sam Houston. "G" emphasizes the importance of SRUs in focusing solely on the Soldier's recovery, dispelling the myth that they hinder career progression. He advocates for Soldiers to use the support and resources available, such as the Career Education and Readiness branch, to ensure long-term health and career stability. His empathy and firsthand experience make him a strong advocate for the wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, urging them to prioritize their recovery and leverage the comprehensive support offered by the ARCP... MORE

Sgt 1st Class Luis Goenaga-Beauchamp is proud to have been part of the Army Recovery Care Program