Stories

Tag: Wheelchair Rugby

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.

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.

Building confidence through adaptive sports
January 29, 2024 — Soldiers in the Army Recovery Care Program find confidence and teamwork through adaptive sports, as highlighted by Col. Roy Walker, emphasizing their therapeutic value for mental and physical well-being. Visiting a wheelchair rugby camp, Walker witnessed firsthand how sports training boosts soldiers' confidence, aiding in their total recovery journey. CW3 Kirk Holden, a participant, shares his positive experience, echoing the sentiment of enjoying the camp while learning and bonding with fellow soldiers. With confidence and hard work, these soldiers aim to excel at the upcoming Army Trials, demonstrating their fearlessness in facing challenges... MORE

Col. Roy Walker visits Soldiers at the 2024 Wheelchair Rugby Camp at Ft. Belvoir.