Stories

Tag: Caregivers

The Strength of a Military Family
November 26, 2024 — summarize Every November since 1996, Military Family Month recognizes military families' service and sacrifices. This year, we honor the Calantoc Family, who’ve had more than their share of sacrifices due to unfortunate circumstances. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc married in 2009, embarked on a military career journey for Gene, and welcomed three children during their multiple military moves. “I was very clueless initially when he said he would join the military. You can’t imagine what happens in a military family’s life. I had to be up to the task,“ said Miho Calantoc. Originally from San Diego, the Calantocs moved four times in ten years. “It’s definitely something most people won't experience. One month after we had our first daughter, my husband got orders to deploy for nine months to Afghanistan. We just moved to Kentucky, our first duty station, so we had no family, no friends, and I was a newbie in this military world.” She says she made new friends by “networking” the network. “ Before we got into the military, I didn’t have a lot of friends. Reaching out to people was a new thing for me. It was hard to do because I didn’t want to burden anybody. The military taught me it's okay to ask for help, and networking is vital.” She did this by engaging with Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, which she says was instrumental in building her confidence to seek help and build lifelong friendships. Many people hear that story when military families or military moves are discussed. What happened on their third assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, changed their lives forever. “Our life changed 180 degrees. Our goal was twenty years in the Army. I just had our third child when we were in Missouri, and he was only 8 months old when Gene had his accident,” said Miho. Gene had a terrible motorcycle accident while riding with friends in March 2020, the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. At a hospital two hours away, a nurse called Miho and explained Gene would need his leg amputated and said they would update her by phone with information after his surgery. “ We turned the car around and went home; we weren’t allowed in the hospital,” said Miho. Staff Sergeant Calantoc admires his bride, who moved heaven and earth to reunite her family. “I am very proud of Miho. She has been so supportive, even though this is not what she signed up for, and wasn’t prepared for this outcome. She is truly amazing.” Because of COVID restrictions, it would be more than two months before the family would reunite. It was a busy two months for Miho and the kids. “We didn’t see Gene until he got to his next assignment, the Soldier Recovery Unit in San Antonio. That was in May. We also had to move out of our home within two months, and I had to clear Gene from all his work stuff before we headed to San Antonio. So, I had to do everything by myself with the kids,” said Miho. Mica Calantoc is old enough to remember when her dad had two legs. She says life is normal now, but it was a lot of newness initially. The abrupt move to another state, a new school, and the new way to navigate the house. “It's different because my dad needs a little help. It is weird, though, at night because he takes his leg off to go to bed,” said the 12-year-old with a giggle. The Calantocs have quite the military journey as a family to share, enduring more than their share, but they are proud, according to Miho, to have served for ten years. “It’s not easy, and the struggle is real. People automatically think of the stability you get in the military — housing, paycheck, medical. They don’t understand the struggle of not having a spouse who is in training or deployed. Add to that if you then become a caregiver and how much work it is to care for someone with a disability and keep the whole house running, likely living somewhere away from family.” Staff Sgt. Calantoc medically retired in 2021 and turned to adaptive sports as a way to recover. He made Team Army and competed at this year’s Warrior Games. It most definitely became a family affair. “I like to see how much my Dad can do in those sports. He’s fast because he practices a lot. I'm really proud of him, and I like to see him in wheelchair rugby,” said Mica. “He plays with the kids in his wheelchair. We are learning to adapt and are comfortably placed into our new normal as a military family,” Miho shared. She is particularly proud of their children and how they’ve embraced this unplanned journey. “After seeing Daddy with a disability, I’ve noticed our kids are more compassionate and embracing of others with a disability. They are very considerate and helpful .” Recognizing his family's sacrifices and strength, Calantoc is thankful his wife fits into military life perfectly and handles everything like a champ. “She means everything to me. She’s always loving and caring. When I am sad or depressed, she is there to lift me up. Our family is a blessing, and I know the Lord knows what is coming for me in the future. I’m ready.” Military Family Month, celebrated every November since 1996, recognizes the service and sacrifices of military families. This year, it honors the Calantoc Family. Retired Army Staff Sgt Gene and Miho Calantoc have navigated multiple relocations, deployments, and a life-changing motorcycle accident in 2020 that led to Gene's leg amputation. Despite challenges, Miho has been a steadfast support, handling the care of their three children and adapting to new circumstances. Gene’s involvement in adaptive sports and participation in the Warrior Games highlight their resilience. Their story underscores the importance of support systems, like Fort Campbell’s Family Resource Group, and the strength found within military families... MORE

The Calantoc Family after the powerlifting competition at the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games

A caregiver's work is never done
November 26, 2024 — November is Warrior Care Month. No one truly knows the life of a caregiver until they end up in that position themselves. “This is my full-time job now because of Jack’s stroke. I had to quit my job to be a full-time caregiver. I am the caregiver-in-chief now,” chuckles Gloriah Peko, who is celebrating 9 years of marriage with her Soldier husband, Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko. He suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor on November 3, 2022. The Peko household was turned upside down, and the caregiver-in-chief had to ease their four children into their new normal. Eight-year-old Jayden is the oldest and has the most memories of his Dad before the stroke. He admits it’s been an adjustment: “I was feeling a little frustrated because Daddy was different. We have to work hard every day to communicate. He gets to come see me play soccer, and he is a big cheerleader—I hear him cheering for me.” Jack Peko is in a wheelchair and has mobility issues along with impaired speech. Gloriah says there is always the Jack factor when she or the family does anything. “When I want to go somewhere, I have to find someone to help care for him. If I have to run to the store, for example, Jack has to go with me, or someone has to be here.” Gloriah and Jack are thankful her parents live nearby. “They’ve been a huge help with our kids. My Mom’s been dropping them off and picking them up from school. She is such a big help.” Being a caregiver in the Peko house is magnified to the 10th power for Gloriah with kids aged 2, 4, 7, and 8, plus keeping up with her husband’s schedule. In a slow and eager voice, SFC Peko shares their hectic day. “Every day, Gloriah will help me do my stretches, walking just to warm up my legs and working my arms. I have occupational and physical therapy, which I go to as well. Our days are full. If I have a doctor's appointment, it throws a wrench in my routine.” Gloriah explains how military spouses tend to stay focused on the original plan. When faced with this challenge, she is beyond thankful for the Fort Riley Soldier Recovery Unit and how they’ve been a constant source of support. “We feel so much better now. Two years ago, when the stroke happened, we had no idea what was going to happen next. We didn’t have an alternative plan because THE plan was for us to serve 20 years. Well, that isn’t happening. Our time at the SRU with everyone has been such a Godsend. We are grateful for what they have done for Jack and what they are doing for us beyond the Army.” Gloriah feels compelled to ask other military spouses if they have a disaster plan. “What’s your disaster plan? It’s a shock when you don’t have one, and something happens,” she says thoughtfully, wanting other military spouses to think about that. Sgt. 1st Class Peko talks about how their plan derailed everything.” It’s a big adjustment. I didn’t think about school or anything after the Army because I wanted a twenty-year career. I constantly think about it now because I have to support my family.” Peko’s Transition Coordinator at the Fort Riley SRU, Lisa Smith, works hard to ensure Soldiers are ready for work. In Peko’s case, she researched all the courses he could take to help him find a career after the Army. “I’m going to work in IT. She has me taking courses on the computer at home. I have so many options to look into,” said SFC Peko excitedly. Adaptive sports have played an enormous part in his recovery as well. Peko was on Team Army and competed at this year's Warrior Games in Orlando, Florida, where he brought home four silver medals. It’s now a part of his life, he says. “I try to squeeze adaptive sports into my days when I don’t have an appointment. The SRU is great about having me come in and work for an hour with archery. My goal is to continue in adaptive sports, and I definitely want to try out for Team Army again.” According to Gloriah, the hard work of being a caregiver can be slow and frustrating at first. She encourages patience and ‘me- time’ for any caregiver: “Be patient with the loved one you are taking care of. Be prepared and try to find time for yourself. You need that so you don’t go over the edge.” As he completes his medical board process, Sgt. 1st Class Peko reflects on his journey and says the best-laid plans can change, but family makes all the difference. “I think the hardest part is I was so used to supporting my family, and now I watch them do everything- the table is turned. I love my family so much.”... MORE

The Pekos were honored on the field this season at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.

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

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