Stories

Tag: Transition Coordinator

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

“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

Transition Coordinators to Soldiers: We’ve got your back!
July 23, 2024 — At the annual training for Transition Coordinators (TCs) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, TCs gathered to discuss new policies and best practices for aiding Soldiers transitioning out of the Army. James Coleman, a TC at Fort Belvoir's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), emphasized the privilege of his role, noting his understanding of Soldiers' struggles as a former Marine. Stephen Kammerdiener, a TC at Fort Campbell's SRU with a long military family background, highlighted the importance of building personal relationships with Soldiers to effectively guide them. TCs play a crucial role in offering Soldiers opportunities for job skills training, career fairs, and educational prospects, aiming to support them through their transition. Both Coleman and Kammerdiener stressed the need to build trust with Soldiers, who often face significant uncertainty. They expressed pride in their work and the positive impact they have on Soldiers' futures... MORE

Stephen Kammerdiener and James Coleman, both Transition Coordinators in the Army Recovery Care Program

Soldiers getting out? Listen to that Transition Coordinator!
July 18, 2024 — At the annual Transition Coordinator (TC) Sustainment Training for the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP), Sgt. Major Imari Jackson, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for ARCP, emphasized the vital role TCs play in assisting wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, especially those facing medical retirement. Jackson praised TCs as premier transition specialists, crucial in helping Soldiers navigate their future plans amidst personal challenges. He highlighted the comprehensive support available to Soldiers at the Soldier Recovery Unit, including the Career Skills Program, which aids in acquiring civilian job skills. Jackson underscored the genuine care TCs provide, urging Soldiers to trust in the program's support for their future success... MORE

Sgt. Major Imari Jackson, Sr enlisted advisor for the Army Recovery Care Program, lets Transition Coordinators know they are the best at helping Soldiers Transition out of the Army.

Transition Coordinators help build a road map to a Soldier's Future
July 17, 2024 — Transition Coordinators (TCs) play a crucial role in assisting Soldiers medically retiring from the military, a task that requires empathy and adaptability. At the annual training event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), TCs like Mary Ball shared best practices and challenges. Ball highlighted the rewarding experience of helping Soldiers define their post-military goals. She recently assisted Spc. Joey Parli, who, after surviving a severe motorcycle accident, found a new path in life. Parli, once a Corrections/Detention Specialist, discovered a passion for golf and pursued a degree in kinesiology while recovering at JBLM's Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU). TCs like Ball help Soldiers connect with necessary resources, guiding them through educational and career transitions. Parli now studies at the University of Colorado, crediting the support from TCs and the SRU for his successful transition. Ball emphasizes that each Soldier's journey is unique, and TCs are committed to finding the right resources and support to help them succeed... MORE

Retired Army Spc. Joey Parli utilizes golf as part of his therapy during his recovery from a motorcycle hit-and-run accident