Army Adaptive Sports Camp at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 30.
Over 70 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers are training in a series of athletic events including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, powerlifting, track, field, rowing, and wheelchair basketball. The Adaptive Sports Camp celebrates wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers' ability to recover and overcome. The Army holds qualifying trials for Active Duty, wounded, ill or injured Soldiers to assess and select athletes for competition in the DoD Warrior Games Challenge. This year, the DoD Warrior Games Challenge takes place in June 2023 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. DeAndre Dawkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT BRAGG N.C--When civilians enlist in the U.S. Army, they are sent to basic training where they gain valuable experience and create a strong foundation for their Army experience and future goals. Pvt. Jaymia Hyman was excited about her future in the military until Guillain-Barré syndrome slipped in to steal that dream. However, that opened the door for her to see another side of the military and the care they provide to Soldiers.
Hyman was sent to the Fort Bragg Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), where Lt. Col. Leon Matthias serves as the commander.
“The 14 SRU’s across America provide a safe pace for Soldiers to heal and recover,” said Matthias. “We provide world class leadership and medical case management, which enhances access to care and facilitates a seamless transition back to duty or Veteran status.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) happens when a person’s own immune system harms their body’s nerves. This harm causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.
GBS caused Hyman to experience weakness in her arms and affected her ability to walk which was difficult for her. She was able to overcome that obstacle with the help of specialists assigned to help with her recovery.
“I have made improvements, because I am able to walk again; last March with a walker and then July 2022, walking on my own,’ said Hyman.
She applauds her cadre, physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse care manager and her family who have been actively involved in her progress.
“They pushed me to do physical therapy to get better and they have helped me to get back into school,” said Hyman.
Hyman is in school for phlebotomy.
“Adaptive sports help Soldiers in recovery think less about their medical challenges or physical limitations and think more about what they can do,” said Matthias.
A program Hyman believes many more could benefit from if they knew about it.
“I feel like they should put it out more on social media, because a lot of people don't know about it,” said Hyman. “People go in the military and get hurt and they think they are getting kicked out, they don't know about the SRU and how it can help you to get back to where you need to be.”
This year’s U.S. Army Adaptive Sports Camp at Fort Bragg, North Carolina March 28 to April 5 features different sporting events like track and field, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, archery, golf, and cycling, some of which Hyman has been a participant.
One of Hymans’ favorites is wheelchair rugby. That also holds a special meaning to her as she was coined by U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command, Lt. Gen R. Scott Dingle, during an adaptive sports camp in February.
“It felt good to be acknowledged and I was hoping to make the team, because I have been through a lot to get here,” said Hyman.
“The 2023 Warrior Games Challenge will be held in June at the Naval Air Station, North Island in San Diego, California.
For more information about the Army Recovery Care Program visit https://www.arcp.army.mil/
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