Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

From Recovery to Resilience: Navy Service Member Shares His Story

Image of Two people with a shotput. Navy recovering service member shares his recovery journey, and how adaptive sports encouraged him physically and mentally. (Photo: Roger Wollenberg)

Navy Chief Petty Officer John “Blake” Conley spent weeks preparing to make the Navy Wounded Warrior Team

With the help and support of Navy Wounded Warrior and Warrior Care’s Military Adaptive Sports Program (MASP), he will be competing in the upcoming 2022 Warrior Games.

Blake’s wounded warrior journey began in July 2019, when he experienced strong migraines and bad reactions with his medication within one month. After receiving an MRI, he was told there was a mass in his brain. Blake shared, “I was only 35 years old, so I wasn’t expecting to have cancer.”

Sharing the overwhelming news with his family, they decided to make a cross country move. Blake explained, “I did my neurosurgery in Pearl Harbor, they removed a four square inch mass out of my left frontal lobe. Then we moved to Walter Reed, that’s where my wife’s family is located, and it was easier to get help with our children during this time. Having a support system from my family has been awesome.”

A year after finishing his chemotherapy, Blake has now taken control of his recovery and is participating more in adaptive sports and reconditioning activities with his family support.

“I’ve been trying to incorporate these kinds of activities with the kids, and we’re able to have fun and get out a little bit more,” Blake shared. Creating goals has allowed Blake to remain focused and motivated to try out for the Navy’s Wounded Warrior Team and compete at the 2022 Warrior Games.

Navy Wounded Warrior offers programs and services across the country. In May 2020, Blake started participating in the MASP program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where adaptive sports and reconditioning activities are an integral part of the recovery program.

“I went through chemo during the COVID shutdown,” continued Blake. “It’s a very untypical Navy life for me, I’m used to having friends at my command, but I didn’t have that. My last day of chemo was in February 2021.”

“Currently, I am stationed at Navy Warrior Transition Company at Walter Reed,” Blake stated. “I’m also temporary additional duty for Navy Wounded Warrior and fulfill the role of a non-medical care manager.” “It’s an important part of reintegration and very rewarding being able to help people enroll and get the support they need to be successful,” Blake shared.

As an active participant in military adaptive sports programs, “this was something that helped me get out the house, be active, and meet people," he said. "It’s cathartic to talk to other service members who are going through troubling conditions and pass on positivity."

For Blake, it’s a privilege to be on the Navy team at the Warrior Games.

“To represent all the other wounded warriors and what they’ve gone through in their struggle, meet new people from different branches, it’ll be really cool.”

Moving beyond his cancer has been very rewarding, he said.

“My family and I can get out a little bit more," he said.

"I hope from my experience that my kids realize that if you stay positive you can get through anything. Also, what kids are going to turn down Disney?”

The 2022 Warrior Games will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from August 19-28. To participate in Warrior Care's Military Adaptive Sports Program, visit the MASP webpage. To learn more about Navy Wounded Warrior visit their homepage.

You also may be interested in...

Road to the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge

Video
5/16/2023
Road to the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge

Wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans have trained and competed across all branches in an effort to secure a spot on their respective 2023 DOD Warrior Games Challenge teams. These are a few of the stories of those who are utilizing adaptive sports as a key component in their recovery. For more information regarding the Military Adaptive Sports Program and other transition opportunities, visit www.WarriorCare.mil.

In the Army Recovery Care Program, You Have One Job

Article Around MHS
4/27/2023
U.S. Army Cpt. Veronica, Jones shoots the ball during the U.S. Army Adaptive Sports Camp at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on April 1. 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. This year, the Warrior Games Challenge takes place in June 2023 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. (Photo by U.S. Army Pvt. Theron Smith)

In the Army Recovery Care Program, soldiers have one job…to get better. The adaptive sports camp celebrates wounded, ill, and injured soldiers' ability to recover and overcome. The U.S. Army holds qualifying trials for active duty, wounded, ill, or injured soldiers to assess and select athletes for competition in the Warrior Games Challenge.

Driving After Traumatic Brain Injury at Womack Army Medical Center

Article Around MHS
3/8/2023
The Womack Army Medical Center uses a rehabilitation vehicle that builds confidence for a service member, diligently working to regain independence in their life after a traumatic brain injury. (Photo by Sameria Zavala, Womack Army Medical Center)

Traumatic brain injuries can end military careers and create great strains on military families. That's why the occupational therapists at Womack Army Medical Center have created a therapy that most of us take for granted to get injured soldiers back on the road to recovery.

How One Officer is Chasing Her Dreams

Article Around MHS
2/21/2023
U.S. Navy Lt. Tia Blythe

Her civilian physical therapy job wasn't enough. That's when Tia Laine Blythe decided to take her specialized skills to the military. Follow along with now U.S. Navy Lt. Tia Laine Blythe's military career path that has led to numerous awards, distinctions, and a whole new level of professional satisfaction.

Equine Therapy Reduces Staff Stress and Anxiety at Military Hospital

Article
1/25/2023
Military personnel poses with miniature horse

Not all facility animals are dogs. Mini-horses help reduce staff stress at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

There's No Excuse to Not Be Living Your Full Potential

Article Around MHS
1/17/2023
Military personnel healing in hospital bed

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Armando Mejia was severely injured due to an explosion and firefight in Mosul, Iraq, in 2004. Staying in a medical hold while recovering, Mejia was eventually one of the first to experience the Army Recovery Care Program when it was stood up as Warrior Care and Transition.

Injured Fort Bliss K-9 Handler Makes Inspiring Return to Duty

Article Around MHS
1/10/2023
Military personnel with K9

A military working dog handler assigned to the 93rd Military Police battalion survives a horrific motorcycle crash with a speeding pickup driver, but his prognosis was grim. Find out how dedication, motivation, and his sweet connection with a K-9 got U.S. Army Spc. Cade Brown back on the road to recovery.

DOD Reduces Health Care Waste by Reusing Crutches

Article
12/15/2022
Military personnel using crutches

When military facilities faced a national shortage of an essential mobility aid, they launched a grassroots initiative that not only ensured patient care, but also created a new waste reduction model within the DHA.

Striking Out With Adaptive Reconditioning

Article Around MHS
12/15/2022
Military personnel at bowling alley

Debilitating injuries can end livelihoods - including Military careers. Meet the Soldiers who find healing - physical and emotional - by enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes.

Marine Corps Veteran Stays Connected Through Service

Article
12/14/2022
Marine Corps veteran Adam Foutz with family

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Adam Foutz's calls on his life experiences, his faith, and determination to continue his service to the military and veteran community.

MHS Leader Davison Reflects on New Path for Pain Management

Article
12/9/2022
A U.S. service member gets treated for chronic knee pain

MHS pain management enters new era with a broader approach to pain care than traditional methods.

As a Military Family, We Do What We Do with Faith, Hope, Love, and Prayers

Article Around MHS
12/8/2022
Capt. Luis Avilla with his family.

The average military family could relocate ten times or more. There are changes in schools, jobs, and homes. But that's the easy part. See how one military family, like so many others, held it together when the going got very tough.

Warrior Care: The Military Adaptive Sports Program

Video
12/7/2022
Warrior Care: The Military Adaptive Sports Program

Meet Coach Patrick Johnson, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who medically retired 13 years ago. Today he helps run Walter Reed's military adaptive sports program and coaches multiple crew teams in the National Capital Region. To learn more about military adaptive sports program, visit health.mil/warriorcare.

Retiring Wounded Warrior Continues to Serve His Military Community

Article
12/6/2022
U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Blake Conley and family

Despite a career-ending cancer diagnosis, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Blake Conley prepares to retire after more than 20 years serving his nation with a positive outlook and a desire to keep serving.

DoDI 1332.18: Disability Evaluation System (DES)

Policy

This instruction establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for referral, evaluation, return to duty, separation, or retirement of Service members for disability

  • Identification #: DoDI 1332.18
  • Date: 11/10/2022
  • Type: Instructions
  • Topics: Warrior Care
Page 1 of 6 , showing items 1 - 15
First < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: February 01, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery