Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy SFC Porsha Gigliotti) Sgt. 1st Class Porsha Gigliotti in the garden at...... read more read more
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FALLS CHURCH Va., - Who would have thought working in a garden could help a Soldier find peace and balance? Sgt 1st Class Porsha Gigliotti shares her journey to and through the Army’s Soldier Recovery Unit in Hawaii, where she’s been since September 2022. “When I heard the SRU had a gardening program, I was excited. It smells good, it feels good, and everything grows. It’s a bit of work, but I focus, and I get to connect on things that God wants me to do. It’s so peaceful. It feels great again to have some independence and peace of mind.”
Getting that peace of mind back makes her reflect on why she joined the Army in the first place. “I've always wanted to serve in some greater way than myself. I grew up in the church and was very involved with many things in the community. As a kid, I had posters of the Marine Corps and the military in general. Then, when I was an adult, I decided I could make this decision for myself. I knew I wanted to work in law enforcement, so I joined the Army.”
Gigliotti found that after fourteen years of active duty in a high op-tempo career, she suffered in silence and needed help. “I suffered some serious personal events that were hard to separate from my professional environment. I have to be very sharp and have a clear mind to focus better when I’m responding; I ended up unable to cope. The best option for me was to go to the SRU,” said Gigliotti, who considers herself lucky to be stationed in Hawaii.
“I’m very fortunate that I am already stationed in Hawaii. I reenlisted to come here; we came here during COVID. It’s such a beautiful place, and the peacefulness of nature makes me want never to leave. It helps with the high-octane job that I do.”
Her busy job goes beyond the Army. “I am married, and my husband and I have 11 children together. Our two oldest are out of the house, so we have nine at home now. We have a big family, and we are a big team,” she laughs.
“I knew this was a place I needed to be not only mentally but physically because I had other issues that needed to be dealt with. It was taking too much out of my work, so I chose to be here to receive that help. I chose to avoid the stigma many Soldiers have that you should avoid the SRU.”
The California native, who is preparing to medically retire, says she will spread the word about the Army Recovery Care Program to inform other Soldiers who might be suffering in silence. “This SRU is designed to dive into the Soldier’s needs. They care genuinely about your mental and physical health. Your overall well-being. In the Army, they focus on “the” mission, but at the SRU, you are the mission!”
Gigliotti takes advantage of adaptive reconditioning events as well as career and education programs to help on her road to recovery. “Having these types of resources is a blessing. That’s one of the best parts about the SRU here in Hawaii. They are helping me unpack my rucksack, teaching me how to get ready to be in civilian life again, and helping me with educational and career opportunities. I can’t express my gratitude for a team like this.”
Gigliotti is working hard toward that future, thanks to the SRU. “I am about to complete my master’s degree in business and executive leadership. Once I retire, I want to pursue my doctorate here in Hawaii and continue being a mom and being there for our kids.”
Recognizing the physical and mental health opportunities afforded to her, Gigliotti’s message to other Soldiers is simple. “You can’t get to the SRU fast enough. If something happens to you, you must get to the SRU.
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2024 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 483221 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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