Courtesy Photo | (Photo courtesy Sgt. Jada Lassiter) Sgt. Jada Lassiter with Major Carson at her...... read more read more
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FALLS CHURCH, Va.- Receiving The Purple Heart is almost surreal to Army Sgt Jada Lassiter. “To this day, I can’t process it. I understand what happened to me, my unit, and the other units that were there with us. I still think to myself, did this really happen,” said Sgt Lassiter, who received the Purple Heart at Fort Belvoir’s Soldier Recovery Unit this summer.
Lassiter was injured after an explosion during an overseas deployment earlier this year. “It was very early on Sunday, and I was asleep. I don’t remember much. I was unconscious. I remember getting medically evacuated and being able to answer some questions about myself to the medical crew,” said the utility equipment repairer.
She suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, kidney damage, and multiple broken bones. “Almost all of my injuries were confined to the right side of my body. I am still uncertain how this occurred, but either way, I am blessed to have survived this tragic event,” said Lassiter, who also has PTSD.
Lassiter was airlifted to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany and, from there, went to the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit. She says she is healing nicely almost nine months later. “As an integrated health major, I was thrilled to find out that I wouldn’t need any major surgeries. Most of my providers were certain that I would make a full recovery; however, I am expected to take part in various therapeutic approaches until I start to feel normal again. I haven’t gotten to this point yet, but I am still hopeful for my future.”
Having been in the Army for seven years, she says she knew about the Army Recovery Care Program but not in great detail. “I was familiar with the Solider Recovery Unit; however, they were like a unicorn unit; you didn’t really want to be there, but it was definitely the best place to be if you needed to recover, and I definitely know that now. If you had a chance to meet a Soldier in an SRU, you would probably be surprised to find out that there are endless opportunities for Soldiers in transition. Oh, and must I add, this is truly the place to be if you are a hobbyist,” said Lassiter, who found comfort in many therapeutic activities at the SRU.
Lassiter is not sure if she will return to duty or go through the medical review board process, but until that time comes, she relishes her recovery journey at the SRU. “I believe it is better to heal with other Soldiers who have been through similar experiences as you. When discussing back home with my family or friends, certain topics don't feel right. Although my family still supported me through this experience, I was also grateful to find a ton of support at the SRU. This is to include the cadre and my coordinators.
Bonding with Soldiers in recovery came quickly through adaptive reconditioning events. “ We have extracurricular events that take your mind off everything. I love so many of them! My top two are cycling and art therapy. I like how we have in-house art classes and visiting artists who visit and host events—plus there’s usually food, so that’s a favorite!”
As she reflects on how she got to the SRU and the Purple Heart she received, she says the Purple Heart ceremony gave her clarity. “When I heard the words, ‘We are not just deploying you into the middle of nowhere for no reason: we have a purpose for everything we do,’ that moment confirmed everything when the general pinned the Purple Heart on me.”
The 29-year-old is beyond thankful to be where she is recovering and strongly encourages future Soldiers to embrace the SRU. “Take advantage of everything offered in and out of the SRU—get in touch with some of the major support organizations, as they can also help. Many people can help you with your journey to recovery, so take advantage of them.”
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2024 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 483250 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Recent Purple Heart recipient recovering at Fort Belvoir SRU, by MaryTherese Griffin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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