FALLS CHURCH, Va.- Growing up in West Africa, Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Demey used to watch military movies with his father. "Ever since I was a kid, I knew my dad was passionate about the U.S. military. So, when I came to America, I always knew I was going to serve in the military. Unfortunately, my dad had already passed. I was looking for a good and rewarding job, but at the same time, I had to do it for him."

An infantryman, for the last eleven years, his world turned upside down when he suffered a stroke in 2023. "I knew I needed to do something about my health because when I sat alone, I was tired. I couldn't read and move like normal due to the medication and due to my brain," said Demey He arrived at the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier Recovery Unit in January of 2024.

"I had a breakdown last year after a stroke. The first thing that clicked in my mind when I realized that, oh, you're probably gonna be out of the military soon because of this medical incident, was how can I get back to myself, to at least work and take care of my family? Thanks to the SRU I'm getting myself back," said the 40-year-old.

His focus, besides his overall health, is his family. "I'm married and have one daughter, and I have another baby girl on the way. She will arrive in July. This is why this program is so great. I'm still in the military, and I get to focus on my healing process, so I'm able to take care of my responsibilities, and I really appreciate that."

Facing life after the Army doesn't have to be scary, according to Demey, who is going through the medical board process. "At the SRU, they asked me what I want to do after I get out of the military. I told them I wanted to work in security, maybe like the border patrol or local police. What is great about the SRU are the relationships they have established to help a Soldier find a job. I started an internship with the TSA, working there two days a week," said Demey.

Demey is proud to be a Soldier in Recovery through the Army Recovery Care Program and wants to be an example of what life after the Army can look like if wounded, ill or injured Soldiers embrace the help offered. "Soldiers don't need to worry about life after the Army in a disparaging way. The SRU does help a person. I know this firsthand. Accept that helping hand."