ARMY SERGEANT
24 year old Army Sgt. attended Project Victory just prior the final stage of his med board. He was deployed to Iraq two times and was exposed to multiple IED blasts and was hit by an EFP. Following this he experienced delayed memory, concentration and reading comprehension problems, difficulties with balance and managing knee and ankle pain. He also displayed symptoms of PTSD and emotional adjustment.

“[Since coming to Project Victory] I have improved drastically in my ability to communicate with other people and in my ability to manage my anger. I improved memory, concentration, balance and the pain in my knee. It’s going to help me build the relationships in my life that are important – my girlfriend and family. It’s already helped prepare me for the next chapter in my life at college.”

ARMY PRIVATE
21 year old Army Pvt. from Ft. Polk. He was exposed to several close range IED explosions and his Humvee was destroyed by an EFP in Iraq. He came to Project Victory to get help with headaches, light sensitivity, word loss, poor short term memory, anger outbursts, sleep problems and nightmares.

“[I’m] able to control my anger better. I’ve learned how to be more sociable and productive with work and day to day living. The program gives you the tools you need to better yourself with problems you have as long as you put in the effort.”

ACTIVE DUTY STAFF SERGEANT
30 year old active duty Staff Sgt. from Ft. Hood with 2 deployments to Iraq. He suffered physical and brain injuries when his vehicle was hit by a suicide bomber. He reported decreased problem solving ability and attention, poor memory, increased impulsiveness, low frustration tolerance and decreased sleep since his TBI.

“I learned to develop new strategies, improved my cognitive skills and got a better understanding of my injuries. Physical therapy is the best I have received. It’s helping to reduce my symptoms and I can be a more productive person.”

ACTIVE DUTY STAFF SERGEANT
34 year old active duty Staff Sgt. who suffered a brain injury after falling 2 stories in Afghanistan. He attended Project Victory to address headaches and chronic pain, his problems with losing things and not remembering what he was supposed to do, problems with word loss and organization, difficulties with sleep, social isolation and handling anger.

“It improved my memory and instruction organization, my speech and I’m word processing in my head prior to opening my mouth and speaking. [It’s] helped with a better relationship between friends and family, but mostly with my 12 year old daughter and 8 year old son.”

ACTIVE DUTY SERGEANT
39 year old active duty Sgt. 1st Class with 15 years in the Army deployed in both OEF and OIF. He sustained a TBI in Afghanistan. Prior to entering the program, he experienced memory and concentration problems, difficulties sleeping, problems with balance, migraines, irritability and anger. Upon graduating he wrote,

“I learned that it’s OK to be injured; it’s not a weakness. I’m not alone. It’s OK to ask for help and start trusting people. [Project Victory] changed my life. My wife and son were put through pure hell until I came to the program.”

ACTIVE DUTY ARMY MEDIC
24 year old active duty Army medic stationed at Ft. Polk with 2 deployments to Iraq, diagnosed with TBI following multiple direct IED strikes. He started the program with shoulder, back and knee pain and problems with reading, memory, sleep, anger and social isolation.

“I have learned many strategies to help with my memory, sleep, irritability and I heave learned strategies that have helped me regain my reading comprehension. I hope to go back to school now that I’ve learned to put my life back together after my injury. Be open and honest and don’t be afraid to discuss your issues. The staff here is excellent at what they do. No one is judging you here. You will get better if you put the effort into the therapy.”

ACTIVE DUTY SERGEANT 1ST CLASS
31 year old active duty Sgt. 1st Class stationed at Ft. Carson. 3 deployments to Iraq where he was exposed to multiple IED blasts and a gunshot wound to the head. He began the program with complaints of balance problems, dizziness, neck pain, memory, and emotional adjustment.

“I have learned relaxation and anger management techniques and why I have bad dreams. [I learned] how to express myself without yelling. I know what exercises to do to hold my back and neck and improve my balance. I will take what I learned and use it at home with my family and pass it on to others.”

ARMY VETERAN
29 year old Army veteran suffered a head injury in a mortar blast while serving in Afghanistan. He entered Project Victory with severe stuttering, memory and concentration problems, headaches, back and shoulder pain, and difficulties with sleep, mood management and socialization.

“I have benefited from the program. Now my speech is better and I worked on my social skills. I can sleep and feel rested and I have not had any more nightmares. I do not have light sensitivity in my eyes and my back and shoulder are getting better. I can now interact with people because my speech is better. It will help me in my transition to civilian work. [Project Victory] gives great care all around!”

ACTIVE DUTY SERGEANT
33 year old active duty Sgt. from Ft. Polk who served as a medic during his 3 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After sustaining several injuries he reported headaches with light and noise sensitivity, tinnitus, balance and back problems, PTSD symptoms, emotional adjustment difficulties and memory and attention problems.

“I have received useful tools and knowledge regarding TBI and PTSD symptoms. I will be able to use these tools to continue to help myself recover, heal and understand the nature of my injuries and how to deal with the frustrations. I have benefited greatly from this program and am extremely thankful to be able to be a part of Project Victory.”