“As a Reservist, I had a choice. I’m glad I came to the SRU” ~ Maj Ken LeBlanc

Story by MaryTherese Griffin

Army Recovery Care Program

FALLS CHURCH, Va.- By day, Ken LeBlanc is an executive in the corporate medical world, but on weekends and when the orders call, he is a civil affairs officer in the Army Reserve. His personal life drastically changed about a year ago. “On my last deployment, I went to Poland, and I suffered a stroke. They gave me a stint in my carotid artery at a University Hospital in Poznan, Poland. After seven days, I went to Landstuhl and from there to Walter Reed. Then, I ultimately ended up at the Soldier Recovery Unit in San Antonio,” said LeBlanc, who has deployed six times in his 19-year career in the Army.

LeBlanc reflects on how it all started. “I don’t smoke or drink, and I maintain excellent health. There is no history of stroke in my family either. I just had a headache that day last November. I didn’t think anything of it, so I went on to a meeting, and people saw my face drooping, which made me see the medic and the medic diagnosed me on the spot.”

They got him to the local hospital, but Le Blanc was still in disbelief. “I didn’t believe the medic until I got to the hospital when the doctor in Poland came out and said Major LeBlanc, I think you are having a stroke. I said you think? He said no, no, I’m quite certain you are having a stroke.”

LeBlanc was unsure what to think of going to an SRU at the beginning of this recovery journey. “As a reservist, I had a choice. I don’t have to be here, but I am glad I came to the SRU. I could’ve said,” I’m going home; I’m returning to work. I thought I would go home and take care of it with my own insurance. I am so thankful I decided to stay. I fought everything they offered me when I first got here. I didn’t think this place was for me, then I saw what they were about. They created a care plan for me from head to toe. They wanted to make sure that everything was perfect.”

From physical and occupational therapy to adaptive reconditioning programs, Major LeBlanc now advocates for every Soldier to say yes to an SRU. “Embrace every single program or opportunity you are given. You will never have a chance to rehabilitate like you can when you are here. Take the opportunity to get yourself in better shape. The entire OT /PT building crew will find something for you to do. Take advantage!”

LeBlanc was introduced to a whole new world of activity and got involved to aid in his recovery. Ironically, he has a favorite. “I do like personal development and mindfulness. I thought they’d be corny. Mindfulness is something new to me. It’s about how to relax and de-stress yourself. They’ve given me a great tool!”

LeBlanc is recovering nicely but says he has a bit of a cognitive derailment in speech and short-term memory and is working on it. He is facing a medical board but with a positive attitude. “ It’s a process you go through, and I’m fairly confident in the process. I’m hopeful I will make my 20 years.”

This Reservist shares one final thought about the encouragement he received. He notes that it started with his first sergeant, who he is happy he listened to. “He said I don’t want you camping in your barracks. Every day, get out with like-minded people and go to events, or you will fall into a depression. So, I did. Man, it is so amazing. Jessica, Lindsay, Lorraine, Toby, and the whole crew at the SRU, there is nothing they wouldn’t do for you.”