ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Soldiers are expected to overcome the odds and persevere through the tough times in order to serve their country; however, not all battles fought are the result of outside influences or combating mental fatigue – some battles are out of one’s control, biological ailments that if left undetected can lead to a fatal outcome. Facing a devastating discovery, U.S. Army Sgt. Tyler Hollows, 22nd Engineer Clearance Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion, overcame the odds to serve with his brothers in arms.
Nearly two years ago, Hollows noticed his run time dropping significantly and that it became increasingly harder to breathe. He immediately knew something was wrong but never could have imagined what his doctor would find next – a large apple-sized tumor in his chest. Hollows was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Lymphoma is type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system (lymph nodes). It occurs when the white blood cells (that attack infectious invaders) become abnormal and begin to uncontrollably multiply producing cancerous cells in the body, eventually forming a tumor.
“If we hadn’t caught it when we did, I would have died,” said Hollows. “It [tumor] was extremely fast growing. It grew about two inches a week.”
The diagnosis of his lymphoma would leave him unable to participate in exasperating training, including deployments, for up to three years while he underwent treatment. With a deployment on the horizon, Hollows had to find a way to ensure he could deploy with the 22nd ECC.
Although Hollows fought a continuous uphill battle in order to deploy, he never gave up. With his determination and relentless attitude, the support of his commander and non-commissioned officers, he found a way he could deploy with his unit.
“I had to fight pretty hard. I had to submit and resubmit waivers and applications,” Hollows said. “I was the only one well versed with my conditions to put together my packet. I presented to whoever I needed to.”
Hollows credits his leadership for standing behind him and ensuring he was able to deploy.
“It was ongoing process. It was maybe a month before we were set to deploy before I was given the okay,” Hollows said. “My whole chain of command was behind me. They were in my corner 100% of the way.”
Hollows platoon leader, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Uchechukwu Njoku stated, “I commend Sgt. Hollows for his selflessness in his decision to deploy with the unit. He put the needs of the entire unit before his own. His contributions to the unit’s overall success have been immense and invaluable.”
At a time when many would give up, Hollows was determined to not let his illness keep him from doing what he loved.
“Health was my primary concern. I had to ask myself if my health would be adversely affected [if I were to deploy],” Hollows continued. “I think if you can honestly say, ‘No, it would not be any worse from deploying,’ then you should definitely fight to deploy.”
Upon the many health considerations Hollows had to deal with, he also took into consideration how he would feel about himself if he did not deploy with his unit.
“How are you going to look at yourself 20 years down the line if you were the one who didn’t deploy, especially when you had the opportunity to fight for it,” said Hollows.
There are many things taken for granted in life, perhaps the most is life itself. Coming face to face with a serious illness caused Hollows to change his perspective about life.
“It was a good lesson on how short life can actually be and how little time to do everything we want to do and to deploy,” said Hollows. “Giving good service to the Army, my friends, my unit the people I train with was extremely important to me – important enough that I did not want to go through life saying I didn’t do it … I didn’t step up.”
“The realization of what he has gone through to be here, serving his country, has definitely had a positive impact on whole the platoon,” said Njoku.
When it seems that life is too tough, remember soldiers like Hollows: soldiers who refuse to let their medical conditions define them, soldiers who embody the Army values, especially duty, selfless service and personal courage, soldiers who overcome the near impossible for the chance to serve.
“People with this type of medical history shouldn’t let it define them. When I was pinned with my E-5 [promoted to sergeant], the big comments were ‘Oh he overcame cancer, he’s such a great American’,” said Hollows, “But I have a bigger skill set than just overcoming a sickness. People are going to see me as a survivor.”
| Date Taken: |
04.04.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
04.26.2012 03:54 |
| Story ID: |
87364 |
| Location: |
ZABUL PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: |
ZABUL PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: |
FORT LEWIS, WASHINGTON, US |
| Hometown: |
PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: |
285 |
| Downloads: |
3 |
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This work, Soldier overcomes lymphoma, deploys to Afghanistan, by MAJ Jessica Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
