EL PASO, Texas, February 26, 2026— Capt. Junisa “Jay Jay” Sesay is preparing to compete in his first Army Trials, February 26 – March 5, 2026, at Fort Bliss, Texas, carrying a message that extends far beyond competition. He’s not defined by his diagnosis. He’s defined by his discipline, duty and continued commitment to serve.
Sesay, a Medical Service Corps officer assigned to the Soldier Recovery Unit at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, is competing for the opportunity to advance to the 2026 Warrior Games in June.
“This is my first time,” Sesay said. “I’m very excited. It reassures me that even though I’m going through recovery with my diagnosis, I’m still relevant in the Army community.”
In early 2025, while stationed in Germany, Sesay was diagnosed with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life-altering heart and lung condition that required medical evacuation and reassignment under the Army Recovery Care Program.
He remains on active duty.
“I’m currently on active duty status with a duty description of Soldier in recovery,” Sesay said. “What that’s done for me is give me the ability to focus on healing instead of the day-to-day Army tasks.”
That shift required a change in mindset.
“Resilience for me is continuing the mission, even when the mission becomes healing,” he said. “My mission right now is focusing on recovery.”
At the SRU, Sesay found structure, support and community among fellow wounded, ill and injured Soldiers navigating similar journeys.
“The Soldier Recovery Unit makes sure you’re not isolated,” he said. “You’re not alone in this journey. You’re still a valuable member of the team despite your diagnosis.”
Adaptive sports have become central to his recovery. At the 2026 Army Trials, Sesay will compete in track, field, pickleball, sitting volleyball, rowing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
“Adaptive sports have taught me I’m not defined by my diagnosis,” he said. “I’m defined by my discipline, my duty and how I rise from complex situations.”
Competing for Team Army carries personal and professional significance. Earlier in his career, Sesay wanted to represent the Army on its soccer team. That opportunity didn’t happen. Army Trials now offers another chance to represent the branch he continues to serve.
“Representing Team Army means my dedication and commitment haven’t faded,” he said. “Even at my lowest moments, I can still contribute to Army values and the mission.”
While assigned to the SRU, Sesay also completed a doctorate in health care administration, reinforcing his commitment to growth during recovery.
He views participation in the Army Recovery Care Program as a regrouping rather than a retreat.
“Recovery isn’t a retreat,” Sesay said. “It’s a regrouping. Take advantage of it. Regroup yourself and get back into the fight if you can or prepare for the next chapter.”
As he prepares for his first Army Trials, Sesay approaches the competition with clarity. “My journey didn’t get easier,” he said. “The mission just became clearer.”
If selected to represent Team Army at the 2026 Warrior Games, Sesay said the opportunity would symbolize perseverance and continued service.
“Setbacks don’t erase my purpose,” he said. “They help define it.”
About Army Trials: The Army Trials is the Army’s premier adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and qualifying veterans. The event showcases sport as a platform for recovery, support, and lifelong health and wellness. Army Trials underscores the Army’s commitment to readiness, resilience, and empowering Soldiers to thrive beyond their wound, injury, or illness. The top 40 competitors will be selected to represent Team Army at the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio, Texas, June 13 - 26.