Athelete Spotlight - Steve Flemming: Positive & Purposeful

January 31, 2024 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

HMCM (FMF) Steve Flemming joined the Navy fresh out of high school. He joked that he joined for the money, but upon reflection, it was more than that.

“I look back now, and it was the recruiter himself, whom I have since connected with, and is now a retired MMC. He was pretty direct and professional in how he talked about the Navy and all the travel that could come from it,” he said.

Indeed Flemming’s career led to travel. His role as Fleet Marine Force Corpsman required him to provide medical and operational services for Fleet Marine Force personnel who were engaged in direct action operations. After ground combat operations with marines in Sangin, Afghanistan, Flemming developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“This is something I’m not ashamed of. I find being around other service members with similar experience to help take on the challenges associated with this.”

In 2018 Flemming was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). He made serious changes to his diet, routines, and medicines and was able to stay on active duty while managing it. Then in January 2023, while deployed to Marines Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT), he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

“Where I thought my lifelong disease was limited to being an MS patient, I was wrong. To get this news on top of MS before I was 40, or at any age, I can tell you is beyond hard to hear. Your mind can take you into some dark corners. I went out walking for miles and cleared my head of any imaginary things that can build. After going through the news of MS years before, I accepted this new reality with the help of my wife.”

Together, they began planning with a clinical care team to make the best decisions for his care. He connected with Navy Wounded Warrior as part of his injury-management process. With his care team well established, Navy Wounded Warrior helped to fill in the gaps for his non-medical care, like ensuring he knew about his Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility and procedures. Through Navy Wounded Warrior, he also found a new love for adaptive sports.

In November 2023, Flemming attended his first sports camp at The St. James in Springfield, Va.

“I was interested in taking on something challenging and being around others who are in their fights or recovery. I have always enjoyed competitive and challenging events, so this was a great way to potentially represent, and also head out from the Navy. Navy Team, Navy Pride!”

It was at this camp that Flemming discovered a love for adaptive archery. Upon his return, his recovery care coordinator connected him with Semper Fi & America’s Fund to acquire a new bow so that he can pursue this sport away from camps.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity. Everyone I met, be it coaches, athletes, and staff blow me away with their dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism they bring to this. I have a new personal goal of representing as a member of Team Navy at the Warrior Games and maybe, with a little luck, get to represent Team USA at Invictus.”

Flemming’s diagnosis has impacted all aspects of his professional and personal life, from side effects of treatments to symptoms of the diseases themselves. He remains positive and purposeful.

“I’m in a good headspace now and fighting every day while making the most of my blessings.”   

 He has had conversations with other service members facing similar diagnoses and offers advice from his own experiences.

“The big thing to do right away is get your head around your new reality. The faster you accept your reality, the faster you can start making decisions about how to manage or care for it. You will be in a better place to talk with your loved ones or support system about it. They will have emotional responses about your condition as it impacts them and their lives or plans.

“Get in a position where you aren’t denying or doubting your circumstances and you start finding the mental walls or blind spots to start solving those problems to make the most of your life. Adapt what needs to be changed so you can still accomplish what you want to take on in life. Take command of your life and the reality that you have been given. You are still in the driver’s seat, not your injury or illness.” 

Numquam Navigare Solus – Never to Sail Alone

Navy Wounded Warrior coordinates the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, and provides resources and support to their families and caregivers. Regional non-medical care providers tailor support to each enrolled service member’s recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to focus on recovery without distraction. To date, nearly 10,000 seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.