COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The physical, mental and emotional demands of military service can take a toll on the individual. Recognizing this need, the Army implemented a system in 2020 that prioritizes soldiers’ health and well-being.
Captain Emily Rice is a dietitian at Fort Jackson and said her work with H2F is more than a job; it’s a calling.
“Dare I say part of my purpose is helping change the culture and help the young soldiers out,” Rice said.
She enlisted in the Army Reserve as a freshman in college while pursuing a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She continued her education throughout her service, eventually earning a Master’s degree in nutrition and becoming a registered dietitian while serving as a second lieutenant.
“I’m extremely passionate about sports and performance,” Rice said.
Today, she channels that passion and utilizes her skillset through H2F.
“I’m a firm believer in it. I try to live by it,” Rice said.
The Army centered H2F around five pillars designed to support comprehensive soldier wellness: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, and spiritual health.
The physical, mental and emotional demands of military service can take a toll on the individual.(WIS News 10)
“Those domains are deeply interconnected and really form the foundation for an individual to be able to live a healthy and well-balanced life,” Rice explained.
The Army provides resources for each of the domains, including red light therapy to help with sleep and cold tubs to help with recovery. They also provide mental health specialists, dietitians, physical therapists and more.
“The Army truly cares for its people and is committed to ensuring that we have the tools we need to be successful,” Rice said.
Rice’s work with H2F recently earned recognition in a national publication, highlighting how the program’s principles extend beyond military personnel to benefit civilians as well.
“We’re really talking about the different domains of H2F and how they benefit soldiers, but also how they benefit the normal person,” Rice noted.
The program represents a fundamental shift in how the Army approaches health and fitness. Rice said it’s encouraging soldiers to be more intentional with how they approach their well-being.
“We say things like ‘sleep when you’re dead’ or ‘just eat whatever’ or ‘exercise is everything that matters,’ but really it’s about pouring into each of those domains on a daily basis so you can have a well-rounded foundation,” Rice said.
As the Army continues to expand and refine H2F initiatives, programs like those at Fort Jackson demonstrate the tangible impact of prioritizing soldier wellness. Through leaders like Captain Rice, this cultural shift is creating healthier and more resilient soldiers across the force.
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