Archive | AW2 | Warrior Transition Command

WTC and AW2 Provides Entrepreneurship Training

Filed under AW2, General, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on January 17, 2013 at 4:48 pm {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
Starting a business can seem like a difficult process, but wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans can take comfort in the fact there are many resources available to help assist in the entrepreneurship process.

“There are a lot of businesses and resources out there to teach our population how to own and run a successful business,” said Vicki Mullen, AW2 Labor Liaison Specialist.

Mullen and Cory Hixson, Action Officer, the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Commander’s Action Group, will conduct a two-hour, call-in training session on January 17, 2013 for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, Family members, and Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocates.

The first class is being offered to individuals in the southern region, and additional training sessions will be offered regionally.

“We decided to provide the training by regions to ensure we are reaching as many people as possible,” Mullen said. “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to listen to some of the tools available for starting their own business.”

Originally this type of training was taught to the WTU transition coordinators, but Hixson saw there was a need for this information to be provided in a larger scale directly to the WTU and AW2 populations.

“There are so many resources at their fingertips, but they are not taking advantage of them because many do not know to ask the questions,” said Hixson, who attended an entrepreneurship boot camp and completed extensive research on self employment and starting your own business.

“We know the need is out there,” Hixson said. “There is such an opportunity for our wounded, ill, and injured to not have to work a nine-to-five job, but to own a business. They can do what they like to do and not depend on sitting behind a desk.”

During the training session, Hixson will speak about the different centers and programs within the Small Business Administration, where to find information on the National Resource Directory, explain what the Veteran Franchise Centers is, as well as provide information about additional programs such as Operation Jump Start, Operation Boots to Business, and several other resources.

He will also give listeners a chance to ask questions about a variety of small business topics.

“I want to help by pointing out small business training and resources, but also answer any questions that have already popped up,” Hixson said.

“Many do not realize there are resources to start a business specifically for those who are female, disabled, a Guard orReserve Soldier, a Family member, a Caregiver, and so much more,” he added.

For more information, contact the WTC at (703)325-8999 or email www.usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.career-education-readiness-br@mail.mil or usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.AW2-career-program@mail.mil.

AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell Calls on Employers to Break Down Preconceived ideas of TBI, PTSD, and Physical Disabilities

Filed under AW2, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on October 5, 2012 at 11:15 am {no comments}

AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell continues to share his story publicly in order to inspire wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans and to gain support for the AW2 community.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
Recently I had the pleasure of connecting with AW2 Veteran, retired CPT Alvin Shell who spoke with his wife two weeks ago on a panel at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium. After the event, I was eager to follow up with CPT Shell and learn more about him and his outlook. I respect his bravery and wanted to know why he thinks it is important to share his story. Most of all, I wanted to know how CPT Shell feels when he speaks about his journey through transition and into recovery.

Alli: What did it mean to you to share your story at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium?

CPT Shell: It meant a lot to share my story with the attendees at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium. When I saw some of the people wiping away tears, nodding their heads to affirm a point I was trying to make, and clapping their hands, it made me feel like my Family’s sacrifice was appreciated.

Alli: How have experiences like this symposium helped you throughout your recovery?

CPT Shell: Experiences like this have really helped me. I always get more from the experience than I give. Hearing other stories of triumphs, tenacity, and true American patriotism is what gets me out of bed. These other wounded warriors keep me humble and inspired. I can never complain about my burned limbs and joint pains when there are others without limbs and joints that work twice as hard as me.

Alli: What message can you give to other wounded, ill, and injured Veterans who have recently separated from the Army and are looking for jobs?

CPT Shell: Work hard. Don’t allow people to focus on your disabilities, allow them to focus on your abilities. There is no defined career track, promotion point system, or senior NCOs to guide you through your career. If you begin to feel like you deserve a promotion or a job without merit and stop relying on the tenacity that helped you fight through your recovery and through your military career, you will be left behind and miss opportunities in your organization.

Alli: What is the biggest lesson you learned through your injury and recovery?

CPT Shell: My Family is everything to me. My mother and father are my heroes. I draw strength from their wisdom and love. My three boys inspire me to work hard. They have taught me more than I have taught them. My wife has been everything a husband could ask for.

Alli: How can real people support wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans who are actively seeking employment?

CPT Shell: Break down the preconceived ideas of what TBI, PTSD, and physical disabilities are and talk to our wounded warriors. Their patriotism will inspire. Their work ethic will enhance your company. Their stories are the building blocks of this nation.

Thank you CPT Shell for taking the time to answer my questions and share with us your positive and supportive messages. Thank you for your commitment to your fellow Veterans and your strength in supporting those who have served our country. Thank you for inspiring us.

Commander’s Drumbeat: AW2 Symposium–Thank you for all you do

Filed under AW2, Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by alanmorales on July 28, 2011 at 9:42 am {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

CPL Jeremy D. Voels, a patient at James Haley, talked with BG Darryl Williams about his deployment, injuries and his plans for the future.

BG Darryl A. Williams, Assistant Surgeon General and Commander, Warrior Transition Command, recently visited with Soldiers and staff at the James A. Haley VA Hospital Polytrauma Center, Tampa FL. CPL Jeremy D. Voels, a patient at James Haley, talked with Williams about his deployment, injuries, and his plans for the future.

I had a fantastic experience last week at the AW2 Symposium in Orlando. I stayed busy listening and getting to know people and their personal stories in a lot of different settings. Thursday I lunched with our wounded warriors. I also took some time along with a few members of my staff and Ms. Deborah Amdur, to visit with some Soldiers and staff at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa.

Ms. Amdur is Chief Consultant, Care Management and Social Work Service, Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs. For those of you who don’t know her–she was very instrumental in rolling out enhanced services to include a monetary stipend, health insurance, expanded training, and other support services to a whole new category of people serving our Nation—Family caregivers of Veterans. I can truly say that she was the perfect guest to have at the AW2 symposium, and that her passion and enthusiasm for our Veterans, their Families, and caregivers is contagious.

I got good feedback during my lunch with the wounded warriors. I heard some very personal stories and believe me they weren’t shy about telling me what we’re getting right and where we need to make improvements. That was great—I love when Soldiers talk to me uncensored and unfiltered. That’s how I get a true sense of where we are and where we need to go. By the way, it’s time for a shout out to retired SGT Joshua Cope, my new friend who got a gator with a crossbow. I met SGT Cope during the luncheon.

My day ended with the visit to James Haley. I can’t say enough about the great work by the leaders and staff at the VA hospital in Tampa which is also one of the VA’s five polytrauma centers. Polytrauma care is for Veterans and returning Servicemembers with injuries to more than one physical region or organ system, one of which may be life threatening, and which results in physical, cognitive, psychological, or psychosocial impairments and functional disability. Soldiers who are treated here usually have spinal cord or severe brain injuries.

I was impressed to see first-hand the care they provide our Soldiers and Veterans. It’s clear they are caring, competent professionals to their core. I met some great Americans who had recently been injured in combat and who are getting treatment and healing at James Haley. I also had the privilege of meeting with some of their Family members. I know that I speak for all the people in my party when I say this visit was humbling, uplifting, and inspiring.

I want to publicly recognize Dr. Steven Scott, Chief, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitative Services, and his team—they graciously took time to introduce us to patients, gave us a tour of their hospital, and shared with us the incredible ways they take care of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families. The public affairs officer, Ms. Carolyn Clark, did a great job helping us coordinate the visit and providing additional information after we returned to DC.

Finally, my hat is off to each wounded Soldier I met. Thank you all for allowing me and my staff to visit with you, hear your stories and express how grateful we are for your service and sacrifice. You all set the standard for resilience and perseverance.

COL Greg Gadson, Director, Army Wounded Warrior Program, visits with CPL Jeremy D. Voels during a visit to the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL.

COL Gregory D. Gadson, Director, Army Wounded Warrior Program, visits with CPL Jeremy D. Voels during a visit to the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL.

To CPL Jeremy D. Voels, Bravo Company, 101st Airborne Division, and his battle buddy in the bed next to him—I salute you. Guys, stay in the fight. You are exceptional Soldiers who inspire and motivate me to get up each morning and work hard for our wounded, ill, and injured men and women in uniform. Thank you for your service.

I’ll wrap this up by saying I’m sure it is obvious it was an exciting week, a long week, and a rewarding week for all of us who had the privilege of being a part of this year’s AW2 symposium. This AW2 symposium was not about individuals. It was about doing something for the greater good and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Everyone who participated worked as a team and worked to improve warrior care.

Kudos to COL Gadson, LTC Debra Cisney and everyone who helped to make this Symposium a resounding success. The out brief was very well done and it was obvious the delegates were up to the tasks and challenges of the week. Stay tuned—I’ll be able very soon to share with you the top five issues that we’re passing on to the Army Family Action Program for consideration.

TBI Leads Soldier and Spouse to Follow a Path to a Greater Good

Filed under AW2, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on July 22, 2011 at 1:17 pm {no comments}

By Tania Meireles, WTC Stratcom

Warrior Transition Unit Soldier SPC (P) Jason Burnett (right) with his wife Shannon shared their insights at the 2011 AW2 Symposium.

They met in college and did not know what the future would bring them. Despite the challenges they face, they believe things happen for a reason. They were directed on this new and better path for their future—a path that led them to the 2011 Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium.

SPC (P) Jason Burnett met his wife Shannon at Marquette University. After completing his undergraduate degree in criminology/pre-law, he was well on his way to starting a law degree when he decided that he wanted to serve his country first.

As the couple sat across from me, I saw that they both believed in this decision to serve. “I was born on September 11, and I wanted to fight for my country,” Burnett said.

He served five years with two tours of duty and wanted to continue his Army career. He was involved in an improvised explosive device explosion in 2010 and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, he later suffered a grand mal seizure induced by the TBI. He is currently recovering at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) at Fort Campbell, KY.

“I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t remember things,” he said with a smile as he looked at her. “My wife has been an amazing caregiver. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

She blushed with appreciation of his compliment. I could tell that there was nowhere else she would rather be than by his side. “We would talk on the phone, and I would write things down for him,” she said. “When he came home we would organize our calendar and be proactive about what we needed to do.”

Because of the severity of his seizure, there is a possibility that he may have another one. Therefore, he is not able to maintain his preferred military occupational specialty, and they decided to start the medical board process to medically retire from the Army.

Even though their plans had to change, they talked about their future with enthusiasm and assuredness. They exuded an inner peace and happiness at where they lives were heading.

“Because of what I have went through, I have a new passion in life,” he said. “I want to become a physical therapist. I will be happier doing a greater good helping those with disabilities.”

Also in the vein of doing a greater good, the Burnetts submitted an issue for consideration for the 2011 Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium. This year’s AW2 Symposium was expanded with the addition of two new focus groups for non-AW2 Soldiers assigned to Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) to discuss challenges they have faced and recommend improvements to Army leadership.

“It feels so good to speak your mind in the focus groups,” said Shannon Burnett. “You can just let it all out. We even spoke to a subject matter expert one-on-one about our own situation and it was really nice to be able to do that.”

The Burnetts believe that strong leadership at the WTUs has a substantial impact on a Soldier‘s recovery.

“Leadership who has compassion for wounded Soldiers and the knowledge to help can ensure Soldiers have a great transition,” they said. “We have a great nurse case manager and squad leader.”

While at the AW2 Symposium, they have met other Soldiers and Families and can really relate to their stories. They have a true respect for those they have met and are honored to be among them.

“There may be a physical or behavioral disability, but that doesn’t take away from our ability to accomplish what we put our hearts and minds to,” he said.

Commander’s Drumbeat: A Soft Place to Fall

Filed under AW2, WTC Commander by alanmorales on July 20, 2011 at 4:46 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Command

I arrived in Orlando today to join the AW2 leadership and staff at the seventh annual AW2 Symposium and am already impressed. This program offers wounded warriors, their spouses and caregivers the opportunity to have a voice in identifying and resolving issues that impact severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families.

My first order of business was to lunch with the Family members and caregivers. I have to say–this group knows their business like nobody else. CSM Benjamin Scott was there with me, as well as COL Greg Gadson and SGM Robert Gallagher. They can attest to the energy and enthusiasm in that room. This group came prepared to champion causes related to finance, medical care, and Veterans Affairs benefits for our wounded warriors.

Those of you who know me know I always emphasize that as, commander, Warrior Transition Command, my staff, and I support wounded, injured, and ill Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. I was glad to find representatives from all of these components at this lunch meeting and working as delegates at the AW2 Symposium.

And how I love getting out of the beltway! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy meeting people and hearing their personal stories–finding out what we’re getting right and where we need to make changes. What I found out today is that these people are excited about being here and having an opportunity to help shape the future in a positive way. Having said that, you won’t be surprised to learn they were especially excited and interested in resiliency training. They attended a session earlier this week and want more. They clearly make the connection that psychological fitness is just as important as physical fitness. We talked a lot about resiliency and about reducing stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care. COL Gadson reminded them that, as Soldiers and as military Families, we work as a team. No one does anything alone. Seeking help shows courage, that we are being honest with ourselves. I could tell this resonated with everyone in that room.

I let them know that training, education, and employment are my three top priorities for our WTU and AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. I want trained and committed cadre. I want to see our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers get the education they need, whether about COAD or COAR programs or going back to college. I want to see them all successfully transition back to active duty or into the private sector with careers that match their interests and skills. These Soldiers should be trained, educated, and empowered—they deserve a soft place to land.

This was a great first day at my first AW2 Symposium. I look forward to hearing their top recommendations and being their voice with leaders back in Washington.

WTC Commander Listens to Local Dallas Wounded Warriors Talk About Life Post-Injury

Filed under AW2, Leadership, WTC Commander by alanmorales on March 16, 2011 at 11:07 am {one comment}

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

(left to right) WTC Commander BG Darryl A. Williams, AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson, and AW2 Sergeant Major SGM Robert Gallagher listen to participant questions at the 2011 AW2 Annual Training Conference.

Yesterday morning, I witnessed BG Darryl A. Williams give a keynote speech to a group of Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocates and other guests in Dallas, TX. During this speech he motivated and energized staff to continue excelling in their efforts to better serve the Army’s wounded, ill, and injured. However, it was only a few moments after his speech that I witnessed BG Williams enter a much a smaller room, take the microphone off, and take a seat at a table with seven wounded warriors from the local Dallas area. This time around, BG Williams was the one doing the listening.

The luncheon took place on day two of the 2011 AW2 Advocate Annual Training–an event where 170+ Advocates nationwide have convened to train and collaborate to better provide individualized support to the Army’s severely wounded, ill, and injured. Making a stop to address the attendees, BG Williams made it a priority to also take the opportunity to meet local wounded warriors.

During the luncheon, BG Williams, along with AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson and AW2 Sergeant Major SGM Robert Gallagher, listened to wounded warriors explain various challenges, such as Social Security benefits claims, difficulties in continuing on active duty, and the difficulties involved with civilian integration. The discussion served as a mechanism for BG Williams to better understand both new and persistent issues that face the wounded warrior population.

After hours of taking notes and posing questions to his guests, BG Williams concluded the luncheon by sharing with the table a few words that resonated with the group. BG Williams said, “I regularly speak to officials at the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Congress, and various others in Washington. I’m here to tell you that it’s not worth a can of beans unless I connect with the Soldier to understand how what I do in Washington affects him or her.”

Feedback isn’t limited to the walls of a conference room. It continues in the virtual world. Share with us your thoughts about the Army’s warrior care programs. Whether you are in a Warrior Transition Unit, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, or a Veteran, share with us your thoughts by posting a comment below.

AW2 Veterans and Families Honored to Represent Wounded at AFAP

Filed under AW2 by alanmorales on February 7, 2011 at 4:52 pm {no comments}

By Tania Meireles, WTC Stratcom

Timothy Brown is an active Veteran who is passionate about the availability of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) group therapy and believes in Soldiers maintaining their physical health through a proper diet and exercise.

Last week eight AW2 Veterans, Family members, and caregivers, who participated in the 2010 AW2 Symposium, participated with 102 other Soldiers, Family members, and retirees in the Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA) Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Worldwide Conference. A group of spouses started AFAP over a quarter of a century ago to create an avenue for Soldier/Family issues to be identified and elevated to Army leadership. Several installation and mid-level AFAP conferences are conducted throughout the year, including the AW2 Symposium, culminating in the annual HQDA AFAP Worldwide Conference.

At the AFAP Worldwide Conference, delegates prioritized issues elevated from previous conferences. The top two prioritized issues in each workgroup were entered into the active AFAP process and presented to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army (VCSA) and the Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) for action.

“These conferences are very important,” said Timothy Brown, AW2 Veteran. “Information gets pushed out to the higher echelon.”

The AFAP Delegates discussed 77 issues, including the following nine which were issued, identified, and prioritized at the 2010 AW2 Symposium by: AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, Family Members, and caregivers

Medically Retired Servicemember’s Eligibility for Concurrent Receipt of Disability Pay (CRDP)
Post 9/11 GI Bill Transferability to Dependents for All Medically Retired Servicemembers
Transfer Option from Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) to Permanent Disability Retired (PDR) for Wounded Warriors
Benefits and Entitlements Information to Wounded Warrior Primary Caregivers
Case Managers for Continuation on Active Duty/Continuation on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR) Soldiers
Formal Training on Wounded Warrior Abuse/Neglect Awareness and Prevention for Designated Caregivers
Family Member’s (FM) and/or Designated Caregiver’s Input and Observation in Service Members’ Treatment Plans
Enhanced Access to Care for Army Wounded Warriors (AW2) not in Warrior Transition Units
Extension of Medical Retention Processing 2 (MRP2) Time Restriction for Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers

The AFAP delegates then prioritized 16 issues (two per workgroup), including three of the nine AW2 Symposium issues. These three issues entered the active AFAP process for resolution and were presented to Army leadership at the report out. Additionally, all three were voted as prioritized as being among the “Top 5 AFAP Conference Issues” for 2011:

#2: Formal Standardized Training for Designated Caregivers of Wounded Warriors
#3: Medically Retired Servicemember’s Eligibility for Concurrent Receipt of Disability Pay (CRDP)
#5: Medical Retention Processing 2 (MRP2) Time Restriction for Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers

The 16 prioritized issues from this conference will be assigned to Action Officers across the Army for resolution. The status of these issues, along with the 32 currently active issues, will be reported to the VCSA and SMA at the summer 2011 General Officer Steering Committee.

Mary Q. Tallouzi feels nothing but blessed in her life’s journey and volunteers her time to help others.

During the week, the delegates also participated in a few surveys. AW2 was voted as the number two “strength” in the Mobilization, Deployment, and Family Strength survey.

All the AW2 delegates were honored to have the opportunity to help the wounded Soldiers, retirees, and Families who will follow them and proud to represent the AW2 population and help three of their issues make it to the top of the Army’s priorities.

Mary Tallouzi, mother of deceased AW2 Veteran Daniel, said “I am really glad I am here. I know my son is looking down at me as I go through my journey and saying, ‘You go mom.’”

A Force To Be Reckoned With

Filed under AW2, COAD/COAR by alanmorales on January 27, 2011 at 10:55 am {no comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

SFC Jarrett Jongema is one of the 30 AW2 COAD/COAR Forum delegates who despite his numerous critical combat injuries, decided to continue to serve post injury and inspire others to do the same.

“This is not a program you run out and want to join like Boy Scouts. You just end up here,” SFC Jarrett Jongema explained. “We all have one thing in common—we’ve been through hell and back.”

Jongema was severely wounded in Iraq. Blasted 50 feet from his Humvee’s (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) turret, Jongema had his face ripped off by a razor wire, his leg shattered, his lung collapsed, his body impaled by a fence, and his heart bruised. He was shot, proclaimed dead seven times, and sustained a traumatic brain injury. This was “the hell” and “the back” was his work to recover.

“There is a stigma out there and anyone who denies it is full of crap. Anyone with a profile is viewed as being broken and busted with limitations. I know I used to think that,” Jongema explained. “But, being in a challenging job that exercised my mind and speech really helped my recovery. It’s been a great job at HRC [Army Human Resources Command], and I’m not ready to quit. I love to wear the uniform.”

Jongema, the Senior Enlisted Career Advisor for the Air Defense and Public Affairs Career Management Field, is going through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process and plans to Continue on Active Duty rather than medically retire. “I want to be actively engaged and help Soldiers—to have the greatest amount of visibility so that I have the greatest level of impact on wounded warriors.” Jongema added, “My goals include promotion to MSG [master sergeant] and possibly working at a Warrior Transition Unit.” He’s also working on his degree because he knows there is life after the uniform and says, “Everything I do in uniform prepares me for that.”

This week, Jongema is working as one of 30 delegates at the AW2 Continue on Active Duty/Continue on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR) Forum to update the Army’s regulations that manage Soldiers found unfit for duty but continue to serve. “With all the subject matter experts here, our experiences, and leadership’s support—I know something good will come out of this week.”

As for life after “hell and back,” Jongema replied, “We’ve all had our challenges being wounded and continuing to serve. These guys, they all have so much heart and drive doing what they love and cannot be written off. I know I’m still a force to be reckoned with.”

Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended Again

Filed under AW2, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by alanmorales on January 25, 2011 at 10:41 am {no comments}

By Ron Perry, AW2 Finance Advisor

The deadline for eligible servicemembers, Veterans, and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to March 4, 2011, allowing personnel more time to apply for the benefits they’ve earned under the program’s guidelines. This effects servicemembers who have not yet filed for RSLSP and had their enlistment involuntarily extended due to Stop Loss between September 11, 2001, and September 30, 2009.

Eligible servicemembers or their beneficiaries may be entitled to $500 per month for each month they were involuntarily extended on active duty by Stop Loss authority between September 11, 2001, and September 30, 2009.

Stop Loss payments are subject to federal and state taxes in most cases. DFAS will not have all W-2s or 1099s delivered until the end of January or early February. Recipients of Stop Loss payments should consider waiting until they receive their W-2s or 1099s before filing their federal and state taxes in order to avoid the need to file an amended return.

If a servicemember needs more information or meets eligibility criteria and would like to submit a claim, they should visit the U.S. Army Retroactive Stop Loss Pay Website before March 4, 2011, to be guaranteed payment. By law, there is no authorization to make payments on claims that are submitted after March 4, 2011.

Welcome LTC (P) Greg Gadson, New AW2 Director

Filed under AW2 by alanmorales on July 13, 2010 at 4:58 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

I’m proud to welcome LTC (P) Greg Gadson as the new Director of the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).

LTC (P) Greg Gadson talks with LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, The Surgeon General/Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command and BG Gary Cheek, Commanding General, Warrior Transition Command.

I served with LTC Gadson twice in Afghanistan, where he was my XO and later my Operations Officer. He also commanded a new Artillery Battalion during the surge in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007—getting everyone back alive. He is a strong leader who understands the important mission of AW2, as well as the Soldiers, Veterans, and Families it supports.

LTC (P) Gadson lost both his legs above the knee and sustained severe damage to his right arm due to an IED explosion in Iraq in 2007. This officer remained committed to serving in this U.S. Army, and continued on active duty after his recovery. Like many wounded warriors, LTC (P) Gadson knows that his injury is just one chapter in his story—his focus is on what’s next.

I am confident that LTC (P) Gadson will be a great leader for AW2. He’s a leader who will continue to focus on providing personalized support to severely wounded Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families—support that will foster their independence and help them transition to a productive life post-injury.

I also congratulate COL Jim Rice on his three years of leadership at AW2. He led with confidence and a strong commitment to providing the very best support to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. He will now serve as the Chief, Health Service Support Directorate on the Joint Staff. In this role he will coordinate medical support for all the services to combatant commanders around the world.

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