Warrior Transition Command | Official Blog of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command

WTB Fort Knox and CB-WTU-IL Soldiers Win Big at Super Bowl Weekend Events

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on February 9, 2012 at 4:07 pm {no comments}

More than 40 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members from the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) and Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit-Illinois (CBWTU-IL) pose with NFL players (Chris Gronkowski and Dan Gronkowski) during the NFL Salute to Service at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Edinburgh, Indiana.

LTC Jeanette Griffin, WTC STRATCOM
During Super Bowl weekend, more than 40 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members from the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) and Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit—Illinois (CBWTU-IL) were invited to take part in two events: the Salute to Service at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, in Edinburgh, Indiana, and the National Football League Charities Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic in Indianapolis.

The trip kicked off on Thursday, February 2, as Soldiers traveled to Camp Atterbury for the NFL Salute to Service where they mingled with NFL players and got autographs and photos with NFL players and Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders.

The next day, Soldiers traveled to Indianapolis where they took part in the NFL Experience, an interactive professional football theme park with participatory games, displays, entertainment, and autograph sessions.

Wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers from the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) and Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit-Illinois (CBWTU-IL) pose with actor and NFL player Fred Williamson during the NFL National Football League Charities Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic in Indianapolis. (L) SFC Scott Strate, SSG Phillip Mooney, SPC John Blinkenstaff)

The highlight of Super Bowl weekend was the NFL Legends Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic which took place at the Woodland Bowling Center on Saturday.

The bowling classic, an NFL fan favorite, features about 50 current and retired NFL players. Participants range from professional Football Hall of Fame members, to star-studded celebrities, corporate philanthropists, business owners, and local citizens. The Bowling Classic was full of fun, food, and friendly competition. As guests of honor, the wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and cadre from the WTB and CBWTU-IL were invited to share the stage with the players during the opening ceremony. Surrounded by a multitude of NFL greats and celebrities, they were recognized for their service and contributions to the country. The Soldiers also enjoyed an up-close and personal experience bowling with NFL greats and other celebrities. In teams of four, the Soldiers played alongside Joe DeLamielleure, actor and NFL player, Fred “the Hammer” Williamson, and actress Sandra Taylor. Each Soldier played two games with their celebrity team captains and met a host of NFL legends.

“This is a great experience.” said SSG Lani Balama. “It’s not often an individual gets to meet more than one NFL player from more than one team in one location.”

On August 18, 2011, during a dismounted patrol in Afghanistan, Balama was wounded when he took shrapnel to both legs and his left elbow after a hand grenade landed approximately four inches from his left foot. He hopes to return to his unit soon and to perform all of his assigned duties. Balama currently works as a mentor at the Ft. Knox WTB and has orders to become a squad leader. This position will enable him to continue his treatments and assist other Soldiers who are in recovery.

CBWTU-IL cadre member SFC Anthony Costa shared his thoughts about the trip as well. “This is a great opportunity to meet the stars and talk to a lot of different people. To see NFL players and all of these organizations come out and support the military is really great. Being able to share our stories and experiences is big. Everyone’s endearing attitude toward us and what Soldiers everywhere have done has been the highlight of my day.”

CBWTU-IL is a remote care unit, allowing Soldiers to recover in their hometowns, close to the support systems of their Families and communities. It serves Soldiers from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa. Costa served for 18 years and worked with the CBWTU-IL for four years.

Coach Charlie Hatcher, host of Sports Inside and Out, produced a live radio broadcast during the bowling classic.

These pre-Super Bowl events were a touchdown with the Soldiers.

Thanks for A Dog Named “Ike” – An Opportunity for More Independence for AW2 Veteran Christopher Paiser

Filed under Advocate Story, General by jvargas on February 7, 2012 at 11:35 am {no comments}

By Jeff Johnson, AW2 Advocate
As an AW2 Advocate, I work with many Soldiers who face significant challenges after sustaining physical and emotional combat injuries, and have the courage to face their challenges and improve their quality of life. One such individual is AW2 Veteran Christopher Paiser. Paiser epitomizes what courage and rising above anything that is thrown against you are all about. His experience also emphasizes that there are many good people in this world who will go out of their way to assist Veterans like Chris.

Paiser deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard 2nd/108th Infantry out of Morrisonville, NY, as a fire-team leader with 17 years of experience. In 2004, he took his fire team to the Post Exchange (PX) on their day off. The facility came under rocket fire. He was hit with shrapnel and severely damaged his right eye.

He was medevaced to Baghdad, where doctors removed the shrapnel and then transferred him to Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) in Germany and the United States. Despite a belief that his sight would return in at least one eye, he didn’t regain vision in either. This was, as one might imagine, a very tough time for Chris and his family.

In a recent Press Republican article, Paiser discussed the depression following his injury saying, “I didn’t want to get off the couch or out of bed, and my wife (Mary) would say, ‘You didn’t come home in a box. Move.’” Paiser went to a rehab center for the blind in Connecticut and learned to use a mobility cane and through these experiences he “was regaining some independence.”

At this point, AW2 connected Paiser with Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, an AW2 Community Support Network organization that trains guide dogs for the blind, and Ike, a 2-year-old black Labrador. With this new addition to his Family , Paiser found an even greater sense of freedom and independence as Ike helped him find his way without relying on someone else’s guidance.

From my experience with Chris, it is clear that Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind is a great resource to assist blind AW2 Veterans like Paiser with finding the courage and perseverance to rise above any challenge on their path to independence. With companions like Ike, Chris and other sight-impaired Veterans can enjoy more freedom to engage in outside activities with Family and community resources.

Paiser recently spoke at an American Legion Veterans Day remembrance ceremony and continues on his way to greater independence.

February 2, 2012: Celebrating 111 years of Army Nursing

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by cmccarrie on February 2, 2012 at 3:20 pm {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC STRATCOM
“Embrace the Past – Engage the Present – Envision the Future”

The history of the Army Nurse Corps began in 1899 when the Surgeon General used lessons learned from the Spanish-American War to articulate the need for a reserve force of Army nurses to meet wartime shortages.

Since that time, Army nurses have been serving the nation’s Soldiers on battlefields across the world. They have endured the same hardships and dangers as our Soldiers on the front lines and earned the deep respect, gratitude, and trust of the American people.

As our Soldiers stand on point for our nation, defending freedom across the globe, they can rest assured that the Army Nurse Corps will continue to selflessly tend to our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers both on and off the battlefield. As the Army transforms to meet the requirements of today’s battlefields, Army nurses will continue to consistently provide the quality of care our Soldiers expect and deserve.

“In her keynote address at the MHS conference, LTG Horoho asked that all healthcare professionals focus beyond patient visits and focus on improving health.” said COL Suzanne Scott, WTC Command Nurse, speaking on the role of nurses in the WTU triad of care. “Nurse case managers in our WTUs do just that. We are there to help guide our Soldiers and their families through the transition process so that they can effectively move from point of illness or injury back to health and even greater; self determination.”

Scott continued, “Nurse case managers are at the forefront of influencing patient lives. Today is a great day to celebrate both our accomplishments and our goals for the future. The words of the 1944 Nurse Corps Song written by Private HY Zaret still rings true today for nursing and for case management:

‘We march along with faith undaunted,

Beside our gallant fighting men.

Whenever they are sick or wounded,

We march them back to health again.

As long as healing hands are wanted,

You’ll find the nurses of the Corps.

On ship or plane, on transport train,

At home or on a far off shore;

With loyal heart we do our part,

For the Army and the Army Nurse Corps.’

The Army Nurse Corps continues to care for the thousands of Soldiers recovering at Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) throughout the Army, and the Warrior Transition Command commends their tireless efforts to help them heal.

Project Odyssey: Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded, Ill, and Injured Soldiers

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by cmccarrie on February 1, 2012 at 11:53 am {no comments}

SGT Victor Mendez, of Warrior Transition Battalion-Europe’s Alpha Company, climbs the rock wall at the St. Wendel Rock Climbing Park while participating in Project Odyssey on January 24, in St. Wendel Germany. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Mattice)

By WTC STRATCOM
Last week, wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers from Warrior Transition Battalion – Europe’s Alpha Company had the opportunity to experience Project Odyssey at the Hambachtal Activity Center and Resort in Oberhambach, Germany.

Project Odyssey, conceptually founded on the Homeric epic of a war weary Greek general and the obstacles he faced returning from the Trojan wars, is an outdoor, rehabilitative retreat organized and charitably funded by Veterans and other members of the American public actively advocating for and supporting our men and women in uniform.

The power of this type of outdoor experience is best seen through the eyes of participants. Speaking as a member of this particular retreat, one Alpha Company Soldier describes how these activities can influence the healing process at a deeper level.

“Injuries are not just ‘I have lost an arm or a leg.’ It’s more than that. There are injuries you can’t see that we deal with on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Ruben Bustos of A. Co. WTB-E. “This project takes you away from the stressors and puts you in the position of a caregiver through the team building exercises.”

The ability for such a retreat to take place and impact recovering Soldiers so far from home speaks to the deep need of grateful, caring Americans to reach out and do something positive for our country’s wounded, ill, and injured service members.

The Warrior Transition Command shares responsibility with Warrior Transition Unit leadership and others for ensuring wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families are aware of the resources and programs available to provide assistance. Many of these organizations have committed to joining the Army Wounded Warrior Community Support Network (CSN). We encourage all Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and others that support wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families to join the CSN.

For more information on how you or your organization can become part of the Community Support Network, go to http://www.wtc.army.mil/aw2/community_support/index.html

Keys to a New Future for AW2 Veteran Kevin Snow and Family

Filed under Advocate Story, General by jvargas on January 31, 2012 at 10:20 am {no comments}

AW2 Veteran Kevin Snow and his Family receive a standing ovation and ceremonial keys to their new home before the Giants-Redskins game at MetLife stadium in New Jersey on December 19, 2012.

By Jeff Johnson, AW2 Advocate
As an AW2 Advocate, I am always humbled by the generosity of so many people who reach out to our AW2 Soldiers and Families in need, provide them with the resources to enhance their lives, and give them the opportunity for a better future in their path to independence.

One such Soldier and Family that received a great opportunity for a better future is AW2 Soldier Kevin Snow and his Family of five. On October 11, 2007, Snow, a Purple Heart recipient, was deployed with A Battery, 2^nd of the 32^nd Field Artillery, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Infantry Division to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Liberty, Iraq. While deployed, his FOB was subjected to a mortar attack with rounds landing five meters away from Snow. He sustained shrapnel injuries and subsequently suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Snow Family has faced a myriad of challenges progressing through Snow’s recovery with PTSD and TBI. His Family was supporting him every step of the way through many hurdles and in-patient hospitalizations, especially his wife, Adrienne. The Snows have five children, including two special needs children, and were struggling to find an affordable house for their Family after leaving their last residence.

Mrs. Snow, while researching housing availability, contacted the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF), of San Antonio, Texas, regarding their Homes 4 Wounded Heroes program. The program awards mortgage-free homes to wounded heroes injured during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The homes are targeted toward Families who have severe and/or unique circumstances due to their injuries received while serving our country. In addition to the home, the Families receive three years of Family and financial mentoring. After several interviews with the MWSF, the Snow Family was approved for a mortgage-free home located in Atlantic County, New Jersey, donated by Chase Bank, at no expense to the Family. Snow said that the entire process took about four months. This was just the beginning. More was to come for Snow and his Family.

On December 19, Snow and his Family’s service was recognized at an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, courtesy of the MWSF. The foundation also provided travel and hotel accommodations for Snow and his Family. During the game, the Family received ceremonial keys for their new home, a standing ovation from the crowd, and a meet and greet with many of the NFL officials and sponsors present at the game. Snow commented to me “it’s great what ordinary Americans do in stepping up to assist wounded Soldiers like me, and I am so thankful to them.”

The Family is of course very excited about the new move. The Snow Family will be moving into their new home in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, in the February or March time frame in 2012. They are looking forward to having a permanent home big enough for their large Family and the stability and peace of mind that brings. The Snow’s are also receiving support from other Veterans who are providing resources to cover their moving expenses, a real plus for a large Family and again, showing the generosity of so many to our AW2 Families. Snow, in talking about the experience, stated that “we were in a dire situation, had nowhere to turn and this organization opened up the door and gave us a new start which I am very thankful for.” Snow has attended many AW2 outreach activities and has spoken to groups on behalf of other AW2 Soldiers.

AW2 Soldiers who may be interested in looking at the programs provided by the Military Warriors Support Foundation can go to their web page at http://www.militarywarriors.org/programs

WTU Soldiers Gain Experience from Department of Defense Operation Warfighter Internship Program

Filed under General, WTU/WTB by cmccarrie on January 30, 2012 at 10:49 am {no comments}

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
The mahogany rectangle framed the picture of the doctor’s family easily distracted MSG Mary Moore’s attention – two children similar to her own. Turning her attention back to the doctor explaining the next steps to fighting cancer diagnosis, all Moore could think of was her children.

“I found out when I was going through the deployment process with my unit I had breast cancer,” said Moore, who was assigned to the Fort Meade Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) and is now in remission and beginning the process of retiring from the Army and transitioning into the civilian workforce.

“I have two young children. What do I do now?” Moore asked herself shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving more devastating news.

“On top of me having breast cancer, I lost my husband while he was deployed in Iraq,” Moore said. “We were married for 16 years. It set my family back like you wouldn’t believe.”

While assigned to the WTU, one of 29 units established to provide personal support to wounded, ill and injured Soldiers who require at least six months of rehabilitative care and complex medical management, Moore learned about Operation Warfighter (OWF), a Department of Defense internship program for wounded, ill and injured service members transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce.

“My squad leader told me about OWF,” Moore said. “I was told I could get an internship and if I decided to transfer out of the Army it’s a good way to network.”

After contacting OWF Moore caught the break she was looking for. “One agency contacted me and I interviewed,” she said. “I was able to work in the software engineering program. I learned a lot while I was there. It was a good opportunity to use my leadership skills.”

Started in 2004, OWF represents an opportunity for transitioning service members to increase their employment readiness by building their resumes, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, benefiting from both formal and on-the-job training opportunities, and gaining valuable Federal government work experience that will help prepare them for the future.

“Soldiers in a WTU are encouraged to start or continue a college program to work towards a degree,” Adams said. “If the Soldier already has a degree then they volunteer to work either on- or off-post.”

“Usually if the Soldier is transitioning out of the Army we want them to explore a new career to build experiences that bridge their military career to civilian work,” she added. “We want to prepare the Soldiers for permanent employment.”

Servicemembers must be certified as medically cleared by their chain of command before they are able to participate in the program. Once medically cleared, the service member works with an OWF coordinator to identify and secure an internship opportunity.

“It’s a good opportunity for networking and meeting people who can help you somewhere down the line,” said SGT Don Rhoda, a Ft. Meade WTU Soldier who also participated in the OWF program.

While deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, Rhoda, an infantryman directly exposed to improvised explosive devices more than 30 times, was diagnosed with a torn rotator and traumatic brain injury.

“I have to find something else to do their give me some experience that I can market,” said Rhoda. “OWF helped take somebody like me that doesn’t have a lot of popular skills and helped me realize the skills that I have are marketable.”

“You’re going to have a lot of offers from different agencies. Make sure you do your homework because it’s your choice. It’s not the other way around, you choose,” Rhoda added. “Make sure you make the right choice.”

According to the Military Homefront website, OWF has placed more than 2,000 service members in internships with more than 105 different Federal agencies and sub-components. These internships help wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers explore potential career and education paths as they weigh transition options.

When asked about her future and how OWF has helped her take a new path, Moore summed it up saying “Sometimes you find yourself in a position to try something different than what you’ve been doing all your life in the military. OWF is just one of the doors open for you, and I really appreciate it.”

For more information or if you have questions about OWF, find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OperationWarfighter.

When Focusing on the Physical, Don’t Forget the Mental

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by cmccarrie on January 30, 2012 at 10:17 am {no comments}

January 13, 2012 – WTC’s first 2012 Warrior Games cycling clinic participants in San Diego, CA. From left to right, SSG Mario Bilbrew, Warrior Games Army cycling coach, SGT Jonte Scott, with service dog, Ava, SSG Vester (Max) Hasson, SGT Lester Perez, and SFC Jason Sterling.

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
SFC Jason Sterling, SSG Vester (Max) Hasson, SGT Lester Perez, and SGT Jonte Scott, Soldiers in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Warrior Transition Unit thought they were attending the first Warrior Transition Command cycling clinic, in San Diego, California, to learn how to improve their cycling skills, but their training involved more than just the physical aspects required for Warrior Games competition..

“This clinic gave everyone a chance to see what they need to work on, physically and mentally,” said SSG Mario Bilbrew, the Warrior Games Army’s cycling event coach. “It’s good to see everyone taking this seriously and giving their all.”

The clinic is one of three scheduled for Army cycling athletes who want to compete in the 2012 Warrior Games. The athletes will have to qualify with the best timed cycling performances to be on the Army’s cycling team.

Dr. Shannon Baird and Kaitlyn Donohoe, performance enhancement specalists from the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness-Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program (CSF-PREP) were among the clinic’s attendees. CSF-PREP is an organization that provides education and training about mental and emotional strength building, and psychology techniques.

“Shannon and Kaitlyn explained to the athletes that it’s not just a physical performance, but also a mental competition,” Bilbrew said.

The specialists taught the clinic’s participants how to use words or phrases called cues to counteract negative thoughts and constantly reinforced the ideas of goal setting and positive thinking as the athletes practiced cycling skills and other specialized techniques.

“It’s important to interrupt ineffective thoughts. The training and tips we provide help with that,” said Baird. “This is the fuel that you need to feel inspired and gain energy.”

Baird and Donohoe taught an hour and a half class focusing on understanding the differences between skills, attitudes, and gifts.

Throughout the clinic, athletes were constantly asked questions such as “how would they like people to describe them” and “what is your goal for the day” to help them understand how to incorporate mental and emotional concepts and remain focused during the cycling competition.

“It’s necessary to set a goal each time, before you sit down on your cycles. Ask yourself, what’s going to get me one step closer to this goal,” Baird added. “That will be what makes you stand apart. It’s a roadmap to success.”

Army Warrior Games Training Comes to Fort Bliss

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by cmccarrie on January 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm {no comments}

January 13, 2012 MSG Fernando Verones, Army Shooting Team Assistant Coach, demonstrates how to shoot the air rifle during the WTC shooting clinic held at the University of Texas, El Paso. Clinic participants are vying for a spot on the Army's Warrior Games 2012 shooting team. Photo Credit: SGT Valerie Lopez

By SGT Valerie Lopez, Headquarters 1st Armored Division
Inhale… exhale, the sound of breathing in a small quiet room, inhale…exhale, then a sudden pop as the pellet is shot from an air rifle into the target. The room is filled with Soldiers taking their shots at the tryouts for the 2012 Warrior Games Army shooting team.

25 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers gathered from different installations at Fort Bliss and El Paso to participate in the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) shooting training clinic from January 11-14.

“This is our very first of three shooting clinics for selecting the 2012 Warrior Games Army shooting team,” said MSG Howard Day, Army shooting coach and student at United States Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). “We partnered with University of Texas El Paso and Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB, and representatives from Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) in order to make this clinic happen.”

The first Warrior Games was held in 2010, as an introduction to Paralympic sports for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers and Veterans of all services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Special Operations. During this year’s games, servicemembers and Veterans will compete in seven sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball.

This year the Army’s shooting training camp was held at the University of Texas, El Paso’s (UTEP) ROTC building. The participating Soldiers and Veterans lodged in the Fort Bliss WTB Barracks.

“This year’s mission is to bring home the gold from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado”, said Day.

During the clinic, the organizers setup three stations:-mental, physical, and range practice.

In the mental station, Lindsay Holtz, Performance Enhancement Specialist assisted shooters to create imagery scripts to do mental practice when they don’t have a weapon.

“It’s like a movie script that you play in your head to help you keep your patterns, muscles, and mind prepared for when you go back out there,” said Holtz.

UTEP women’s shooting coach George Brenzovich and student athlete Andrea Vautrin, exchanging ideas with the shooters on different ways to deal with anxieties and the pressures of competing. They also demonstrated alternate positions for shooting pertaining to each person’s disabilities or weaknesses.

The third station was an indoor air shooting range at the ROTC building where the participants practiced shooting and received instructions from coach Day, assistant coaches, and USASMA students MSG Fernando Verones, MSG Roger Lewis, and SGM Martin Barreras with the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU).

“Despite their circumstances, these participants all come together to compete,” said Day.

One Soldier, SPC James Darlington, from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center WTB, at the young age of 19 was deployed with the 82nd Airborne when his group was hit with two rocket propelled grenades in July 2010, and his arm was struck. With nerve damage and muscle loss in his right arm, Darlington, now 21 years old, has his mom with him as his non-medical attendant.

“He did his job well,” said Gery Darlington, “because everyone came home from that deployment. He’s here alive, and we can deal with whatever happens with his arm.”

“The WTB has great programs to help Soldiers transition back to their units, and other activities to keep us from getting down,” said Darlington. “The shooting clinic helped us get better at shooting. I’m looking forward to getting on the team.”

The Soldiers’ injuries here run the full scope,” said Day, “from traumatic brain injury (TBI), to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to amputations. Many have multiple injuries and other medical conditions that challenge them.

SSG Tracy J. Smith, Alpha Company, CBWTU Georgia, Army National Guard with 48th Brigade, was deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan, survived mortar rounds, explosions, and firefights. Now battling TBI and PTSD, three pins in her knee and 50% hearing loss, Smith continues to stay active in everyday life.

“I was initially introduced to adaptive sports, and wanted to stay active and physically fit, so I did archery, seated shot put, track and field events, power lifting, and now marksmanship,” said Smith.

Smith said because of the TBI and the PTSD, she was at first nervous to handle a weapon, but after watching someone use the air rifle, it was not as “off-putting”. It was almost therapeutic.

“It’s almost a very easy reintroduction into the basics of Soldiering, but also very different from what we are taught in marksmanship,” said Smith. “I am doing this for those that can’t, for my battle buddy who is partly paralyzed and unable, because he would have if our situations were reversed.”

“Eighty-three Soldiers applied, and 75 were notified that they were eligible for these clinics,” said Day. “From these clinics, the best [shooters] will be put together to form our Army team.”

As a wounded Soldier himself, Day said it is vital for Soldiers to recognize that the injuries are not the end of their career and definitely not the end of possibilities in life.

“This is nothing but a speed bump, a simple turn in the road,” said Day. “There is a big bright future and lots of opportunities.”

For more information on the Warrior Games, visit http://usparalympics.org/military-and-veteran-programs/warrior-games-presented-by-deloitte

AW2 Soldier’s Sight Set on Gold

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Warrior Games by jvargas on January 19, 2012 at 5:14 pm {no comments}

SGT Lester Perez started his cycling session with the arms-and-shoulder rotation, an exercise to prepare the upper body for physical activity, during the first Warrior Transition Command’s cycling clinic held January 13-14 in Coronado, CA. Photo Credit: SSG Emily Anderson

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
Winning a gold medal during the 2011 Warrior Games wheelchair basketball tournament was not enough for SGT Lester Perez, an AW2 Soldier assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

“It felt great winning gold in wheelchair basketball, but that’s a group sport. I want to win in cycling, my individual event,” said Perez who participated in Warrior Transition Command (WTC) cycling clinics held in Coronado, California, January 13-14.

The training clinic gave candidates a chance to improve their cycling skills and honed their techniques as they prepared for selection for one of the cycling slots on the Army’s 2012 Warrior Games team.

“Everyone’s working hard,” said SSG Mario Bilbrew, the Army Warrior Games cycling coach. “This clinic gave the participants a chance to see how well they are doing and what they need to continue to work on before the next one.”

Warrior Games is a sporting competition for wounded, ill, and injured athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Operations Command where servicemembers compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in seven sports at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“The games are great,” Perez said, “I love being a part of something so challenging and rewarding.”

During the clinic, athletes practiced proper gear changes, the correct way to breathe while performing, how to navigate around other athletes, and how important it is to listen to the rhythm of the bike during the ride.

“Cycling is much different than wheelchair basketball,” said Perez, who competed with the gold-medal Army team in 2011 after breaking both his legs during an improvised explosive device explosion while deployed in February 2010. “No one’s there, helping me do anything. I’m responsible for everything, good or bad.”

Participants found out their best cycling performances from the coach when he timed their completion of 6.2 miles around the track. Since only athletes with the best timed trials during the next two clinics qualify to compete in the Warrior Games, the coach made sure the athletes knew their times before they attended the next cycling clinic in February.

“I’ve had to get use to the pedaling with the hand cycle. It’s all upper body,” said Perez, who had a time of 16 minutes and 53 seconds during the timed trials. “The clinic was very informative and a learning experience that will help in the future.”

Perez, who practices six days a week for his events, will try to compete again in the wheelchair basketball event and hopes to participate in sitting volleyball during the Warrior Games.

“I think this will be my last year competing because when I leave the WTU I start working for another unit as an intelligence analyst,” said Perez. Perez has completed his Comprehensive Tranisiton Plan goals and training for a new military occupational specialty.“We all have to overcome challenges. I think I’ve adapted pretty well to everything,” Perez said. “Even if you get hurt in the Army, it’s not the end. You have to go out and live life.”

AW2 Advocate Meets with Nebraska Lieutenant Governor to Discuss Community Support for Wounded Warriors

Filed under Advocate Story, General by jvargas on January 19, 2012 at 11:14 am {no comments}

By AW2 Advocate Bill Duerr
AW2 Advocates have a significant role in ensuring that their community is well aware of the fact that there are AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families living right next to them, -going to the same grocery stores and attending the same schools and places of worship. The most significant issue is that we as a community have been given the opportunity and the privilege to be part of their healing process.

AW2 Advocates also have a significant role in ensuring that state and local governments understand that AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families need our care and support. They must understand their role in leading our communities in care and support of our AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families and are instrumental in helping them achieve their goal of independence.

I feel honored to have been given the duty to serve Nebraska AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families as their AW2 Advocate by reaching out to community leaders. On December 20, 2011, I traveled to the Nebraska State Capital Building in Lincoln to meet one-on-one with Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy. During our 30 minute visit, I shared with him a general overview of AW2. I also shared the many difficult challenges Nebraska AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families courageously face every single day.

I told him I feel very fortunate to be a part of the great Husker State, and I shared that there are many ongoing efforts in Nebraska of which I am personally aware to help our Nebraska Soldiers, Veterans, and Families in the areas of healthcare, employment, education, and legal assistance, just to name a few.

I found Lt. Gov. Sheehy to be a warm, caring individual who has supported our Soldiers, Veterans, and Families in the past and will continue to be a support for them in the future. He was elected by the nation’s Lieutenant Governors to lead the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) as the Associate Chairman of the NLGA. I spoke with the Governor about this national role and the importance of AW2 to all lieutenant governors) Lt. Gov. Sheehy responded by telling me about the upcoming NLGA in D.C. and that they have presenters come speak about issues that pertain to all the lieutenant governors. He said he will keep in contact with me about the upcoming Lieutenant Governors Conference, and I look forward to learning more about how he and all of these public officials continue to support the AW2 population.

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