February 2, 2012: Celebrating 111 years of Army Nursing

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by 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 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 

 

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

Filed under General, WTU/WTB by 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 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 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

Commander’s Drumbeat: Military Athletes Compete at Warrior Care Month Sitting Volleyball Tournament

Filed under Adaptive Sports, COAD/COAR, General, Warrior Care Month, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on November 23, 2011 at 3:09 pm {no comments}
Soldiers playing sitting volleyball block at the net

SGT Juan Alcivar, left, and SSG Jessie White block at the net during a sitting volleyball match between the Army and a Pentagon team of Navy Reservists at the Pentagon Athletic Center on Nov. 22. WTC hosted the All-Service Sitting Volleyball Tournament as a part of Warrior Care Month. Photo Credit: James R. Wenzel

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

The energy was off the charts yesterday as the Pentagon Athletic Center filled with people cheering on our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines—Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve—during the Army Warrior Transition Command Warrior Care Month Sitting Volleyball Tournament.  

 Across the Army this month, units and installations have hosted events and engaged local communities and media to highlight warrior care. This tournament was the Army’s Warrior Care Month pinnacle event in the National Capital Region.  I wish all of you could have experienced the excitement of being among so many people joined together celebrating these wounded, ill and injured men and women—celebrating their service, their abilities, and their amazing spirits. Among the attendees were several senior military leaders including the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Director of Army Staff and the Army Surgeon General. 

 Three of the four sitting volleyball teams were made up of wounded, ill, and injured service members—Army, Marines and a Joint team. The fourth team was a Pentagon team of Navy Reservists. I offer a huge shout out to the Pentagon team—they won the tournament with the Army taking second place. It wasn’t an easy win, these players gave their all.

 Army Sgt. Jonathan Duralde said it best, “The other teams were great; it was especially good to see the strategy of the Pentagon team. For us it was a competition and we were there to play regardless of the teams and regardless who won.”  

 Duralde, a below the knee amputee, wounded in Afghanistan in June 2010, recently reenlisted and is continuing on Active Duty. He is assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Belvoir and will soon start working in the Warrior Transition Command. 

 My biggest shout-out goes to all of the competitors. The tournament was about teamwork, cohesion and esprit d ‘corps. You all exemplify the best part of who we are.

 Not only did we see world class military athletes compete, we were privileged to have world class support and participation at this event. Well deserved shout-outs go to some special people:

  •  John Register, one of our tournament commentators. A Paralympics athlete and Army Veteran, he understands the healing power of sports and the significance it can play in the rehabilitation and recovery of our wounded, ill, and injured.
  •  John Kessel, Managing Director, Region Services, USA Volleyball. Kessel joined Register as a commentator and between the two of them kept everyone up to speed on each and every play with interviews about the power of adaptive sports and reconditioning activities between games.
  •  Kari Miller, a former Soldier who lost both her legs as the result of an auto accident involving a drunk driver, who went on to win a Paralympics silver medal in sitting volleyball in 2008. She taught the athletes the tips and tricks of sitting volleyball and refereed the tournament.
  •  Elliot Blake, Sitting Volleyball and Athlete Recruitment Coordinator, USA Volleyball. He also coached and refereed.
  •  Vic Breseford and his team from the Army Media & Visual Information Directorate. They did a super job with sound and getting us live coverage on DVIDS and the Pentagon Channel.
  •  Defense Media Activity (DMA) supported with visual and print staff.
  •  Candice Barlow-Jones. An invaluable member of the WTC team who lent her exceptional voice to our  national anthem, kicking off the event.

 Congratulations to all of the participants.

 I’d enjoy hearing about your Warrior Care Month plans and experiences. Please post your comments on this blog by clicking on the headline and scrolling to the bottom of the page to the comment box.

More information on events at WTUs around the country is available on the WTC website at http://www.wtc.army.mil/.

Warrior Transition Battalion Tips Off Warrior Care Month at Olympic Training Center

Filed under Adaptive Sports, WTU/WTB by on November 14, 2011 at 3:12 pm {no comments}

By:  Stacy Neumann, Fort Carson Medical Department Activity Public Affairs

The WTB Ft. Carson’s Bravo Company battles it out with Alpha Company in sitting volleyball at the Olympic Training Center. Alpha Company went on to win the sitting volleyball competition.

While strapping into a wheelchair for a game on the United States Olympic Training Center (OTC) courts, SSG Krisell Creager-Lumpkins shook her head and smiled, “It’s not over until it’s over.”

Headquarters & Headquarters Company’s SFC William Ingram from the Ft. Carson WTB attempts to block the ball as Bravo Company tries to make it down the court during a wheelchair basketball game at the Olympic Training Center.

The Soldiers of Fort Carson’s Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) proved that phrase true over and over on November 3rd and 4th as companies battled head-to-head in the Commander’s Stakes and Mini-Warrior Games. About 100 troops competed in shooting, wheelchair basketball, cycling, sitting volleyball, track and field, archery, and swimming.

Many times, the winner was decided by a single point in the last few seconds.

LTC Mechelle Tuttle, WTB commander, said, “I think it’s inspirational. When you look at someone who has overcome what they’ve had to overcome and see their success, it makes you rethink your outlook on things.”

SGT Chris Champion, who lost a leg in Afghanistan’s Arghandab Valley and is preparing to return to duty with the 4th Infantry Division, added, “It shows that amputees are just as able as everyone else.”

The games kicked off with the WTB’s observance of the Army-wide recognition of Warrior Care Month in November.

BG Darryl Williams, Assistant Surgeon General for Warrior Care and Commander, Warrior Transition Command (WTC), said, “Most people think of the combat injured when they hear the term warrior care. Clearly, there is no greater or higher calling than helping these men and women heal.”

Williams noted, “Warrior care is also the prevention of illnesses and accidents, having the best protective gear, maintaining a strong medical readiness posture, investing in research, and knowing the best trained medics in the world are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Soldiers on the battlefield.”

Soldiers cheer on Ft. Carson WTB’s SGT Gerardo Madrano as he cycled around the track at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. The Charlie Company Soldier posted the second best time in the cycling competition.

Across the Army, Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) are holding events to highlight what they and the nation do in the spirit of warrior care.

In addition to the games, Fort Carson WTB Soldiers built and rode on a float in the Colorado Springs Veterans parade.  The battalion is hosting the Department of Defense’s Recovering Warrior Task Force and getting together for a Fall Festival.

“Sports have proven to be therapeutic in the healing process,” she said. “Our goal is to prepare 30 people for the upcoming Warrior Games in April. The only thing limiting yourself–is yourself.”

SSG Creager-Lumpkins is coping with a brain injury she sustained after a fall in Afghanistan and she agreed, “I think it’s liberating.  This puts everybody on the same playing field.  I never thought with my ailment I could do something like this.  There’s tenacity and resilience out here.”

That tenacity paid off for one WTB company. When it was finally over, Creager-Lumpkins and the rest of the WTB’s Alpha Company pulled off the overall Commander’s Stakes win.

 

Commander’s Drumbeat: Fort Stewart–Success Built on Teamwork

Filed under Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on September 26, 2011 at 12:23 pm {no comments}

BG Darryl A. WilliamsBy BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

I recently was able to get down to Fort Stewart to visit with the leaders and Soldiers in the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU)—what a great visit and what a beautiful Army installation.   There are 234 Soldiers there who are healing and mapping out plans for their future under the leadership of LTC Bill Reitemeyer and CSM Steven Owens.  These are two impressive leaders who are in the National Guard.  They are on the ground, taking care of our wounded, ill and injured, and representing our 563 cadre and the National Guard superbly.  They are an extraordinary team, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to highlight them and their successes—a big salute to my National Guard brethren.

I can’t emphasize enough the difference it makes when WTU leaders are supported by the medical treatment facility and senior mission leaders.  The benefits are tangible and nowhere are they more apparent in our Army than at the Fort Stewart Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB).   Leaders at all levels work together to ensure they adhere to the WTU entrance criteria, that the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) is adhered to, and that the medical management center are up and running efficiently to manage the medically not ready population that doesn’t need to be assigned to a WTU.  Fort Stewart is actually the model for medical management centers.  They have been in place now for about 18 months and the folks there are on point with this process.

My favorite part of these visits is meeting and talking with the cadre and Soldiers in the unit.  It was apparent that these folks are familiar with the battlefield.  About 10% of the Soldiers are combat wounded and about one third of the cadre was injured in combat.  They have a unique situation there, I’m not sure I know of any other cadre with these levels of combat injured.  Meeting with them and hearing what they had to say reinforced to me that we can have success when leaders lead and work together to execute processes in synchronization.  I’m talking about teamwork.

This trip was unique in more than one way.  I particularly enjoyed meeting with Soldiers and their therapy dogs.  For those of you who haven’t seen this in action—it’s an unbelievable combination—Soldiers and their dogs.  You all know—probably a lot better than I do—the bond that develops, the positive impact on mental and physical healing, and just overall well-being that can occur when we put the two of them together.  When you get a few minutes, I encourage all of you to read “Dogs and War” in the October issue of Men’s Health, http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/dogs-war. It highlights the important work done by some of our four-legged therapists and the Soldiers they serve.

Well-deserved shout-outs go to PAWS4Vets, some special warriors and their service dogs, and WTU staff:

  • SFC Joshua Campbell’s battle buddy is Jackie and SFC Ed Boleyn’s battle buddy is Paisley.  Guys, you are my heroes.
  • Debra Dehart, Head Occupational Therapist, also gets a big hooah and shout out.  This lady is all about the Soldiers at the WTU and making things better and easier for them.  She basically grew her own military advanced training center (MATC) and is working on behavioral health care through a program that incorporates classical music and has an unbelievable efficacy rate.  Our wounded, ill and injured are fortunate to have Ms. Dehart on their team.
  • The last shout-out goes to CPT Bryan Stewart, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), who has oversight of the Tampa mission.  It’s a special mission set that deals largely with spinal cord injuries.  I met him this summer when some members of my team and I visited wounded warriors at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa where they specialize in treating spinal cord injuries and severe brain injuries.  He did a great job of hosting me during both visits.  I know they are looking at potentially expanding the cadre in Tampa.  The WTU has submitted a proposal for consideration, and we’re considering putting a company commander in Tampa.

To the leadership and cadre at the WTU, keep up the good work.  You are making a huge difference in the lives of the Soldiers you serve through your skills, dedication, command climate and warrior ethos. This was evident all during the visit, but was highlighted when my command sergeant major CSM Benjamin Scott, randomly spoke to a wounded warrior who was not part of the formal schedule who said, “I love my command.”

This is our testament—what we all strive for.  I know I speak for all of you when I say that our goal each morning as we start our day is to do the right thing by every Soldier who is wounded, ill or injured, and that it is a privilege to serve these very special men and women.

In wrapping things up, I want to remind you that we don’t have to do everything on our own.  There is a sea of goodwill at the local, regional and national levels that include the Army Homefront Fund (AHF) and hundreds of other organizations who want to give back to our men and women in uniform.  You can find out more by visiting the Warrior Transition Command web site resource section, http://www.WTC.army.mil/resources/resources.html.

Note: The appearance of external hyperlinks and/or recognition of non-federal entities does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense, the United States Army, the United State Medical Command, or the Army Warrior Transition Command of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein.

Commander’s Drumbeat: “Unlimited Potential,” a New WTC Video

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on July 22, 2011 at 2:21 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

CPT Juan Guerrero, poising here at the 2011 Warrior Games during the Ultimate Champion competition, is featured in the new video, “Unlimited Potential.”

In my time spent traveling to our Warrior Transition Units (WTU), I have the privilege of meeting our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers who are working hard to regain their self-sufficiency and reshape their lives post-injury. It’s difficult to capture in words the work and spirit of our Soldiers and convey how they overcome obstacles large and small day after day throughout their recovery. But I’ve learned over the years, it’s always better to let a Soldier speak for him or herself.

I encourage you to meet some of the Warriors in Transition that I’ve gotten to know who are featured in the new WTC video, “Unlimited Potential.”

  • SFC John Wright puts things into perspective for many wounded warriors when he said, “You shook hands with the grim reaper and walked away from him.”
  • CPT Juan Guerrero, 2011 Warrior Games Ultimate Champion competitor, displays a defining trait of many Warriors in Transition—a great sense of humor. See his unique stretching techniques for running. I think about them as I warm up for PT.
  • CPT Jeremy McGuffey remains focused on his career during recovery and uses his time in a WTU to receive training to switch from Armor to become a Physician Assistant.
  • CTP Lisa Merwin, a cancer survivor, represents the drive and perseverance that is at the core of all Soldiers.
  • Retired SSG Joe Fowler came back after surviving severe burns to be an AW2 Advocate at Fort Carson to take care of the wounded who followed.

Great work is being accomplished at Warrior Transition Units by both the Soldiers and support staff. It takes a team to get the work done and turn an injury- or illness-limiting event into unlimited potential. I think SSG Gabriel Garcia summed it up best by stating, “My 75 percent is better than most guys 100 percent and that’s the way I live my life.”

 

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

Filed under AW2, WTU/WTB by 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.

Page 1 of 3123»
RSS feed

Write a blog for WTC

Warriors in Transition can submit a blog by e-mailing WarriorCareCommunications [at] conus.army.mil.