Family Focus–New Online Tool Aims to Better Inform Wounded Warriors Loved Ones

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by on July 19, 2011 at 7:38 am {no comments}

By LTC (P) Hugh Bair, WTC G-3,5,7 Chief

LTC (P) Hugh Bair announces the launch of a new online resource for Families of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.

Over the Fourth of July holiday, I had the opportunity to spend time with my Family at a North Carolina beach. It was great to kick back with my dad and brother and get caught up. As they are both now Veterans, there was much focus on and interest in my new job supporting the Army’s wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving with Soldiers at the tip of the spear. My Family during those missions was often far away back home figuring things out without me. Well, that might be OK for normal circumstances, but I know when things aren’t going well, like when your loved one gets injured in a training accident, diagnosed with a deadly disease, or wounded in a firefight, you should not be figuring things out on your own. You need help.

To that end, the Army worked hard to create a comprehensive support system for our Soldiers Families and loved ones. For our wounded warriors, focusing on the mission at hand—to heal and transition, is clear. Medical appointments, visits with a squad leader, rehabilitation, adaptive sports, career planning. For the Family members however it’s often hard to figure out the Army system, learn the acronyms, or understand their role in the recovery process.

So, it’s my pleasure to launch a new online learning tool exclusively for those who are caring for our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. The Warrior Transition Command’s new Comprehensive Transition Plan Learning Module for Families walks loved ones through the structure of the Warrior Transition Unit, outlines their role in the seven-stages of the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP), includes four videos, and provides links to additional resources.

We’ve made this tool accessible online so that a Soldier’s immediate caregiver and extended Family around the world can better understand what they are going through and how to help. As a multi-generational military Family, I know the value of having my loved ones near and supportive of my career goals. The more they know, the more I can focus on the job at hand.

I look forward to hearing from our wounded warrior’s Family members about this new tool through the blog comments feature. Is it helpful? What needs to be added? How can we make it better? I know my own Family is watching to see what we do for our wounded, ill, and injured, and are ready to hold me accountable at our next Family vacation. I want to do them, but more importantly, our wounded warriors, proud.

Commander’s Drumbeat: Fort Hood’s “Leadership Engagement”

Filed under WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on July 15, 2011 at 5:31 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

BG Darryl A. Williams

It’s always good to return to Fort Hood and check in. My visit to the Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) was fantastic. I saw a strong demonstration of extraordinary senior mission leader involvement. They were plugged in, turned on, and genuinely interested in their wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, or Warriors in Transition! They were connected with the Triad of Care leadership, committed to resources the cadre, and displayed a lot of energy when they talked about our warriors.

After visiting with leadership, I met with several Warriors in Transition to see how things were going for them. For the first time in my visits to Warrior Transition Units, I heard something new—that their squad leaders were not tired. If the positive comments I heard from Fort Hood’s Warriors in Transition were any indication, the leader’s energy and focus on our wounded warriors is making a huge and positive difference.

Before I sign off I absolutely have to offer a shout-out to some of the folks there to recognize the hard work and great results.

  • SFC Sonja Talley-Jones is a Platoon Sergeant with the Remote Care Company. She is responsible for the care 12 Soldiers in an area of operations spanning over 900 square miles in Northwest Texas.
  • Sandra Townson is the ombudsman for Carl R. Darnall Medical Center. She and her team of professionals act as mediators for issues Soldiers may face during the healing process. She acts as ombudsman for the over 600 Warriors in Transition of the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade.
  • CPT Levita Springer is the Brigade Medical Officer and a Nurse Case Manager. She oversees patient intake to include all medevacs from theater and has implemented a Comprehensive Treatment Plan that was adopted as a model across WTC.
  • Carol Livingood AW2 advocate for B Co 1st Bn WTB supported the goal of former WTB Soldier, Clayton Carver, to transition to a professional fisherman. In fact, he will be hosting ‘Purple Heart Fishing’ on local PBS affiliate KLRU starting in August this year.
  • Joy Pasco is an AW2 Advocate for D Co 1st Bn WTB and the Remote Care Company. Mrs. Pasco provides assistance for 50 Soldiers and is focused on helping Soldiers through the MEB process who want to stay in the Army. She is responsible for assisting an AW2 Soldier who went through the MEB process, received COAD status, and now is back in the fight in Iraq.
  • I’ll end with MAJ David Shoupe, the battalion’s public affairs officer. He is busy getting the word out on all things WTB at Fort Hood and a huge asset to the organization. Supporting the leadership and WTB Soldiers by communicating the challenges and successes of the organization is one of our most important missions—MAJ Shoupe is clearly on top of this.

Things at Fort Hood looked great. Thank you all for your support and commitment to our wounded, ill and injured Soldiers. Your enthusiasm for your work is obvious. Continue engaging with your leaders at all levels—your successes are directly tied to your skills and the strong relationships you’ve built internally and externally.

WTU Cadre Recognized for their Commitment to Wounded Warriors

Filed under WTU/WTB by on July 15, 2011 at 4:34 pm {one comment}

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

Men and women from Warrior Transition Units (WTU) across the United States and Europe were recognized for their dedication to the wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their Families during an award ceremony at the U.S. Army Medical Command Training Symposium.

BG Darryl Williams, Commander of the Warrior Transition Command (WTC), and CSM Benjamin Scott, WTC Command Sergeant Major, commended them for their gallant and courageous support and efforts.

“All professionals involved in the triad of care provide a considerable support system for wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers,” Williams said. “The Army cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication to our Soldiers.”

“These individuals demonstrate an unrelenting commitment to the Soldiers and Families they serve,” said Williams. “They’re passionate and skilled about their work and about helping Soldiers recover transition and move forward with their lives.”

The winners and nominees from each category are:

Category 1—Warrior Transition Unit Squad Leader of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
SSG Forrest Two Crow, Warrior Transition Unit, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Nominees:
SFC Katrina O’Coin, Warrior Transition Unit Fort Belvoir, VA
SFC Yancey Caldwell, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, TX
SSG Ryan Stern, Warrior Transition Unit, Europe
SGT Jeremy Madrid, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Carson, CO

Category 2—Warrior Transition Unit Platoon Sergeant of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
SFC Sharon Pickett-Williams, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, TX

Nominees:
SFC Norbert Fuata, Warrior Transition Unit, Schofield Barracks, HI
SFC Glasglow Griffin, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Lewis, WA
SFC Innocenzo Iorio, Warrior Transition Unit, West Point, NY

Category 3—Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit Platoon Sergeant of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
SFC Richard Driscoll, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, MA

Nominees:
MSG Lawrence Smith, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, CA
SFC Rose Mays, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, AK

Category 4—Warrior Transition Unit Nurse Case Manager of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
Ms. Deborah Cashwell, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Bragg. NC

Nominees:
LTC Sharon Stanley-Alden, Warrior Transition Unit, Europe
Ms. Linda Ward, Warrior Transition Unit, Schofield Barracks, HI
Ms. Renae Allen, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Carson, CO
Ms. Karen Jackson, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Stewart, GA

Category 5—Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit Nurse Case Manager of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
1LT Joe Samudio, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, AK

Nominees:
MAJ Teresa Golan, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, MA
MAJ Sandra Holmes, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, CA

Category 6—Warrior Transition Unit Primary Care Manager of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
MAJ Kate Mitchell, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Huachuca, AZ

Nominees:
LTC David Wallace, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Drum, NY
MAJ Timothy Switaj, Warrior Transition Unit, Europe
CPT Sally DelVecchio, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, TX

Category 7—Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit Primary Care Manager of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
COL Deborah Davis, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, AL

Nominee:
CPT Pablo Sanchez-Barranco, Community-Based Warrior Transition Unit, IL

Category 8—Warrior Transition Unit Social Worker of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
Mrs. Rebecca Barron, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Jackson, SC

Nominees:
Ms. Donna Gatewood, Warrior Transition Unit, Schofield Barracks, HI
Ms. Janet McDermott, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Wainwright, AK
Mr. James Elliott, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
Mr. Maurice Murphy, Warrior Transition Unit, Europe

Category 9—Warrior Transition Unit Occupational Therapist of the Year, Warrior Care and Transition Program Cadre Award for Excellence:

Winner:
Dr. Sheryl Michel, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, TX

Nominee:
Ms. Sara Hook, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC

Commander’s Drumbeat: Fort Bragg’s “Team Focus”

Filed under Leadership, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on July 8, 2011 at 6:27 pm {2 comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

BG Darryl A. Williams

You’ve all heard the expression—people rise to expectations—I believe that. I’ve witnessed it throughout my career and nowhere is it more visible than at the Fort Bragg Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). It was clear during a recent visit that these warriors don’t just rise to meet expectations, they exceed them on a daily basis.

I want to publicly recognize LTC James Schumacher, Commander, Fort Bragg WTU; COL Brian Canfield, Commander, Womack Army Medical Center; LTC Arthur Campbell, Chief, Department of Deployment; and COL Niel Johnson, Chief, Department of Family Medicine, they are the blue print of a successful team—setting, meeting, and exceeding high expectations. One of the most impressive teams they created includes Senior Mission Commander, MG Rodney Anderson, Deputy Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg. They all meet weekly and in my opinion, this results in a culture that supports warriors, their Families, and the healing process.

It’s always exciting to be at Fort Bragg, this visit did not disappoint. I met great leaders, great Soldiers, and got to see the new WTU complex construction—this is located by the medical center and is on a glide path for completion in 2012. This is going to be a state-of-the-art facility and will include Family assistance, barracks, dining, and housing services.

I absolutely have to give a nod to their adaptive sports program. This was one of the highlights of the visit. I recall clearly how hard the warriors worked in the gym. Whew! These Soldiers were giving it their all and soaked in sweat to prove it. Fort Bragg may have the premier adaptive sports program around. It’s at least one of the best I’ve seen. It’s truly inspiring to watch these warriors at work. In fact, they recently introduced a pilot program in coordination with Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Performance Enhancement Program that allows Warriors in Transition to participate in daily cardio and muscular workouts at various stations as part of their duty day. This is a great success—way to go Fort Bragg!

The team at Fort Bragg demonstrates an unrelenting commitment to the Soldiers and Families they serve. They’re passionate, skilled, and dedicated to helping Soldiers recover and move forward with their lives. They have created a good command climate, a warrior culture, and embraced the warrior ethos.

As I sign off, I want to also recognize the following:

  • Dr. Lorene Petta, Performance Enhancement Specialist, and SFC Class Christopher Thornton, Fort Bragg Warrior Transition Battalion Master Resiliency Trainer, who launched the Fort Bragg WTU adaptive sports program, resulting in many warriors in transition trying new adaptive sports such as sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. I even recognized a few Warrior Games competitors there.
  • Mr. Clyde Foster, AW2 advocate, and Ms. Betty Goolsby, Director, Fayetteville Veterans Administration Medical Center, are other members of the team focusing on healing folks.
  • AW2 Community Support Network member, Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization that provides counseling for military servicemembers affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and their Families.

I want to thank the Fort Bragg team for their hard work in supporting our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. I encourage you all to continue your efforts because your high expectations and team building skills are making a difference.

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.

Conference Prepares Case Managers to Deliver Improved Quality of Care

Filed under Resources, WTU/WTB by on July 6, 2011 at 6:04 pm {no comments}

By COL Suzanne Scott, WTC Chief Nurse

As case managers, our “raison d’être” is to integrate and coordinate care and services for our patients in order to help them achieve optimum health or improved functional capability in the right setting. Recently, thousands of case managers from across the country gathered in San Antonio, TX, for the Case Management Society of America’s Annual Conference & Expo. This weeklong session was designed to help case managers improve the delivery of services to both individual patients and across organizations.

For the over 350 Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) case managers attending the conference, information-sharing and collaboration started early with a combined DOD/VA case management session to discuss hot topics within our individual healthcare settings. This year’s hot topics significantly impact the delivery of care to wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. Topics included the Americans with Disabilities Act, suicide prevention, the Comprehensive Pain Management Campaign Plan, women’s health services in the VA, and patient-centered medical homes.

The keynote address was delivered by RADM Christine Hunter, the Deputy Director for TRICARE Management Activity. Hunter touched on each of the hot topics of interest to case managers and tied everything back to the delivery of quality, effective care by case managers. She specifically addressed the case managers caring for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, and discussed some of the how-to processes for case managers to effectively navigate TRICARE to coordinate network services for Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families.

Adriana Wilson and Susan Turner from the VA reinforced the critical skills case managers need in the area of suicide prevention. Through a series of vignettes based on actual patient encounters, the Wilson-Turner team drove home the importance of relationship building and the critical need for an ongoing thorough assessment process. Wilson reviewed current suicide statistics and Turner talked about key suicide warning signs to look for in our patients. The duo reminded attendees that as professionals, case managers must ask the right questions to have an impact on suicide prevention.

Ten case management teams from all military services and the VA presented best practices in a poster session. I hope to highlight a few key initiatives in future blog postings. As we walked around the room and talked to the presenters, it was evident that we continue to demonstrate the value of case management through the continued improvements made in individual practice settings.

The conference included a panel discussion with representatives from TRICARE Management Activity, Army, Navy, and Air Force on patient centered medical homes as well as a review of Defense Center of Excellence resources and tools for psychological health and traumatic brain injury for case managers.

At this point, I imagine you are asking, “What’s in it for me?” Well, you can expect that this team of over 350 case managers from DOD and VA returned home with improved skills and a wealth of knowledge on best practices from both military and civilian healthcare management that they will share with you to help continue to enhance warrior care. Case managers can expect in-service training to communicate new evidence-based practice findings and key initiatives. Wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families can expect an expanding resource list to help you through the transition process. Commanders and leaders can expect motivated case manager leaders to continue to facilitate warrior care and transition.

Commander’s Drumbeat: Army Medical Command Training Symposium Wrap-up

Filed under Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on June 29, 2011 at 10:17 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

BG Darryl A. Williams

Wow! The Army Medical Command Training Symposium in San Antonio was great. San Antonio is the home of Army Medicine as well as home to some of the warmest and friendliest people in the world. It was a pleasure to be here and to participate in this event.

For three days we focused on partnerships and had the privilege of hearing some incredible speakers, including Surgeon Vice Admiral Philip I. Raffaelli, Surgeon General, Queens Honorary Physician; the Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Lt Gen Charles B. Green, Surgeon General, U.S. Air Force; RADM Christine S. Hunter, Deputy Director of TRICARE Management Activity; and LTG David P. Fridovich, Deputy Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command–just to name a few.

LTG Fridovich addressed the general session on the last day of the event and shared his personal story about pain medication with us. His story is inspiring and powerful. He put a face on a serious issue that impacts the Army and our nation.

LTG Eric Schoomaker, Commander, Army Medical Command and Army Surgeon General, stopped by the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) track and talked for quite awhile with the more than 100 WTC and warrior transition unit attendees. He told them he understood the difficulties of their jobs, the value of what they do every day to contribute to the healing and transition of wounded, ill, and injured warriors, and thanked them for their service. He reminded them to take care of themselves, took questions, and discussed issues from pharmaceuticals to pain management and cadre to Soldier ratios.

I can say I consider the Army Medical Command Training Symposium a success for WTC. We launched the new WTC video at our exhibit and as a result gave away several hundred copies. We also took numerous orders for the new Comprehensive Transition Plan brochure. While I’m on this topic, l want to offer a shout-out of thanks to a couple of Army Wounded Warrior Program Soldiers, Shilo Harris and Juan Guerrero, who showed up to share their personal stories with folks who stopped by our exhibit. They are extraordinary and I appreciate their support.

A special thank you also goes out to Robert Carrington, Director of Recovery Care Coordination, Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, Department of Defense (DOD), who addressed our attendees on Tuesday. His office is one of our most valuable partners and we share the goal of ensuring that we don’t just heal our warriors, but that we ensure job placement. It was great to have him on the agenda—he reiterated to us the continued commitment of DOD to this population and reminded us of the valuable skills these men and women bring to the federal and private sector job markets.

This symposium gave me the opportunity to meet with colleagues, staff, and friends from across the Army. I couldn’t be more pleased with the WTC track. Thank you to all of the people in MEDCOM who made the symposium happen and especially to my staff whose hard work and dedication resulted in a very productive WTC track. You all made sure we had an environment that was conducive to very candid discussions on a host of topics such as warrior transition units, community based warrior transition units, caregiver support, personnel issues, and nonprofit agency support for warriors and their Families. It was a great week for the Warrior Transition Command in the home of Army Medicine!

Commander’s Drumbeat: Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves

Filed under Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on June 29, 2011 at 11:32 am {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

BG Darryl A. Williams

Day two of the Army Medical Command Training Symposium highlighted the symposium theme–Partnerships Built on Trust. The Army Surgeon General, LTG Eric Schoomaker, kicked it off by introducing the Honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clearly the VA is one of our most vital and valuable partners, and like Army Medicine, the good health and well-being of warriors and their Families is at the forefront of everything the VA does. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the VA and military medicine to successfully address mental health issues, suicide prevention, electronic medical records, and the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. He reminded us that these are shared concerns, not unique to the Army, or to wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers.

Shinseki pointed out that we share common challenges in providing the best support to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their Families, and he stressed the value of welcoming innovations and working together to resolve issues. His message was powerful. We have many valuable and long-standing partnerships especially those with our colleagues across the services, DOD, and other federal agencies.

We’re always looking for ways to improve the Warrior Care and Transition Program, and the long-term support of our Soldiers is closely intertwined with our partners throughout the government. I want to see us at Warrior Transition Command sustain and continuously improve existing partnerships and seek out new relationships that will enhance our abilities to continue to provide wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families our unwavering support.

To paraphrase Secretary Shinseki, “you can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time; you’ve got to do one or the other. Let’s roll up our sleeves.”

 

Commander’s Drumbeat: Fort Campbell’s “Warrior Leaders”

Filed under Leadership, WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on June 24, 2011 at 4:38 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

BG Darryl A. Williams

I’ve been traveling to WTUs a lot over the last few weeks—most recently to Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. It’s important for people to understand what’s going on at these units, especially the people there. So I’m going to start blogging every time I visit a WTU, and I encourage you to read these posts to learn more about the people who make up the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program.

I’ll start with my recent trip to the Fort Campbell Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB). They’re doing a lot of things right, especially the team they’ve built. The “warrior leaders”—that’s what they call WTU cadre at Fort Campbell—are incredible. They’ve got an unrelenting commitment to the 573 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers recovering at the Fort Campbell WTB. They’re postured to provide comprehensive support to the Soldiers already assigned to the WTB and those returning from deployments who may require six months or more of complex medical care.

The WTB leadership was impressive. I especially want to congratulate LTC Christopher Jarvis, the WTB Commander, COL John Cook, the Commander of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, and CSM Cody Mosier, the Command Sergeant Major who recruited several Soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard to serve as WTB cadre. And even though the leadership will be transitioning over the next several weeks, these leaders laid solid groundwork for success for those who follow.

In my strategic vision for the Warrior Care and Transition Program, I have four pillars: set the team, set the environment, set the program, and tell the story.

The folks here at Campbell have done an excellent job setting the team. The “warrior leaders” here demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to the Soldiers they serve. They’re passionate about helping Soldiers recover and transition and move forward with their lives. I was particularly excited by the nurses, AW2 Advocates, and liaisons from the Department of Veterans Affairs, who all work together to support the wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. And there were a few people who particularly excited me, including:

  • SSG Jason D. Jacobs, who serves as a squad leader. On top of his squad leader duties, he leads adaptive swimming sessions for 300 Warriors in Transition, three times a week, to help them understand their abilities and how much they can still accomplish.
  • SPC Bryan Camacho, a COAD Soldier who works at the SFAC. SPC Camacho made it his personal mission to mentor Warriors in Transition who use wheelchairs—to make sure they understand how much they can still accomplish.
  • Ms. Ronette Bailey, a licensed clinical social worker whose infectious laugh and enthusiasm brightened the days of everyone she met, including the wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Families that she counsels throughout the recovery and transition process.

I wish there was room to list all the incredible people I met on this trip, and to tell you more about the good things happening at Fort Campbell. And Campbell isn’t alone. There are dynamic teams at all 29 WTUs and 9 CBWTUs, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of them. I encourage you to check back to the blog soon to read about my visits to other WTUs and the people who are making a difference there.

 

Eagles Summit Ranch Offers Healing for WTB Soldiers

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by on June 24, 2011 at 9:12 am {no comments}

By SPC Roxanne M. Nance, Fort Carson Medical Department Activity Public Affairs

Founder and Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever, takes a moment to speak about the milestones these Soldiers reached in their journey to recovery while at the ranch.

Troubled by what most had seen at war and recovering from their injuries, 11 Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) Soldiers found refuge and solace last month in the mountains of Colorado.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just minutes away from the small town of Westcliffe, is Eagles Summit Ranch.

The ranch was established by Vietnam War Veteran Dave Roever and associates in September 2004 and serves to help wounded warriors with their recovery. The Tragedy to Triumph Certificate Program offered there helps Soldiers focus on the possibilities their futures hold.

The WTB Soldiers had vague expectations as they began their week at the Ranch. All expected a good time with plenty of relaxation, but each received so much more.

“Initially I expected to get teaching on coping skills,” said PFC Kyle A. Bookout. “But after four days I received inspiration and hope about life, that I can still achieve my goals and build a better future.”

The recovery program focuses on helping the Soldiers gain the confidence to tell their personal stories in a group setting. A series of four classes teaches the participants the fundamentals of public speaking; meanwhile emotional healing is taking place.

“There is something very real and medicinal about sharing your personal tragedies with others,” said Eagles Summit Ranch Academic Dean Matt Roever.

The program theorizes that by having Soldiers release their traumatic experiences through public speaking, they once again are able to focus on their futures.

Concentrating on an optimistic future enables people to overcome many of life’s unfortunate events. “No other organization does what we do for the Soldiers; what we have here works,” said Dave Roever.

The training sessions were held in the mornings, typically ending just as lunch was served. Throughout mealtimes the Soldiers enjoyed each other’s camaraderie and laughter. By early afternoon they participated in numerous activities including bowling, touring a nearby attraction, and horseback and all-terrain vehicle riding. These activities allowed the Soldiers to experience the beauty around them and enjoy the company of townspeople.

“This place is a place of healing,” said WTB cadre member SSG Andrew S. Peery. “The people here genuinely care about you… It’s like having Family when you’re so far from home.”

Peery attended the program twice, once as a wounded warrior.

“Like everyone else, at first I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at the ranch. But by the end of the week I was able to finally open up—after 10 years—about the things I had seen and gone through as a sniper; I returned home a calmer man,” said Peery.

Because of his positive experience, he eagerly volunteered to return for this trip and guide more Soldiers through the process.

At the end of the five-day program, the Soldiers presented their emotion packed, personal stories to their fellow participants, WTB and ranch cadre, and residents of Westcliffe during a potluck, barbecue dinner. Tears traced down many cheeks as wounded souls mended.

“It is a very emotional thing,” said WTB cadre member MSG John J. Brinkman, of the weeklong program. “I don’t consider myself an emotional guy, but I was touched hearing what the Soldiers went through.”

By the end of the program, those who came to the ranch with apprehension were amazed at the transformation within themselves.

“This week helped me dissect my life,” reflected SPC Daniel R. Updike. “I’ve learned that I can speak to people about [my circumstances]. This trip came at the right time in my life. It helped me confirm that it’s alright to be emotional. It feels good.”

For these WTB Soldiers the Eagles Summit Ranch and its Tragedy to Triumph Certificate Program was successful in giving them the tools to improve their lives.

“More than anything, I want these men and women to leave with a sense of honor and appreciation. That we appreciate them,” said Dave Roever. “Above all, and most certainly, I want them to leave with a feeling of opportunity.”

To request more information about the Eagles Summit Ranch and its programs, visit the Eagles Summit Ranch website. WTB Soldiers may speak with their squad leaders about attending future programs at Eagles Summit Ranch.

 

The Warrior Ethos—The Wounded Warrior Way

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by on June 21, 2011 at 11:34 am {one comment}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

WTC releases new video to educate wounded Soldiers and their Families on enhanced warrior care system.

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

“When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I have to do is to put on my prosthetic device. So it’s that re-poking me in the rear, saying, yeah, your life is different now, but you’ve got to continue on. So I know that I’m missing a leg, and when I look down I can tell it, but as soon as I swing my leg off the bed and I put on that prosthetic device and stand up, I’m just like every other person who gets up in morning and goes to work and plays their part in society.” —SFC John Wright, wounded warrior

I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.

“The anger, the depression, anything like that regarding your wounds, it’s not going to change anything. It is just useless emotions. It doesn’t help you. So I always try to think positively about it. I take a hard look and say, if I want to do this, what are the steps I need to go through to make that happen?” —CPT Jeremy McGuffey, wounded warrior

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

“Being in a quote unquote regular unit, a fighting unit, a combat engineering unit being in a route clearance patrol, your mission is very clear: drive down the road looking for stuff that’s going to blow up. After I got hurt and I became a member of the Warrior Transition Unit—the transition mission to me was completely unclear. At first I felt like a burden on the Army. But once I realized that, as a Warrior in Transition, I had a clear mission, and that mission was to get better, heal, and so I didn’t feel like a burden anymore. This is my job now. My squad leader, he’s really involved in taking care of any kind of issues that I have, whether it is that I’ve had issues with awards and finances, and he’ll take that off my plate because he just wants me to focus on recovery.” —SFC John Wright, wounded warrior

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional.

“I recognized that I probably would not be able to do my old job anymore. And, so I was very interested in medical and specifically I kind of wanted to go to PA school. I’m expecting to come out of this and go do something that I’d kind of thought about but I’d never really laid any solid plans to do. So the trauma was very negative, but overall, I think we are going to come out of it in a better position in life.” —CPT Jeremy McGuffey, wounded warrior

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

“I was the most severely wounded. The blast itself killed two of my best friends. I just constantly think about them and always try to show them that I’m being tough for them. I got the second chance that they didn’t. And I am going to make them proud.” —SSG Gabriel Garcia, wounded warrior

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

“I live life happily. This is my new life. I’m missing an arm. I’m just lucky to still be alive, that’s the way I look at it. It doesn’t mean I can’t do anything a normal person can do. It is just a little tougher for me to do it and I have to be smart and figure out a way around it. Just because a person has 100 percent doesn’t mean his 100 percent is better than my 75, that’s what I tell my wife. I was like, ‘my 75 percent is better than most guys 100 percent’ and that’s the way I live my life.” —SSG Gabriel Garcia, wounded warrior

I am an American Soldier.

Editor’s note: See more from these Soldiers in the Warrior Transition Command’s new video, “Soldier Success Through Focused Commitment.” Download the 10-minute video.

 

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