Proving People Wrong

Filed under Soldier Stories, WTC Commander by on February 2, 2010 at 12:11 pm {no comments}

(L-R) BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander, CPT Scott Smiley, West Point Warrior Transition Unit Commander; Noel Koch, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, at the West Point Transition Unit change of command ceremony, February 1, 2010. (Photo courtesy of John Pellino)

(L-R) BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander; CPT Scott Smiley, West Point Warrior Transition Unit Commander; and Noel Koch, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy; at the West Point Transition Unit change of command ceremony, February 1, 2010. (Photo courtesy of John Pellino)

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

On February 1, CPT Scott Smiley took command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit. While every WTU change of command is notable because it demonstrates a re-commitment on the part of leadership to the comprehensive support of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, this particular change of command was even more so.

CPT Smiley proved a lot of people wrong to get to where he is today.

On April 6, 2005 CPT Smiley was severely injured in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq. As a result, he lost his sight. Many thought he couldn’t continue on active duty. He did. When CPT Smiley decided to pursue his MBA at Duke University, many questioned whether he could do it.

He did.

CPT Smiley has gone on to teach cadets at West Point, to climb Mt. Rainier, to serve as an example to all Soldiers and all Americans.

As the commander of WTC, I charge all WTU commanders and cadre to lead our Warriors in Transition and encourage them to embrace ability over disability. CPT Smiley is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a Soldier sets a determined goal and gives his all to achieve it. I cannot be more proud to have CPT Smiley as a commander of a WTU. The Soldiers who are placed under his watch can rest assured that they are being led by someone who has faced tremendous challenges and overcome them—and can lead them to do the same.

I thank CPT Smiley for taking up this new challenge and to his Family who have provided him with the support to do so.

Wounded Veteran Scott Vycital Joins First Lady at State of the Union

Filed under Career/Education, Soldier Stories, WTC Commander by on January 29, 2010 at 2:08 pm {no comments}
Scott and Jarah Vycital join WTC Commanding General BG Gary H. Cheek and WTC Sergeant Major SGM Ly M. Lac at WTC Headquarters.

Scott and Jarah Vycital join WTC Commanding General BG Gary H. Cheek and WTC Sergeant Major SGM Ly M. Lac at WTC Headquarters.

By BG Gary Cheek

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting AW2 Veteran Scott Vycital and his wife Jarah. At Wednesday’s State of the Union Address, Scott joined Mrs. Michelle Obama in the First Lady’s box.

Scott told me that sitting in the historic chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives for President Obama’s address was an amazing experience.

“It was an honor to represent wounded warriors at this important event,” Scott said. “I’ve been lifted up by AW2, the VA, and organizations like the National Organization on Disability, and I encourage other wounded warriors to embrace the resources available.”

Scott’s story is a great example of a wounded warrior who has made the most of the opportunities available to him. Scott deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division, and in 2004, he sustained a gunshot wound to his face, neck, and shoulder. As a result, his face is partially paralyzed, and he lost hearing in his right ear. Scott medically retired later that year and used his benefits through the Army and Department of Veterans Affairs to attend Colorado State University, where he studied accounting. Shortly after graduating in 2008, Scott worked with his AW2 Advocate and the National Organization on Disability and found a job with the Federal Highway Administration.

This journey wasn’t easy for Scott and Jarah, but they overcame difficult challenges. It is great to see him continue to support our country beyond his military service. Scott’s story is exactly what the Army wants for every wounded warrior. Scott embraces his abilities over his disabilities and focuses on meeting his goals.

WTC and Navy Sign Career Agreement for Wounded Warriors

Filed under Career/Education, WTC Commander by on January 19, 2010 at 12:02 pm {one comment}
Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek (left) with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia (center) and Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy (right) after signing a memorandum of agreement to increase employment opportunities for wounded warriors.

Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek (left) with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia (center) and Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy (right) after signing a memorandum of agreement to increase employment opportunities for wounded warriors.

(Cross-posted from NAVSEA’s Web site)

Due to advances in modern military medicine, unprecedented numbers of wounded service members are returning to the fight or transitioning their service to civilian employment.

Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commanding general, U.S. Army’s Warrior Transition Command (WTC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) Jan. 13 in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Wagner Gym auditorium to increase opportunities for meaningful internships and/or employment with the Navy’s largest system command.

“What we have done so far is put the fundamentals in place. But our real goal is to provide that opportunity, that light, that inspiration for a full and productive future to the warfighters in this program,” Cheek told those assembled. “No matter what disease, illness or injury you are fighting, you have skills and abilities that make a difference in this world.”

The general continued by focusing on the scope of opportunities the program’s partnership with NAVSEA offers wounded warriors. “Of all the organizations we are starting to embrace and work with, I believe NAVSEA is perhaps one of the finest in what they are offering to provide for the future for many of you. There are opportunities within this command across the United States, possibly even in your hometown, doing things you would like to do and making a contribution to the nation,” he said.

Following the general’s remarks, McCoy thanked the injured service members for their service, and committed his organization to increasing opportunities for them.

“We are a workforce of about 60,000, 95 percent of which are civilian employees – about one-third of all Navy civilians work for NAVSEA,” said McCoy. “We provide ship, submarines, aircraft carriers, weapons systems to our warfighters. We’re responsible for all the maintenance on our surface ships, subs and aircraft carriers. ”

McCoy continued to promote the significance of the command’s numerous and diverse career opportunities, including his own personal passion for work done at the Navy’s shipyards.

“Half of NAVSEA carries a lunch bucket, wears a hard hat and steel-toe shoes to work each day. In my opinion, we have the best blue collar jobs in America – jobs you can raise a family on,” said McCoy. “The entry requirement to be an electrician, pipe-fitter, welder, technician, is a high-school degree and lots of enthusiam. We will give you everything else. We have stable careers working on some of our nation’s most important military war platforms.”

The MoA signed between NAVSEA and WTC establishes roles and responsibilities for the coordination of Operation Warfighter internships available to service members receiving medical treatment for combat-related injuries, as well as permanent employment opportunities for warriors in transition, Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) veterans, and their spouses/caregivers, as eligible for various federal direct-hiring authorities.

Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs also lauded NAVSEA’s contributions towards warrior transition efforts, and reminded assembled troops that employers are eager to put their skills, knowledge and determination to use.

“This is not charity. This is not a ‘set-aside’ program,” said Garcia. “Wounded warriors are, by definition, tenacious and resilient. They are leaders and doers. At a very young age, they have proven themselves capable of accomplishing what has been set before them.”

“In the Department of the Navy, NAVSEA has set the pace and created the model for wounded warrior integrations. They have made a commitment. They have put their money where their mouth is, and they have brought accountability to the process,” Garcia continued.

The signing of this MoA reflects the commitment between NAVSEA and WTC to provide the best possible care and future opportunities to our nation’s combat-wounded service members, veterans and their families.

For Wounded Warriors interested in employment opportunities at NAVSEA and Navy commands interested in supporting Wounded Warriors, contact Cmdr. David McAfee at david.r.mcafee@navy.mil or (202)781-1364.

Announcing the Inaugural Warrior Games

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on January 8, 2010 at 5:48 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, right, commanding general, U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command, announces the inagural Warrior Games at a Pentagon press conference, Jan. 7, 2010. (DoD photo by R. D. Ward)

BG Gary Cheek announces the inaugural Warrior Games at a Pentagon press conference, Jan. 7, 2010. (DoD photo by R. D. Ward)

Yesterday, I was proud to join Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics from the U.S. Olympic Committee to announce the inaugural Warrior Games at the Pentagon. On May 10 – 14, wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen will battle at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Warrior Games will host 200 wounded warrior athletes to compete in the following events:

  • Archery
  • Cycling
  • Discus
  • Shooting
  • Shot put
  • Sitting Volleyball
  • Swimming
  • Track
  • Wheelchair Basketball
  • Ultimate Warrior Competition (pentathlon format)

At the press conference, I met SGT Juan Alcivar, who has been working toward recovery at Walter Reed. SGT Alcivar competed in sports for most of his life, and he is applying to compete in the Warrior Games in sitting volleyball, shot put and discus, and cycling.

SGT Alcivar told members of my team, “Staying in the Army is my biggest goal right now, and training for the Warrior Games will help me get in shape for my PT test. My squad leader is very supportive of things like this that help me to move forward with my life. Plus, I’m excited for the chance to beat a couple of my Marine buddies from physical therapy.”

I was so inspired listening to two-time Paralympian and Army Veteran John Register who stated:

“I saw the angel in the marble, and I carved until I set him free.” When I was a soldier, I was a part of an elite group called the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. It’s a program that allows a service member to train three to four years prior to an Olympic or Paralympic Games. I’d just graduated the University of Arkansas, where I was a four-time All-American there. And not only did the Army allow me to pursue my athletic careers, it also allowed me to pursue my military careers. I fell in love with the Army. I loved the discipline of it.

He closed his remarks by telling reporters, “These athletes are the angels in the marble. Through the support of the Department of Defense, the USOC and the Paralympic branch, and other partners, sports will be the chisel to set them free.”

I encourage all Wounded Warriors to strive to test new limits and achieve new goals as they demonstrate the power of ability over disability. Our servicemembers continually rise to the occasion both in the call to duty and in their efforts to recover from serious injury. The Warrior Games will provide a unique challenge for those who wish to learn more about Paralympic sports and compete at a national level.

Wounded Soldiers interested in competing in the Warrior Games should contact their squad leader for more information about the nomination process at their WTU.

Good luck to SGT Alcivar and all wounded warriors training for the Warrior Games. I look forward to the competition in May.

You can watch video of yesterday’s press conference at the PentagonChannel.mil and read the transcript on Defense.gov.

BG Cheek Interview with C-SPAN

Filed under General, WTC Commander by on December 24, 2009 at 12:35 pm {no comments}

WTC Commander BG Gary Cheek appeared on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal this morning to discuss warrior care. He answered questions live from callers phoning in from across the country. Many Veterans and Family members called in with questions and comments for BG Cheek addressing issues ranging from collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs to the role adaptive sports play for wounded warriors. You can watch his entire interview here.

VA, Army officials to discuss collaborative efforts on TV

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on December 2, 2009 at 3:32 pm {no comments}
Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commander of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command and Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth participate in a Pentagon Channel interview that will air Friday. The two discussed the state of Army and VA collaboration as it relates to wounded-warrior care.

Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commander of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command and Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth participate in a Pentagon Channel interview that will air Friday. The two discussed the state of Army and VA collaboration as it relates to wounded-warrior care.

By Bob Moore, WTC PAO

Army and Veterans Affairs officials will discuss a number of programs in which the two departments collaborate to help wounded, ill and injured Soldiers on a Pentagon Channel interview Friday.

VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth, who also serves as a major in the Illinois National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commander of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command, will appear on “This Week at the Pentagon” Dec. 4. The program will air at 4 p.m. EST.

The two officials will discuss goals of the Physical Disability Evaluation System Pilot program, the presence of VA advisors at military treatment facilities and Warrior Transition Units, and the virtual lifetime electronic records system.

Duckworth is a double amputee who lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm after the aircraft she was piloting was ambushed north of Baghdad in 2004.

“We invest so much in our Soldiers when we are training them when they’re serving on active duty,” Duckworth said. “We need to invest just as much into their futures after they take off the uniform. They are just as valuable.”

Duckworth explained what the PDES pilot program will achieve:

  • A single disability exam conducted to VA standards to be used by both VA and DoD
  • A single disability rating by VA that is binding upon both departments
  • Expeditious payment of VA benefits within 30 days of a separation from service

Cheek says he relies on the VA liaison officer within his own command to assist with his mission of transitioning seriously wounded, ill and injured soldiers back to the force or to productive civilian life.

“If we are to have Soldiers be able to step with confidence from the Army to civilian life, then we have got to set the stage through our own relationships with the VA,” Cheek said.

Other areas of Army and VA collaboration include the virtual lifetime electronic records system, VA collaboration with Transition Assistance Programs and VA liaisons and counselors located at military treatment facilities and Warrior Transition Units. Cheek said his mission for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers is not only to heal, but to transition them to a life they want to lead.

“We have a comprehensive transition plan, which focuses the Soldier’s future through a series of goal-setting. We look to inspire warriors toward their future because if they’re excited about their future they are going to heal faster,” Cheek said.

BG Cheek attends CODE Launch Event

Filed under Career/Education, Resources, WTC Commander by on November 18, 2009 at 11:28 am {no comments}

BG Cheek, the Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, attended the launch event for Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) last week. CODE is a new endowment fund created by Activision Blizzard, which aims to combat unemployment among Veterans. Activision Blizzard created the endowment organization with a commitment to raise millions of dollars to help raise awareness of Veterans unemployment and directly fund organizations that support Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce.

In a press release, Activision Blizzard stated that it created the endowment after recognizing that its Call of Duty Modern Warfare video game series is extremely popular among troops, and that it wanted to give back to servicemembers by using proceeds from the sale of an upcoming game to help Veterans find employment. The organization has an advisory board composed of Veterans representing various branches of the military and the board will help identify organizations that will receive grants to raise awareness of the issue.

BG Cheek attended the launch event for the organization and stressed the need to help Veterans transitioning from the service with employment opportunities according to the press release:

(more…)

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