Motivated, Dedicated, and Inspired by Physical Fitness

Filed under Adaptive Sports, COAD/COAR, Warrior Games by on April 13, 2011 at 4:04 pm {no comments}

By Melvin Taylor, AW2 Advocate

SFC Landon Ranker is a Continuing on Active Duty (COAD) Soldier who applies motivation from physical fitness to his everyday professional life.

SFC Landon Ranker is a Continuing on Active Duty (COAD) Soldier with 19 years of service. During those years, Ranker has held several positions throughout his military career and has faced many challenges, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he sustained during deployment. Nevertheless, Ranker currently continues to serve in the Army as the Battalion Enhance Warrior Physical Training NCOIC at Fort Campbell, KY. Ranker finds this to be his most rewarding job and one that is fueled by motivation he finds in physical fitness.

As a role model, SFC Ranker believes strongly that every wounded warrior should be able to do physical training within the limits of his or her profile.  He is a leader that leads from the front when it comes to physical fitness and made this apparent during last year’s Warrior Games.  As a Warrior Games competitor, he brought home two gold medals and one silver medal, competing in three grueling events: 440 Meter Track Relay, 200 Meter Free Style Relay, and the 50 Meter Breast Stroke.  

Later this month, Ranker will compete in a cycling race in Franklin, TN, cycling 35 miles in preparation for the upcoming Warrior Games Ultimate Challenge in May. The Ultimate Challenge consists of five events, including cycling. Ranker hopes that this will get him one step closer to his goal to be a Warrior Games “Ultimate Champion.”

What inspires me about Ranker is that during all of his success and challenges, his TBI has not slowed him down at all. In fact, instead of seeing his TBI as an obstacle, Ranker sees it as a motivator to inspire himself to go the extra mile.  He is not ashamed of his injury and constantly reminds others that if he can go the extra mile—they can too.  This winter he plans to compete in an adaptive skiing program in Colorado and plans to continue demonstrating how athleticism can help motivate progress in other areas of his life.

The Hot Blue Flame

Filed under COAD/COAR, Staff Stories by on January 27, 2011 at 11:22 am {2 comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

A former COAD Soldier retired GEN Fredrick Franks (right) discusses ways to improve the Army COAD/COAR process with AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson (left) and AW2 Sergeant Major SGM Robert Gallagher (center).

For most of the AW2 Continue on Active Duty/Continue on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR) Forum delegates, their determination to find ways to improve how the Army manages those who are unfit for duty post injury but who remain in the Army is about “those that will follow.” It’s a responsibility they take very seriously. In fact, SGT Molly Holub, a Military Police dog handler, ended her pre-deployment leave three days early to attend and support the Army’s efforts to update the COAD/COAR system.

This morning during a breakfast session, the delegates heard from a decorated Soldier who paved the way for them—and still does. GEN Frederick Franks, a retired general and COAD Soldier, spoke to the delegates about what he described as the “hot blue flame of passion and drive to continue to serve.”

“All the males in my Family and community served in WWII [World War II],” Franks shared. “I was taken by their selflessness and pride in what they’d done—their willingness to serve. I wanted to earn the right to lead people like that, so I attended West Point.”

An injury, while serving in Cambodia in 1970, resulted in the amputation of Franks’ left leg below the knee. He went through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) in July 1971 and knew immediately that he wanted to COAD. “It’s my life. I love being a Soldier,” added Franks.  

Regulation AR 635-40 was in place back then, and Franks said, “It’s pretty much the same process, MEB, PEB [Physical Evaluation Board], and COAR that exists today.” He added, “After 10 years at war, it’s time for the Army to take it to the next level with the appropriate resources. I have great admiration for the establishment of AW2, but now they need to bump it up a notch.”

After meeting and talking with several of the current COAD Soldiers, Franks commented, “I am honored to be in their presence and admire their resiliency—to get up and go on. I am inspired by their continuation to serve.”

Franks charged commanders, “Look at the COAD/COAR Soldiers’ abilities and utilize them accordingly. Don’t artificially constrain or put limitations on them. Ask them. Engage them. Talk to them. Learn where they can best serve and whether or not their talents are being served or whether they could be better utilized somewhere else. They have an enormous amount to give—but we have to give them the opportunity.”

“I know for me, being able to continue to serve after my left foot was amputated, is one of my life’s greatest privileges.”

A Force To Be Reckoned With

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

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Active Duty Wounded Soldiers Share Experiences to Help Army Update Policies

Filed under COAD/COAR, Staff Stories by on January 25, 2011 at 11:01 am {no comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

COAD Soldier SFC Jonathan Grundy is one of the 30 delegates at the first AW2 COAD/COAR Forum determined to help the Army update its policies on allowing wounded Soldiers remain in the force.

“I am a Soldier, first and foremost.  I am a professional at what I do and don’t want to change my career any time in the near future,” stated SFC Jonathan Grundy, a severely wounded Soldier attending the COAD/COAR Forum this week.  He joins 29 other delegates who were severely wounded and decided to continue on active duty or reserve post injury.  He is here to help the Army update outdated regulations that date back to 1967. 

The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is hosting the first Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/ Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) Forum January 25-27 to identify the most important issues facing severely wounded Soldiers who remain in the Army post injury, and recommend solutions.

“I chose to be a delegate because I feel that the issues that I pose are of key concern to the Army and the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).  I also want to see change and improvement in our archaic MEB/PEB structure,” Grundy added.

All Soldiers found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) are eligible to apply for COAD/COAR. This designation provides Soldiers with an exception to policy which allows them to remain in the Army even if they have significant physical limitations—and typically remain in their current military occupational specialty. This allows Soldiers to continue to serve to meet their career goals, as well as support the Army through their leadership and combat experience. Injuries that can cause a Soldier to be found unfit for duty include blindness, amputation, post-traumatic stress disorder and paralysis.

Grundy was shot in the face—more specifically, he took an AK-47 round to the face.  Physicians rebuilt the left side of his face with titanium mesh and he’s blind in one eye.  He pointed out that 1 in 10 combat injuries are eye injuries and it’s getting closer to 1 in 5.  But on the upside, he discovered that since he lost sight in one eye that he has a better shot with a shotgun than he used to have. 

He not only wants to share his experience and ideas for improvements at the conference, but he hopes the updated regulations will attract other combat wounded Soldiers to remain on active duty.  “I want other wounded Soldiers to know that just because you aren’t 100% due to injuries sustained in combat, that the Army does have a place for you that is valuable in accomplishing the mission.”

As for his career, he’s most proud of being a member of the 82nd Airborne Division as a Cavalry Scout and as a Jump Master and looks forward to eventually becoming “a division liaison for the 82nd Airborne Division at Walter Reed or Landstuhl, Germany.”

With all he’s experienced, he said he’d do it all again.  “The pluses in my life far outweigh the negatives.  I’m still alive.  How many people do you know who’ve been shot in the head and still lived?  I’m still in the Army—I like my job.”

Army Leaders Listen to Wounded Who Continued to Serve for Solutions

Filed under COAD/COAR, Staff Stories by on January 25, 2011 at 10:35 am {3 comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

The Army Surgeon General LTG Eric B. Schoomaker (left) speaks to AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson (right) at the first AW2 COAD/COAR Forum.

Before the hard work begins today at the first AW2 COAD/COAR Forum, last night was about camaraderie among those who served, were severely wounded, and chose to stay on active duty post injury. 

COL Greg Gadson, AW2 Director, told the event delegates, “This is an opportunity to make a huge difference.  It’s our chance to make it better.” 

The 30 delegates are working this week to identify which regulations and policies need to be updated to support the severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers who continue on active duty/reserve post injury.  Some of the regulations date back to 1967 and Gadson, a COAD Soldier himself, pointed out that, “They were written by those who hadn’t walked in our shoes—and that’s OK because we’re here this week to fix them.” 

The event is part of the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program which is overseen by the Warrior Transition Command (WTC).  The Army’s commitment to this initiative was evident by the senior leaders in attendance including the Army Surgeon General LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, MEDCOM Command Sergeant Major CSM Althea Dixon, former WTC Commander BG Gary Cheek, WTC Deputy Mr. Tom Webb, and WTC Command Sergeant Major CSM Benjamin Scott, Jr.

At the AW2 COAD/COAR Forum, the Army Surgeon General LTG Eric B. Schoomaker (right) listened to two COAD Soldiers, including SSG John Stevenson (center), talk about the challenges they face.

LTG Schoomaker told the delegates, “You represent what Army medicine is all about.  It’s our job to create an environment that fosters the best in a Soldier and it’s critical for you to give us feedback on how to make it better.  I know that eventually you will all transition and it’s our job to ensure that once you transition that you go on to do great things.”  He closed stating, “You all are an inspiration showcasing your abilities—thank you and your Family for your service.”

In the week ahead, the Soldiers will work in two focus groups discussing issues pertaining to human resources, installations, medical care, training, and Veteran affairs, as well as recommending solutions. On the last day of the Forum, the delegates will vote and prioritize issues for resolution.  

As COL Gadson charged the delegates, “It’s going to be a hard, but fun week.  We just need to stay focused on improving the Army for future generations.”

AW2 Soldiers Competing in Warrior Games Find Success by Continuing their Active Service

Filed under Adaptive Sports by on May 3, 2010 at 10:52 am {no comments}

SGT Robert Price received Warrior Games marksmanship instruction at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Fort Benning

SGT Robert Price received Warrior Games marksmanship instruction at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Fort Benning

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom

 

Wounded Soldiers from across the country will soon be arriving at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs, CO, for the Warrior Games. Not content to simply overcome individual challenges of healing and recovery, these Soldiers are hungry to test themselves and represent the Army in the competitive arena. For some AW2 Soldiers, their participation reflects their desire to look forward to future goals and challenges beyond recovery. Many of them share a common goal—to continue on active duty in the Army (COAD), or Army Reserve (COAR).

SGT Robert Brown became an AW2 Soldier after sustaining injuries during enemy contact in Iraq that required the amputation of his right leg below the knee. He has been approved to continue his active career and is now a competitor in the Warrior Games. He will compete in the ‘Ultimate Warrior’ pentathlon and as a member of the Army 200 meter free swim relay team. His goal is to use the Games to test himself as he prepares for the U.S. Paralympic Games.

Wounded by shrapnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom, SGT Lilina Benning now spends many hours a week preparing for the compound bow portion of the archery event, the standing shot put, and as a member of the Army sitting volleyball team. She is an AW2 Soldier approved to COAD and feels strongly that her training for the upcoming Games helps as both physical and occupational therapy.

Also making the journey to Colorado will be SGT Robert Price. He was hit by an IED in January 2007 and the wound to his right leg required amputation below the knee. SGT Price is an AW2 COAD Soldier competing in the 10 meter air rifle (prone), archery (compound open), and sitting volleyball events. He has been actively shooting for three years and recently trained with the United States Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning. Ultimately his goal is competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

In the face of adversity, these Soldiers have chosen to accept the challenge of top-level competition. Their selection to COAD and compete not only opens up the possibility of victory at the Games, but also future success through their active service and perhaps a journey that may lead some to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Other AW2 COAD Soldiers going to Warrior Games include: WO1 Johnathan Holsey, SGT Michael Lukow, SFC Andrew McCaffrey, SSG Eric Moriarty, SFC Landon Ranker, and SSG Curtis Winston. For more information about eligibility and application to COAD/COAR go to the AW2 website here. To follow the May 10-14 Warrior Games, check the AW2 Blog often—our team will be blogging from the OTC all week!

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