Archive | General | Warrior Transition Command

AW2 Anniversary

Filed under General by jvargas on April 21, 2009 at 6:08 am {one comment}

Prior to becoming the AW2 Director I spent most of my 30 years in the Army Medical Department on the tactical side. From company grade time in Desert Storm to OIF tours as both a battalion and brigade commander I tried to ensure Soldiers were treated and evacuated timely and effectively.

This month, as AW2 marks five years of service, I look at the needs of our wounded, injured, and ill in a different way.

I see not only the results of modern medicine on the battlefield, I see the way the Army has adapted to provide support for the entire Soldier and equally importantly for his or her Family. We have seen our Soldiers survive injuries that previously would have taken them from us. While our Soldiers may survive, they are left with severe and life-altering injuries and the Army is left with figuring out how to help Soldiers who have given so much find a new normal.

Army Wounded Warrior Program is one way the Army has made a commitment to our severely wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers and their Families. With this our five-year anniversary, I think about the more than 4,000 severely wounded Soldiers and their Families within our ranks. I think about the more than 100 Soldiers we have helped to stay in uniform and I think about those Soldiers and Families who we work with everyday to find a career or education path that suits them in their future goals.

We are always striving to do better. We rely on you, AW2 Soldiers and Families, to tell us what needs to change and what is working. One venue for doing that is the AW2 Symposium, this year being held in San Antonio, TX. If you want to contribute to making future changes in warrior care for wounded Soldiers and their Families, please consider applying to be a delegate this year at https://www.aw2.army.mil/Symposium/index.html. I look forward to meeting with those of you who do attend this year’s Symposium.

I’m honored to be a part of the AW2 Program. I have enjoyed working on a new side of warrior care. Our Soldiers, Families, and Staff constantly inspire me.

Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,
COL Jim Rice
Director, Army Wounded Warrior Program

Voices of Change

Filed under General by jvargas on April 6, 2009 at 6:17 am {no comments}

- by Shawn Graves, AW2 Soldier and Advocate -

I was asked to do a blog because of my unique experiences and perspectives. I am an AW2 Soldier who became an AW2 Advocate. I have been able to do some great things over this past year that I never thought would happen. It wasn’t all by my accord. I didn’t plan this. People involved in my life and well being voiced or suggested which way I should go or what I could do, and what I was capable of. Voices spoke up and said the right things to change my life. I didn’t realize the power that one voice could have until January of this year when I attended the AFAP conference in Washington DC. Then I started to think about the voices of change in my life more and realized just how powerful it can be to voice something.

One year ago I didn’t know what the heck I was going to do with my life. That changed when I went on a stress recovery retreat last year. I didn’t realize that I was struggling with my PTSD until someone spoke up and pointed out that I would benefit from this trip. What an eye opener! I decided after that trip that I wanted to do something to help Veterans. I wanted to be that voice and make a difference for someone else, so they could benefit like I did. That something was the hard part to figure out. I talked quite a bit with my local Veterans Outreach Center about possibilities of volunteering, public speaking, and started to take more interest in Veteran organizations.

My AW2 Advocate and I had been talking about this symposium that was coming up. She liked the issues I talked about that needed addressed and encouraged me to submit my issues and apply as a delegate. I was surprised when one of my issues was selected and I was selected as a delegate. I was impressed when I attended the AW2 Symposium. I was so happy to have the opportunity to be that voice of change. It was hard and rewarding work and I got to meet some great people too. It was also very rewarding to know that my issue, though reworded was selected as a top issue to be sent to this AFAP conference. Then I heard that an AW2 Advocate position was opening in my hometown. My Advocate started encouraging me to apply, and even sent the listing to me. I dragged my feet, made excuses, but finally my advocate said “Just apply and see what happens”. I submitted my resume the last day of the opening. Well, what happened was I got hired. It’s one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Again, it was someone who voiced there opinions and convinced me to do it.

I attended the 2009 AFAP conference as a retired Soldier. Having had some time under my belt as an advocate and so recently attending the AW2 Symposium, I came into the conference ready to tackle issues. I was pleased to see several AW2 issues there, including mine. During the first day we did an issue review within our group. I had read ahead and had my mind pretty much made up as to what I thought was important. Then an issue came up that I thought was not a priority, and it seemed I wasn’t alone on this. The issue was TDY for Bereavement. Just as we were getting ready to move on, someone stated “if you can take TDY to search for a house, why not for bereavement”. All of the sudden, that issue was top issue in our group and was the number one issue voted on at the conference and will be briefed at the General Officer Steering Committee this April. WOW!! One voice again.

I bring this all up at a key time. AW2 Symposium is fast approaching. Now is a really good time to start creating those issues, putting the effort into making strong, and well read statements. The voice you have will surprise you. It is amazing to see how fast you can change opinions and change lives for everyone. Become a delegate. It makes a huge difference to have many voices looking at many issues. You may think your point of view and your issues are important, but you will be surprised to see how quickly something can change your mind. Be that voice of change and it can change lives, just like those voices changed mine.

Shawn Graves
AW2 Advocate
Spokane, WA

AW2 Soldier Accepts Job with Congressman

Filed under General by jvargas on April 3, 2009 at 8:56 am {one comment}

- by Zachary Guill, AW2 Soldier -

This is to give hope to all the military personal mainly combat arms, that there are jobs and people looking for vets to hire when you get out. In the Army I was 11B1P (Airborne Infantry). I deployed 3 times, 2003 to 2004 to Iraq out of Vicenza, Italy, and again 2005 to 2006 to Afghanistan, and to Iraq for one last time in 2006 from Ft. Hood. My time in Iraq the last time was cut short due to an IED. We all know that once you get out of the military that the prime jobs for combat arms are in law enforcement, but where do you get a job if your injured and can’t run or pass a physical training test. After my Medical Board I began working in casino survallence, not the best pay but it was a job. About a month into that job, I got a phone call from my AW2 rep. telling me about a program through the House of Representatives that places wounded soldiers into Congressional positions. I was all for it, who better to help a VET than someone who has already been through the experience. I sent my resume to her and she forwarded it on. I later was called for an interview and hired. I have been working for my Congressional Rep. since December. Since working in the office, I have seen many people willing and preferring to hire veterans. There are many programs that aren’t publicized that well but they are out there. A lot of the problems I help people with are problems that I faced and we all faced in the military. So don’t give up, jobs are out there and if not then there are people out there willing to help you out. I do know that the Wounded Warrior Program through the House of Representatives is still looking for people to sit in Congressional offices.

Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Taskforce

Filed under General by jvargas on February 22, 2009 at 4:04 am {no comments}

- David Farnsworth, AW2 Advocate -

Established by the Governor’s Office, the Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Taskforce is charged with the preservation and protection of former, current and future military service men and women and their families, through efficient and effective state- and community- based programs and initiatives that work to improve their quality of life during and after the reintegration process.

The Taskforce was created with the express purpose of developing guidelines which will help Arkansas military members of any branch who are not represented by an active component establishment—whether Active, Guard, or Reserve—receive every support, benefit, protection, and opportunity necessary during the reintegration process. To this end, the Taskforce is charged with assessing the reintegration needs of Arkansas military members and their families, assessing the capabilities of the state to meet those needs, developing a set of recommendations for how best to use existing state services and the implementation of new programs to fill current and future gaps.

The Taskforce has pledged to help develop community outreach programs through which local communities, private citizens, and businesses can get involved in assisting military members and their families. The Taskforce plans to formulate a roadmap by which Arkansas state agencies, local communities, private citizens, and businesses can coordinate efforts to ensure that Arkansas military members receive all the services and assistance necessary for a successful reintegration process. The intent is for the roadmap to address critical areas of concern such as health, family, benefits, employment, education, disability advocacy, housing, legal, community awareness/connections, and public-private partnerships.

The first definitive action by the Taskforce was the creation of a web-based resource center where service members, veterans, and their family members can go to find information which is meaningful to them and their families. The resource center also connects service members, veterans, and their families with organizations that can provide valuable assistance. This resource center, found at “Arkansas Veteran.Com”, has drop down tabs for each of the critical areas of concern, making it very easy to navigate through and find answers. From this resource center a user can quickly find a link to Military OneSource, as well as learn how to recognize and identify a Diploma Mill issuing a useless degree.

The Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Arkansas, Mr. George Westmoreland, serves as the Chairman of the Taskforce. The members include heads of state agencies including the National Guard, chancellors of state colleges, directors of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, and representatives from major businesses in Arkansas.

“The State of Arkansas is dedicated to its service members, past, present, and future, as well as their families,” Mr. Westmoreland said. He also indicated that the Taskforce plans to introduce legislation in next month’s session that addresses elements in each of the critical areas of concern.

Thanksgiving Message

Filed under General by jvargas on November 25, 2008 at 4:23 am {no comments}

As November comes to a close, it is a great time to slow down, reflect and give thanks. It’s been quite a year, from the energy crisis, financial crisis, and elections, not to mention the many issues and challenges we all face.

In November we observed Veterans’ Day. For some, this day is enjoyed simply as a day off work. For others it’s a painful day as they think of a Veteran who is no longer here. Some hang a flag. Some participate in parades and celebrations. Some celebrate in their own way. Although Veterans’ Day is important—to take time to recognize the service and sacrifice of so many Veterans, I encourage everyone to embrace Veterans’ Day all year long. Give thanks to those who severe on behalf of this country. Thank a Veteran. Thank a spouse. Thank their children. The whole Family serves together.

For those who currently serve, the Department of Defense established November as Warrior Care Month to ensure military members and their families are aware of all the services and programs that support wounded, injured and ill service members and their Families. Alternative therapies for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Job placement for Spouses. Research funding for Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational initiatives with major universities. Family support services such as free counseling. Not to mention all the dedicated nonprofits who also provide additional local assistance. For all those who work hard every day caring for our service men and women, you may never really know the impact of your support – but it does not go unappreciated by those you care for. You are changing lives. Thank you.

In the days ahead many of us will join together with Family and friends to enjoy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving came early for me this year, without any warning, or knowing. This year it came in a little photo holder and a video, presented to me by one of our AW2 Advocates. It held pictures of our AW2 Soldiers and their Families, AW2 Advocates with their Soldiers, and people who have supported our Soldiers and Advocates. The video was of a young AW2 Soldier who, like so many of our Soldiers, represents our country’s finest and bravest. As I looked at these photos and played the video, I could not help but stop and think, how fortunate I am to have met and worked with so many great Americans, how thankful I am that I have the opportunity to meet so many of our AW2 Soldiers and their Families, and how thankful I am to serve with our AW2 Advocates and staff. It truly has been a great year for your SGM, and I am thankful for having the opportunity to be your SGM.

As you count your blessings, and enjoy your family, friends and all the great food, I ask that you pause and give thanks to all who have served and continue to serve in our military. We thank them and we thank those who support our Soldiers and families.

Thank you and God Bless,

SGM Brent R. Jurgersen

Sew Much Comfort

Filed under General by jvargas on July 2, 2008 at 9:15 am {no comments}

- By Jeanne Keffer, Outgoing Inventory Director, Sew Much Comfort -

Our non-profit organization, Sew Much Comfort, was thrilled when COL Rice invited us to attend the AW2 Symposium this year, which was the first AW2 Symposium to include an exhibit hall. We were proud to be there and in the company of other non-profits, veteran service organizations, and Army programs, all sharing a mission of helping the most severely wounded Soldiers and their Families. The event was a wonderful opportunity for us to personally connect with the Soldiers, their Family members, AW2 staff and Army leadership.

Our goal was to get the word out about the adaptive clothes our dedicated seamstresses make for the wounded to use during their recuperation. Currently, our organization has an ambassador that visits Walter Reed to meet with soldiers and replenish their lockers with clothing. At Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), hospital staff and AW2 advocates make sure Sew Much Comfort clothes are available, as well. However, we wanted all Army locations, VA hospitals, and individual service members to know about us and feel comfortable contacting us about requests to provide them with our shorts, shirts, pants, boxers, and accessories.

From the first evening of the symposium when the delegates came through the exhibit area, we knew our decision to come was a good one. The week was full of memorable experiences for us. We met a soldier and his wife who shared their story with us about using our clothing while at BAMC, and how much it helped them. We received orders for clothes from other delegates who are in need. An Army General came to our booth and got our information to give to his wife, who is interested in volunteering as a seamstress. We also had the pleasure of presenting one of our quilts to a special delegate who will be working with us on perfecting some of our patterns.

The opportunity to be a part of this very important process has given us new insight into the Army Wounded Warrior Program. We were able to witness the interactions of delegates and staff, to share meals and breaks with the attendees, to watch Operation Purple do its magic with the children, and to learn about and from the other exhibitors. We feel honored to have spent the week with this incredible group of people and returned with a feeling of gratitude for being a small part in their transition. The theme of the Symposium that we heard over and over again throughout the week is “I am AW2″ and we felt that this also applied to us. Thanks for welcoming Sew Much Comfort as a part of the Symposium and a part of AW2- we will continue to make you proud.

Giving a Hero the Moon

Filed under General by jvargas on June 30, 2008 at 9:16 am {no comments}

- By Emily Oehler, AW2 Strategic Communications -

For several days, I have been immersed in the logistics of the AW2 Symposium … helping with media briefing, editing newsletters, getting photographs, creating PowerPoint slides, answering questions as a subject matter expert. Nose to the grindstone. Occasionally looking up to really see, I mean really see, what was around me. Tonight, it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Throughout the week, I have interacted with the kids in Operation Purple. The first day a young six-year old girl who was clinging to my leg, reluctant to join a group of strangers clinging a bit to my leg. Two days later, chaperoning several kids to a local minor league baseball game – their first. The next day, riding in the elevator listening to a group of teenagers talk about needing a picture of their group for their Facebook page they were creating and then collecting email addresses. Tonight, well tonight was the grand finale. Thirty-eight 5-17 year olds shared with their parents some of their experiences from the week during a closing ceremony. As I listened to the camp counselors talk about the week, and their admiration for the kids and then listened to the kids share some of the personal stories, I was overwhelmed – and the tears hit. They spoke of feeling awkward when people stared at their parents (who are severely wounded), they shared how great it was to hang out with other kids who understood and they didn’t even have to say a word, and they smiled about all the fun they had had during the week. Then, each child gave their parent a dog tag with a moon… a moon because where ever you are, the moon is there – bright in the night, a constant, a touchstone. These kids shared that, for them, their parents were their moon. The next dog tag featured a bear – to represent the strength of each soldier and parent. These kids were able to share with their heroes, their parents, their pride in all they had accomplished and everything they worked hard to overcome. To see children honor their parents – to give them support, love and encouragement was amazing… and shows that they have the warrior spirit of their parents. With each presentation my emotions ran from heartache to laugher to pride to awe and back again. I saw, I mean really saw, the importance of this program, this event, this camp, this focus on families, and this work to improve the system.

To the children here – you have opened my eyes and my heart, and I wish for you the moon.

Small Things Making a Difference

Filed under General by jvargas on June 30, 2008 at 9:16 am {no comments}

- By Jeffrey M. Cox, LICSW, BCD, US Army Wounded Warrior Advocate -

I am pleased that I was invited to provide support to the 2008 AW2 Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. We met at the Sheraton Hotel overlooking the Civil War Monument reminding us that our work of remembering those who fought and wounded did not start four years ago when this program started.

I had a simple responsibility: Hall Monitor. I was responsible for assisting the logistical flow of the work and support delegates with numerous small issues. This involved helping pick up a forgotten prescription to driving a van to a baseball game. Small things – yet important.

The power of the Symposium is found in the connection and community of the week. People from various parts of the country who live separate and have various abilities come together to speak as a whole to the Army about how the wounded, injured, and ill can be remembered. I suspect that the work accomplished here will provide an incremental change to policies and procedures. This is OK – the Civil War monument was not built in one day nor will an everlasting policy that supports those who served and are wounded, injured, or ill.

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