Happy Holidays

By COL Greg Gadson, AW2 Director

COL Greg Gadson believes that the holiday season is a time for wounded warriors to celebrate their personal victories and the people who support them.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with our Families and friends, to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and to reflect on the challenges and milestones of the previous year.

Personally, I love the holiday season—people are in a good mood, the music is upbeat, and I get to spend time with my Family. And this year, the holidays offer an opportunity to think about all of the incredible people I’ve met in my first several months as AW2 Director. Each of the AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, Families, and Advocates I’ve gotten to know this year has touched my life, and I’m honored to be the Director of this program. As a wounded warrior myself, I’m familiar with the challenges you all face, but I never cease to be surprised by your resilient spirit and determination to move forward with active, fulfilling lives.

2010 was another big year for AW2, and we reached several significant milestones in improving the quality of care for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families:

  • Congress passed legislation authorizing a stipend for non-dependent caregivers. This was the result of an AW2 Symposium issue that highlighted the financial challenges facing nondependent caregivers.
  • AW2 Soldiers still on Active Duty participated in the first Warrior Games in May, demonstrating their abilities and winning medals for the Army.
  • 190 organizations participated in the AW2 Community Support Network , demonstrating their support for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families in their hometowns.

All of this in addition to the more than 160 AW2 Advocates throughout the country who provide ongoing, personalized support every single day, helping individual Soldiers and Veterans prepare for their boards, make appointments, evaluate their career options, access resources, and so many other things.

As each of you enjoy the holidays with Family and friends, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, I encourage you to also celebrate your personal victories and the people who support you. Through it all, you demonstrate the true strength of the Army, and what it means to be “Army Strong.” Happy holidays.

Wounded Warriors Test Their Limits in Shark Infested Waters

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom 

Ft. Bragg Warriors in Transition swim with sharks at the Georgia Aquarium (Photo courtesy of SGT Neil W. McCabe).

I remember as a young boy seeing the movie “Jaws” just before our annual Ocean City, MD vacation.  After the movie I quickly swore I would not go into the dark, swirling waters of the Atlantic Ocean ever again.  Of course after we arrived at the beach, it took very little time for my mind to change, and my sister and I spent many hours swimming around making the “duh dunt, duh dunt” sounds  as we dragged each other under the water. 

This month, Warriors in Transition from Fort Bragg were given the opportunity to take the reality of this shark/swimmer scenario to a whole new level.  On December 22, and in full scuba gear, 17 wounded warriors boosted their confidence and stretched the limits of their mental and spiritual endurance as they swam with sharks in the Georgia Aquarium’s large tank in Atlanta, GA. The aquarium’s “Journey with the Gentle Giants” program has placed a special emphasis on individuals with physical challenges and was a perfect challenge for the Fort Bragg Warrior in Transition. 

Facing two 30 foot whale sharks and a number of smaller and toothier hammerhead and nurse sharks, the wounded warriors were led in a figure eight pattern on the surface of the large 30 foot deep pool that stretches over a distance somewhat smaller than a football field.  Although the likelihood of one of these sharks attacking a swimmer in the tank was incredibly remote, there still was a high level of tension for the wounded warriors. By placing themselves in this unique and vulnerable position, the Soldiers were able to find peace and tap into deeper reserves of spiritual and mental resiliency.

Ready for Christmas

By Kathreyn Harris, AW2 Spouse

For Kathreyn Harris, her Family (pictured here) is the joy of the season.

As we come to Christmas, I wonder if I will be able to get all of my shopping done. You know the drill—everyone asks are you ready for Christmas and like most people who have not finished shopping yet, I say “No, I still have a few things to finish.” (If you know me—even a little—you probably know I am the world’s best at procrastination!) I was thinking about the statement “No, I still have a few things to finish.”

It really bothered me that I thought I was not ready for Christmas. It is true that I have not completed any of my shopping—food or gifts, but that’s not the big part. I am ready for Christmas—I have my Family. I have my husband Shilo, with all the scars and things that are forever changed, I have him. I have our two beautiful children—Elizabeth and Glen. Those two people are Shilo and I melted together—both are the best and worst parts of us. I have Shilo’s boys—all three of them and a daughter-in-law. The list could go on and on of the Family that I have.

I also have several really close friends that are like Family and I know I can count on them for anything as well as a long list of very good friends. Shilo and I are blessed to have friends all over the world. That is something the military gave us. We have had so many wonderful experiences with the military, both while he was active duty and after he was injured. I know everyone says the Christmas season is a time of joy and wonder and I sometimes think this concept is misunderstood.

As we decorated our tree last night for the first time with Shilo’s two youngest boys, I looked at the joy and wonder in my husband’s eyes. As we decorated pine cones to put on the mantel piece I saw the excitement in the eyes of the ones I hold most dear. At that time I realized that I am ready for Christmas because I have so many people to be thankful for in my life.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday—don’t let the glitz of the season take away from what it is all about. Sit back and look at everything around you—clear your head. You will be able to see something you never noticed before, or at least I did.

Merry Christmas and may 2011 be an awesome year for everyone!

A Time to Give Back

WTC Command Sergeant Major Scott

CSM Benjamin Scott Jr., views the holiday season as a time for wounded warriors to reflect and give back to their loved ones.

By CSM Benjamin Scott, WTC Command Sergeant Major

I love this time of year. I always get excited about the chance to reflect, give, and plan.

No matter how busy we get, it’s important for us to take advantage of this time. Try to slow things down. Spend time with the ones you love and care about. Take time to talk with your spouse and kids about your goals and dreams for next year. Use this time to recharge your batteries–and not by the television set. Think about the changes or additions you want to better your life.

Change starts with you, but it continues with those around you. When I think about changes in my life, I think about how they will give back to my Family and loved ones. For instance, I plan to embrace technology in the next year. I found that texting is one way I can communicate a lot faster. I set a goal that by texting more often, I can communicate with my loved ones more often–a goal that will benefit me and my Family.

We need to look beyond ourselves. Take the story of two European cities for instance:

One day in Germany, many decades ago, a number of East Berliners decided they were going to send their West Berlin adversaries a little gift. They loaded a dump truck with garbage, broken bricks, stones, and anything else that had little or no value. The East Berliners drove the truck across the border, gained clearance, and dumped it on West Berlin.

Needless to say, the West Berliners were incensed. They were going to get even with them. Fortunately, a very wise man intervened and advised the West Berliners to take a very different course of action. Persuaded, the West Berliners responded by loading a dump truck with food and clothing, which was scarce in East Berlin, and medical supplies, which was even scarcer. They took the trucks across the border, carefully unloaded it all, and left a neat sign that read, “Each gives according to their ability to give.” Wow, how profound! 

We each have so much to give to those around us in both large and small ways. Take, for instance, another story that was shared with me many years ago:

Many years ago, a hospital volunteer got to know a little girl named Liz, who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance for recovery was to receive a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease. The brother had developed the antibodies necessary to combat the illness and therefore was his sister’s key to survival. The doctor explained the procedure to the little brother and asked him if he was willing to give his blood to his sister. The little brother hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath. He told the doctor, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.”

As the transfusion began and progressed, the little brother lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled as he saw the color return to his sister’s cheek. Suddenly, the brother’s face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up to the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”

As he was very young, the brother had misunderstood the doctor. He thought that he was going to have to give all of his blood to his sister in order to save her.

This story demonstrated to me that gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have an impact that can change the lives of those we love.

To all who have supported our wounded warriors, thank you for sharing one of the most precious gifts anyone can give–your time. Your efforts and determination have helped a community of wounded warriors meet their challenges face-to-face and overcome them.

To those who have served their country, thank you for your gift–your sacrifice. You are the ones who intrinsically understand the meaning of giving. You inspire your Families and communities, and I commend you for your hard work.

Stay safe and happy holidays.

Welcome to the AW2 Community Support Network

By Patty Sands, WTC Stratcom

Join me in welcoming the newest organizations in the AW2 Community Support Network.  These organizations are part of the 194 AW2 Community Support Network organizations that help better the lives of our AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families.

  • Brain Injury Association of Florida, www.biaf.org
  • Raven Rock Mountain Complex, Deer Hunts for Wounded Warriors, (717) 878-2526

The AW2 Community Support Network was created based on direct requests from severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. Wounded Soldiers stated that connection with their local community and community leaders was essential for their success and reintegration.

Do you know of a caring organization that wants to assist wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers, Veterans and their Families?  If so, please email the AW2 Community Support Network at the below email address. I welcome your recommendations and referrals. 

Send organization referrals to AW2CommunitySupportNetwork@conus.army.mil

The Gold Star Wives Bring Light and Warmth to Those in Need

By Patty Sands, WTC Stratcom

Gold Star Wife celebrates her daughter's wedding day. Bride, Meredith, and brother, Nicholas shown.

Note: On December 7, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution that designates December 18, 2010 as “Gold Star Wives Day.” The Gold Star Wives and the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) share a common goal in supporting American Families whose loved ones have served. In support of this common mission, WTC asked one of its staff members, a Gold Star Wife, to comment on the new resolution.

We come from all across the nation. We are every age, every faith, every color, and are from every walk of life. We are the Gold Star Wives.

The Gold Star Wives is an organization you will never want to join, even though you will never know finer individuals. The yearly fees are a mere $25 dollars a year, but membership into this group means your loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. In this group, there are over 10,000 cherished flags between us that will never leave their place of honor in our homes and our hearts.

As a military widow and a staff member of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC), I was offered the opportunity by WTC leadership to comment about the Senate resolution designating December 18, 2010, as a day to honor and to recognize the contributions of the members of the Gold Star Wives of America Inc. As a member of the Gold Star Wives, I am honored to share my perspective.

My feelings about the U.S. Senate’s resolution are similar to the ones I felt on the day my husband was buried and I was handed an American flag, on behalf of a grateful nation. Both these gestures, demonstrate America’s thanks and dedication to support those that have served, those that have fallen, and their Families. To set aside this day, says the recognition of their sacrifice is still there.

My memories with the Gold Star Wives span the gambit. Through the Gold Star Wives I have been to many Senate receptions, met influential people, and have jumped on a lead motorcycle with the Memorial Day Rolling Thunder Ride along with 250,000 others in D.C. to recognize patriotism and respect for Soldiers and Veterans. However, when the events are over and you are back to the day to day life, this is the time when the Gold Star Wives’ purpose really shines.

Speaking only for myself and based on my experience, the early years were tough. But I also know it could have been far worse. I was blessed with an education, healthy kids, and the support of my dad and my sister Molly. Without question, my kid’s lives would have been entirely different without the love and support I had from my Family and friends. However, some widows and their kids are in situations far more challenging than mine were. These are the people that the Gold Star Wives can help in particular. They have walked the path before and are aware of the issues and problems that face survivors from all backgrounds. The paperwork and even just the process itself can be overwhelming to someone who is grieving and trying to hold a Family together. Survivors are doing what the name implies–surviving. The Gold Star Wives know the services and resources that each Family is eligible for and in friendship, tries to connect them with these resources. Their ultimate goal is to help survivors thrive.

Let me give you a few examples of how the Gold Star Wives have stepped in to help me. Years ago, I had a conversation with Edie, one of my Gold Star friends, about an issue I was having in regards to an educational fund for my children. I researched about public resources that assisted war orphans and found that the State of Virginia had an obligation to pay tuition, room, board, books, and fees for war orphans. Nevertheless, I couldn’t work the system in order to receive full benefits for my children.

I told Edie that I was planning to write a letter to the Governor of Virginia in the hopes to have someone hear my plea.  A month or so later, I got a call from Edie and she told me that there was a rally at a library and that I should meet her there with the letter I had written to the Governor. When I arrived at the library, I found myself in the same room as Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Jim Webb, and Jim Moran–all government officials. Edie took me by the arm and bulldozed me through the crowd until I was toe-to-toe with Gov. Tim Kaine. I handed him my letter and spoke to him about my issue. He looked like I was handing him a speeding ticket. Long story short, the issue went before the Virginia General Assembly and resulted in action that brought additional educational funds to 900 war orphans through the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. Edie told me it was important to meet him face-to-face. I realized she was right.

On a more personal example of their support, another Gold Star Wife knew my beautiful daughter was getting married and that my son would be walking her down the aisle in his dress blues. Widow to widow, it doesn’t get much more emotional than that. She looked at me and said, “Cough.” I didn’t understand. She said, “When you see them walk down the aisle and you feel the tears coming, cough–it resets your tears and you recover.” Leave it to the Gold Star Wives to be experts on tear management. It worked like a charm and I have photos to prove it!

As wonderful as the Gold Stars are, I hope we never have any new members, but in the end, I know that the Gold Star Wives will be there to help any new members continue on and succeed. In the season of love, join me in recognizing the survivors, the wounded, the Families, and those who are wearing America’s flag today.

A Different Way to Get Down the Mountain

By Dennis Walburn, Guest Blogger

AW2 Veteran Dennis Walburn, a leg amputee, found the right combination of ski equipment needed to get himself back on the ski slopes.

Monoboards, also known as monoskis, can be used as an alternative way for many wounded warriors to ski. In the 1980s, monoboarding was popular in Europe, but was eclipsed by snowboarding, which was popular here in the United States. Monoboarding seemed to never really catch on in the U.S.

Monoboards look a lot like snowboards. The major difference between these two types of boards, is that monoboards have two ski bindings side-by-side near the middle of the board. This is contrary to traditional snowboards that have a front and back foot alignment. Typical lengths are around 150 to 170 centimeters.

I became interested in trying to monoboard after the first year I learned to ski one-legged in 2005 in Breckenridge, CO. I found that I easily tired out after a few runs when I skied one-legged. I was looking for a way to overcome this obstacle. While looking on the Internet, I found that there were several manufacturers in the U.S. and in Europe that still made monoboards.

I do not wish to recommend a particular company, but suggest you search the Web and find the one that appears right for you. A board that is shaped more like a normal ski or snowboard may be the best choice for a first purchase. Make sure you work with the vendor to get the board that is right for your height, weight, and ability.

In 2005, the XT9 High Activity Knee (XT9), a skiing leg system, was just becoming available and I thought I could use the XT9, a monoboard, and outriggers (ski tip retention devices that look like ski poles) together to see if the combination would work for me. As a mid-thigh amputee, I do not have enough of my leg present to successfully steer a regular left ski using the XT9, but I have enough leg left that in concert with my good leg on the monoboard, I can properly steer.

On the XT9 you can have your prosthetist pick a foot that works in conjunction with a ski boot or get a specially made ski foot. I have used both setups successfully. You might also consider a runway-type prosthetic ankle. These are normally used by people who want an ability to adjust their ankle according to their shoe heel height. My prosthetist took my runway-type prosthetic ankle and reversed it, allowing me to have my leg positioned more forward over the boot into a more “normal” ski stance with my virtual knee more directly over the toe of the boot. The last piece of equipment I have on the leg is a torsion adapter that allows the prosthetic leg to mimic the side-to-side motion delivered by my good side. The torsion adapter is an optional part of the set-up that works very well for me.

Since then, I have also used the Bartlett Tendon Universal Knee System successfully. Allowing me more freedom than the XT9, the Bartlett system allows me to get on and off the chair lift more easily. It also allows me to easily get up on those rare times that I fall. I would recommend beginner skiers use the XT9, but I also think that either one would work fine for most amputees.

I use outriggers that are set up for my height, just like if they were being used by three or four-track stand-up skiers.  Like a three-track skier, you need to either have the brakes on your outriggers adjusted for your ability level and as your ability improves you can adjust the brakes back. Knowing or learning how to do a “hockey stop” to come to a stop is also an essential skill you should work to perfect as your speed and ability improve. On my good leg (not the expensive metal one), I wear a sturdy knee brace for added protection in case of a fall or impact. By the way, you should protect everything that needs it including a helmet, goggles, and good boots.

I first used my skiing equipment system at Durango Ski resort during the 2006–2007 ski season with the help of the adaptive program there. Very quickly, I was able to ski more difficult runs that I had done the previous year using a regular ski and outriggers.

Wounded warriors whom I believe could benefit from using the setup I described might include: single-leg above the knee amputees, bilateral amputees with one amputation being below the knee, someone with one or two bad knees with well fitting prescribed knee braces, and perhaps bilateral above knee amputee with sufficient residual limb length to provide sufficient authority in both legs with two ski legs. The last example would probably have the greatest challenge. Lastly if one or both arms were injured to the point where outriggers are hard to use, my system might also be too difficult to use.

I wish good luck to those who start working towards getting back to the slopes. For those that have the ability, I encourage you to explore your options.

The expressed comments and views of guest bloggers do not reflect the views of WTC or the United States Army

Army 2011 Warrior Games Basketball Team Shapes Up

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

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SSG Shaw Alexander, SPC Craig Smith, SPC Lorena Pratt, CPL(R) Perry Price, MAJ Christopher Cooper, and 1LT Taylor Ward (left-to-right) huddle-up during their wheelchair basketball clinic at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Competition is something that resonates with each Soldier–a foundation for achievement and success. For a certain group of Army wounded warriors, it’s the way that 10 of them will have a chance to earn a spot on the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.

Last weekend, 27 wounded warriors travelled from around the globe to the University of Texas–Arlington (UT–A) and participated in a basketball clinic with the UT–A Movin’ Mavs Basketball Team, one of the premier wheelchair basketball teams in the country. The clinic is one of the qualifying tournaments that will eventually determine the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.

Last year, the U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team won the silver medal in a fierce competition against the U.S. Marines. However for MSG James Shiver, who is the Army’s liaison for the Warrior Games, placing at Warrior Games is not the only goal. Shiver explains, “The Warrior Games, along with adaptive sports in general, offers wounded warriors the opportunity to continue to excel in athletics, while enabling them to succeed in other areas of their lives.”

A Department of Defense initiative with the U.S. Paralympics and the military branches, the Warrior Games offer wounded warriors the chance to compete against each other in numerous sports. Warrior Games athletes compete in 7 sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, cycling, swimming, archery, shooting, and track and field.

Athletic competition is no stranger to Soldiers. The Warrior Games allows wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers to pursue their love of sports while excelling at something that can assist in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Army beat Navy?

Soldiers interested in being considered for the U.S. Army’s 2011 Warrior Games Team can submit applications by contacting their chain of command. Soldiers in the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) can contact their AW2 Advocate for more information.

A Blessing in EMMA®

By Regina Hill, AW2 spouse

AW2 Family the Hills, pictured here during the 2009 AW2 Symposium, believe EMMA® is a blessing in managing prescriptions.

I am the wife of a severely injured Soldier. We began this journey on November 21, 2007, when my husband’s truck was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). I often talk about blessings we have received since his injury. Trust me, we have received plenty. I am so thankful to be able to see the good in such a time of turmoil and tragedy. Some days it is difficult, but most of the time, the good shines brightly on our lives.

One of the blessings we received came in the form of a machine called EMMA®. EMMA® is an Electronic Medication Management Assistant, lovingly referred to in our house as the pill automated teller machine (ATM). EMMA® helps my husband, Allen, manage his medications independently and safely. We have two of these units which each hold 10 medications. They sit on our kitchen counter and do an incredible job!

EMMA® is amazing. “She” does so many things and can really be individualized for each patient. Allen takes medications four times a day and she can be programmed for up to five times a day. When it is time for him to take his meds, an alarm sounds. He then enters a code on the machine’s touch screen. The machine then drops the medications that are due at that time. It gives him a little bit of time to take his meds, then alerts again for him to confirm that he has taken them. (This is very helpful in that he can’t walk away and forget them.) If he forgets to take his meds or happens to be outside and misses them, I get a phone call on my cell phone. EMMA® calls me as the caregiver to tell me that my spouse has not taken his medications.

Another great feature of EMMA® is a vacation drop. If we are going to be out of town for a few days, or a single day, we can do a vacation drop. We enter the day we are leaving and the day we are returning. EMMA® then drops each dose scheduled for those days individually and tells me to put each dose in a zip-close bag and label it. It then continues for each dose for the length of our vacation. Later, when we are away, EMMA® calls my cell phone when it is time for Allen to take his medications, just like the alarm does when we are at home.

There are also capabilities for doing a single drop and those for as needed medications. It will not let medications be dropped too close together. For example, Allen takes medications for migraines on an as needed basis. If he can take them every six hours, it will not let any drop before the six hour time frame has passed. It will tell you on the screen the next drop time available.

EMMA® is set up with a monitoring system, much like that of a home security system. That is how this all works. EMMA® communicates regularly, through wireless Internet or cell phones. Because of this monitoring, medical professionals can see many things about their patient. The doctor can make medication changes remotely and also check on the patient’s compliance with taking their medications. The possibilities are really endless with what can be done with this wonderful machine.

As a full time caregiver, EMMA® definitely makes my life easier as well. Before receiving EMMA® last February, medication management was my job. Allen takes 17 different meds and I was responsible for dispensing them all. It was quite a job and took a lot of time each day. If I was going to be gone, I had a huge task in making sure whoever was going to fill in for me and knew exactly what to do in regards to the meds. This usually was my mom or sister and it put a lot of added stress and responsibility on them. EMMA® takes all of this away. She does this part of the caretaking for me. It is a huge relief when I am away to know that Allen’s meds are all safely administered.

On a personal note, EMMA® actually saved my husband’s life. A few months ago, Allen unloaded a card of pills and took most of them, and then put the card back in. (We have now set the machine so that he does not have the codes to load/unload the machine so this can’t happen again.) I knew something was wrong but wasn’t sure what. I called EMMA® support to check everything out and they could tell me everything that had been done to the machine. They were able to tell me he had taken out a card, at what time, how many were in it when he took it out, and how many were in it when he put it back in. Without EMMA®, I would have had no idea what was wrong for who knows how long. Instead, I was able to get him to the ER for medical treatment. Everything worked out, but I am glad I did not have to see what would have happened without EMMA®.

Editor’s Note: EMMA® is an Electronic Medication Management Assistant especially for outpatients suffering from cognitive impairments such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and those patients needing assistance with poly-pharmacy drug therapy (4 or more medications) or with a history of non-adherence. EMMA is a piece of durable medical equipment (DME) and a TRICARE benefit for all active duty servicemembers that is prescribed by the physician. This system is being used at several Warrior Transition Units and multiple Community Based Warrior Transition Units. It is remotely programmed by the TRICARE pharmacy, insuring that the patient’s medications are delivered according to the physician’s prescribed dosing instructions. It holds up to 10 medication administration cartridges (can be added with an additional EMMA unit to hold up to and deliver twenty medications, uses a standard 115 volt home outlet, and requires no programming by the patient or caregiver. It helps manage medications and provides reminders. To learn more about EMMA® go to www.inrangesystems.com or http://www.facebook.com/emmausers.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked Web sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

The expressed comments and views of guest bloggers do not reflect the views of WTC or the United States Army.

True Stories, True Impact

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

Each wounded warrior I have had the privilege to speak with has a unique experience about their injury and how their experience has impacted their life. These stories bring with them invaluable lessons learned, advice, and perspective for other wounded warriors, and even for me as a civilian.

Just a few weeks ago, an Army wife commented on an AW2 Blog post about the use of journaling as a tool to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In her comment, she explained that the blog inspired her to share this blog post with her husband who has PTSD. As a result, he began journaling and has quickly noticed the positive impact that journaling has on his life and the lives of his Family members.

I bring up this comment because it’s just one of the many examples of how sharing stories with the AW2 community has helped–and continues to help–others in a dynamic way.

I encourage AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to not just take a look at recent blog posts, but also older posts. By doing so, you can take advantage of all the content that is available on the AW2 Blog. Simply type a keyword (e.g., adaptive sports) in the right-hand corner of the Web page, press enter on your keyboard, and a search will return with entries covering your topic of interest. It’s as easy as that.

If you’re an AW2 Soldier, Veteran, or a Family member, share your story on the AW2 Blog. Your story could help another individual in the AW2 community, by providing them inspiration to better their lives. You have this ability.

If you have thoughts or your own stories to share with the AW2 community, please contact warriorcarecommunications@conus.army.mil.

Write a blog for WTC

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