A Door Kicker to a Housecat—One Wounded Soldier’s Continued Service

Filed under COAD/COAR, Soldier Story by on January 26, 2011 at 11:23 am {no comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

SGT Tony Wood, a Military Police Officer, encourages other wounded Soldiers to continue to serve post injury

There are many sides to SGT Tony Wood. Combat Veteran. Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Volunteer of the Year . Military police officer. Eighth Theater Sustainment Command Volunteer of the Year. Foster parent. Reservist. But first and foremost, he’s a Soldier.

“I swore an oath to protect and defend my country,” Wood stated at the first AW2 Continue on Active Duty/Continue on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR) Forum. “It is no secret what our job is. When I swore this oath it did not mention anywhere that it would be safe and that I could pick and choose what I agreed with.”

And safe it was not. A blast in theater placed him in a coma for 45 days and damaged all of his major internal organs except for his heart. “They couldn’t close my abdomen the normal way, so they used titanium mesh.” But Wood quickly added, “I may be out of the battle but I’m not out of the fight. There are still Soldiers in harm’s way, and as long as I am able, I want to continue to contribute. These are my friends, my peers. Why should I be exempt? I took an oath when I agreed to do this job, and as long as stuff is going on, this is where I belong. I can’t be a door kicker any more but I can still do something. That’s the biggest pill to swallow, going from a door kicker to a housecat.”

While he admits the transition is not easy, he wants other wounded Soldiers to know that, “Just because your old life was shattered doesn’t mean you can’t start a new one. You are trained to never quit. If you want and are able to do something—then go for it. You’re not just getting kicked to the curb. If there’s a way that you’re physically able, the Army can find you a job. In the past if you got injured, you were gone. There were no second chances. But today you can stay.”

This week, Wood is working with 29 other delegates to help the Army update regulations that impact severely wounded Soldiers who continue to serve post injury. He hopes that his participation in the AW2 COAD/COAR Forum will make wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers’ transition back to the force easier.

“There is, as with all new programs, bugs and hiccups that need to be addressed to improve it for all,” Wood explained. “We have been given an unprecedented opportunity not offered to our predecessors. It is our obligation to make it the best it can possibly be. There are problems, but it’s a fairly new program and programs have a tendency to outrun their regulations. This forum is a way to get these issues unfiltered to the people who can change things. I feel like I’m bypassing everything and going straight to the horse’s mouth.”

Army Leaders Listen to Wounded Who Continued to Serve for Solutions

Filed under COAD/COAR, Staff Story 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.”

Deadline Extension–Education Initiative at KU Application Submission

Filed under Career and Education, Resources by on October 4, 2010 at 11:15 am {no comments}

By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom

If you are an AW2 COAD Soldier or AW2 Veteran you can still apply to earn a masters degree in one of 13 different fields of study at the University of Kansas. As part of the AW2 Education Initiative, this opportunity offers AW2 COAD Soldiers and Veterans the opportunity to continue their education.

The application deadline has been extended until November 1, 2010. If you are interested, click on the blog post, AW2 Education Initiative at KU Announces Fall 2011 Application Process to learn more.

Continuation on Active Duty–Doing What the Army Needs Me to Do

Filed under Career and Education, COL Gadson, Soldier Story by on September 16, 2010 at 2:57 pm {3 comments}

By COL Greg Gadson, AW2 Director

When I was injured, I had my heart set on staying in the Army, even though I knew I would be found unfit.  I’m a Soldier—I’ve been a Soldier for 22 years, and my desire to serve didn’t disappear when an IED exploded under me, costing me my legs.  I knew I wouldn’t be a field artillery officer out on the gun line, but I could do something else.  I wasn’t on a gun line when I got injured; I was doing what the Army needed me to do.  And that’s what I’m doing now, as a COAD Soldier leading AW2—it’s what the Army needs me to do. 

For Soldiers who will be found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) is a great opportunity to continue our service.  Currently, any Soldier found unfit will not be denied the opportunity to apply for COAD/COAR, and that is a great development for today’s Army.

As I started the COAD process, I had a lot of questions.  Would I be “worthy” to stay in? Would I have something to contribute?  I didn’t want to just hang around and draw a paycheck; I wanted to continue to do something worthwhile. 

Other AW2 Soldiers considering COAD/COAR probably have similar questions.  Some of you came into the Army to do a certain job, fly planes or helicopters or something equally exciting.  But that doesn’t mean that’s all the Army has to offer you.  As you make this decision, I encourage you to:

  1. Keep an open mind as you consider different MOS’s—you might be surprised about the opportunities out there for you, and you have more skills than you realize. 
  2. Speak up for yourself.  Tell the Army what you want to do–and make the Army tell you “no.”  The Army wants to accommodate you and help you increase your skills and pursue opportunities.
  3. Use the resources available to you.  For example, my AW2 Advocate and PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) were fantastic—they kept me up to date on my requirements, appointments, and documentation. 
  4. Talk to your mentors throughout the Army.  You’ll need their recommendations as you build your case, but you’ll also appreciate their encouragement and guidance as you make these tough decisions and continue your Army career.

To the wounded Soldiers in the Guard and Reserve—my message is exactly the same.  There are slight differences in the process, but you have the same opportunity to continue serving your country.  And I hope you give it serious consideration.

It’s important for both COAD/COAR Soldiers and their leaders to understand that COAD/COAR Soldiers are still Soldiers, just like every other person in the Army.  COAD/COAR Soldiers maintain the Army values and will still have all the Army requirements, within the limits of their physical profiles. 

The Army is an institution of support for you and your Family.  For me, COAD was the right choice, and I’m proud to serve in an Army that supports the people who make it strong.

Editor’s Note: Do you have a story about your personal COAD/COAR experience or advice for Soldiers considering the COAD/COAR process?  Leave a comment below.

AW2 Education Initiative at KU Announces Fall 2011 Application Process

Filed under Career and Education by on September 9, 2010 at 4:15 pm {2 comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom

Are you an AW2 COAD Soldier or AW2 Veteran interested in continuing to serve the Army?

Do you want to be paid while earning a fully funded master’s degree?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the AW2 Education Initiative (AW2EI) may be the opportunity you have been looking for.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve affairs has announced the recruitment effort for AW2 COAD Soldiers and Veterans wishing to obtain a masters degree in one of 13 different fields at the University of Kansas. AW2EI is an innovative program that was started in 2007 as the result of a directive from the Secretary of the Army to implement a program to train, retain and utilize the skills of wounded warriors being served by AW2. Members of the AW2 program may participate in the program in either Continuation on Active Duty (COAD) status or as medically retired civilians.

A total of 16 AW2 Soldiers and Veterans have been accepted into the AW2EI Program. Four  AW2 Soldiers and Veterans have already graduated from this program and 12 are still in school! We are excited to announce the program is ready to select up to 5 AW2 COAD Soldiers and 5 AW2 Veterans for the program.  However, time is short! Suspense for packets is 1 Nov 2010.

For more information, contact your Advocate or download the AW2EI Program Information Sheet (requires AKO login).

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