A Rewarding Challenge for an Artilleryman

Filed under WTC by on August 26, 2010 at 4:56 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Hearing wounded warriors stories inspired BG Cheek throughout his two years as Commander.

With all our moves, tours, and policy changes, no military career is without surprise. I know I was shocked when I was asked to establish the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) that was to oversee the Army’s program to take care of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families.

Me, a field artilleryman, an Assistant Surgeon General? 

But to build a systematic, yet personalized approach to warrior care that would positively impact retention, make a positive contribution to Army Force Generation, and help ensure a combat ready operational Reserve Component was a challenge I was honored to face.

While I worked to create the vision for the new command, I was constantly inspired by the wounded warriors that I met at Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) around the country. Their dedication to Continue on Active Duty, work hard to change MOS, and the ambitious and forward looking goals they set as Veterans kept me motivated to do my best. I couldn’t give less in my job than they did in theirs as they worked to recover and transition to life post injury. 

Each Warrior in Transition (WT) and Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Soldier or Veteran has a story to tell–many of which you can read about on both the WTC and AW2 blogs, such as:

  • Captain Scott Smiley, a blind Soldier who is currently commanding the West Point WTU
  • The wounded warrior athletes who represented the Army at the inaugural Warrior Games
  • Diana Hume, a reservist’s spouse, and her awe inspiring story of fighting for and being there for her Soldier with PTSD

To these and all the other Soldiers, Veterans, and Family Members I met, thank you for sharing your dreams and accomplishments with me. I will carry them with me as I move forward. To all the many brave warriors I came to know, thank you for your service. You are a dynamic group of Soldiers that I have been proud to serve. 

But like anything in the Army, it’s all about the team. Just as our WTs and AW2 Soldiers and Veterans rely on their triad of care or their Advocate, I relied on my staff at WTC. Their dedication to this mission and the care of our wounded, injured, and ill was at times Herculean. An idea is easy—building the required infrastructure is not. They never took the easy way, never shied away from an obstacle. I could not have asked for a stronger team, and that includes the WTU Cadre and our partners throughout the Army, the VA, and the Department of Labor—thanks for all your hard work. 

As an artilleryman, I approached my two years here with calculated focus. Identifying the necessary actions to reach the target and then move out. My successor, COL Darryl Williams, will no doubt keep the WTC and Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program moving forward.  Coming from the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, he understands the effort and reward of setting up Soldiers for long-term success. 

Before I move on to Army G1 as Director of Military Personnel Management, I want to share one last thought.  

Taking care of those who serve this country, as well as those in need around the world, is our responsibility. Our government. Our Department of Defense. Our Army. Our Medical Command. Our Military Health System. Our Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Veteran Service Organizations. Our corporate leaders. Our local non-profits. Our citizens. One organization alone cannot do it all. Together, our efforts will ensure that our wounded, ill, and injured Service Members can continue to serve in uniform or transition into productive retirement post injury. 

It has indeed been the good fight, the right fight. Keep up the good work.

A Rewarding Challenge for an Artilleryman

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on August 26, 2010 at 4:54 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Hearing wounded warriors stories inspired BG Cheek throughout his two years as Commander.

With all our moves, tours, and policy changes, no military career is without surprise. I know I was shocked when I was asked to establish the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) that was to oversee the Army’s program to take care of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families.

Me, a field artilleryman, an Assistant Surgeon General? 

But to build a systematic, yet personalized approach to warrior care that would positively impact retention, make a positive contribution to Army Force Generation, and help ensure a combat ready operational Reserve Component was a challenge I was honored to face.

While I worked to create the vision for the new command, I was constantly inspired by the wounded warriors that I met at Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) around the country. Their dedication to Continue on Active Duty, work hard to change MOS, and the ambitious and forward looking goals they set as Veterans kept me motivated to do my best. I couldn’t give less in my job than they did in theirs as they worked to recover and transition to life post injury. 

Each Warrior in Transition (WT) and Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Soldier or Veteran has a story to tell–many of which you can read about on both the WTC and AW2 blogs, such as:

  • Captain Scott Smiley, a blind Soldier who is currently commanding the West Point WTU
  • The wounded warrior athletes who represented the Army at the inaugural Warrior Games
  • Diana Hume, a reservist’s spouse, and her awe inspiring story of fighting for and being there for her Soldier with PTSD

To these and all the other Soldiers, Veterans, and Family Members I met, thank you for sharing your dreams and accomplishments with me. I will carry them with me as I move forward. To all the many brave warriors I came to know, thank you for your service. You are a dynamic group of Soldiers that I have been proud to serve. 

But like anything in the Army, it’s all about the team. Just as our WTs and AW2 Soldiers and Veterans rely on their triad of care or their Advocate, I relied on my staff at WTC. Their dedication to this mission and the care of our wounded, injured, and ill was at times Herculean. An idea is easy—building the required infrastructure is not. They never took the easy way, never shied away from an obstacle. I could not have asked for a stronger team, and that includes the WTU Cadre and our partners throughout the Army, the VA, and the Department of Labor—thanks for all your hard work. 

As an artilleryman, I approached my two years here with calculated focus. Identifying the necessary actions to reach the target and then move out. My successor, COL Darryl Williams, will no doubt keep the WTC and Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program moving forward.  Coming from the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, he understands the effort and reward of setting up Soldiers for long-term success. 

Before I move on to Army G1 as Director of Military Personnel Management, I want to share one last thought.  

Taking care of those who serve this country, as well as those in need around the world, is our responsibility. Our government. Our Department of Defense. Our Army. Our Medical Command. Our Military Health System. Our Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Veteran Service Organizations. Our corporate leaders. Our local non-profits. Our citizens. One organization alone cannot do it all. Together, our efforts will ensure that our wounded, ill, and injured Service Members can continue to serve in uniform or transition into productive retirement post injury. 

It has indeed been the good fight, the right fight. Keep up the good work.

Call-to-Action–Get Smart on the inTransition Program

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by on August 12, 2010 at 4:25 pm {no comments}
By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

inTransition offers coaching services to WTs who receive behavioral health care and are about to transition between health providers.

Transition between providers can be a confusing time for any patient.  It calls on us to get smart on the tools provided by the military so we can better serve injured Soldiers as they start taking their next step in the treatment process.

With this challenge in mind, I came across a relatively new program called inTransition. A program headed by the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) and Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), inTransition offers coaching services to Warriors in Transition (WTs) who are receiving behavioral health care treatment and who are about to transition between providers.

inTransition is staffed by certified behavioral health providers and offers services 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to those who voluntarily seek their help. Whether it is learning about the resources available in a new location or a few words of encouragement during a challenging time, inTransition is available to all WTs and their Families.

From my perspective, everyone needs a coach and when it comes to behavioral health care, mixed with a change in providers, it becomes even more important.  Because we all understand that these changes often lead to bumps in the road, I encourage providers to learn about this program and WTs to take advantage of their services.

To make it a little easier, inTransition is offering an introductory webinar on August 19th at 2:30 p.m. so all military mental health providers can learn more about the program. To register, follow the directions on the DCoE website: http://www.dcoe.health.mil/DCoENews/inTransitiontoHostWebinarAug19.aspx .

Getting smart makes us stronger, and now you can do it from your own computer screen.

Welcome CSM Benjamin Scott, Jr., New WTC Commanding Sergeant Major

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on August 10, 2010 at 11:34 am {no comments}

CSM Bejamin Scott, Jr. New WTC Command Sergeant Major

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

I am pleased to welcome CSM Benjamin Scott, Jr. as the new WTC Command Sergeant Major.

CSM Scott has worked with a variety of units that played a role in warrior care. Before his assignment as CSM for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, CSM Scott was the CSM for the U.S. Army Medical Activity at Fort Irwin, CA. There he helped start a unit that specialized in the care of the severely injured and those with TBIs. Through this experience and among others, CSM Scott has gained a strong foundation in warrior care.

Talking to people who have worked with CSM Scott, he is known as a bridge-maker–a Soldier who knows how to make a team work. He has received high praise from his superiors and has a strong vision about how to make WTC stronger.

I am confident in CSM Scott’s ability to meet the challenge. He is a leader who knows how to work with others all across the Army and other services. With these tools in hand, CSM Scott will prove to be a significant asset to the Command.

I’d also like to congratulate our former WTC CSM, CSM Ly Lac, for his excellent service to the Command. He provided WTC great leadership and support and is one of the reasons we have come this far today.

A Day to Honor our Heroes

Filed under WTC Commander by on May 31, 2010 at 5:00 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, Commander, WTC

Each year, just prior to Memorial Day, the Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Old Guard, honor America's fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by by Staff Sgt. Matthew Coffee

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor those who have lost their lives in defense of our nation.  As you are enjoying this holiday, I ask that you take a moment to remember those heroes who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.  I also ask you to remember those in uniform who have been wounded or stood in harm’s way.

Today at 3pm is the National Moment of Remembrance , which asks Americans to pause for one minute in an act of national unity to remember and honor all those who have died while serving their country. 

The Army will never be able to repay warriors who have been killed or who have been wounded in defense of our country, but we can honor them by remembering the fallen and by striving every day to provide care and support to enable our wounded warriors to return to duty or transition as proud Veterans in their communities. 

Army Cyclists Overcome Cold and Snow For Silver

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 14, 2010 at 1:33 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

SPC Michael Ortiz (far left) and SSG Alfred Delossantos (second from left) cross the start line in the 10K handcycle race.

SPC Michael Ortiz (far left) and SSG Alfred Delossantos (second from left) cross the start line in the 10K handcycle race.

Our Army athletes continue to amaze and inspire me. Thursday morning was the Warrior Games cycling competition. It was cold and snowing, but I saw Soldiers excited and ready to compete in the 20 kilometer upright bike, 10 kilometer recumbent bike, and 10 kilometer handcycle races.

Before the race started, cyclists were getting their equipment ready and firing each other up for the races. MAJ Shawn Morelli was warming up on a stationary bike and already focused on the race. “My goal is to win,” she said. “I’m going to keep pace with the best and make sure they know there’s a Soldier and a woman riding with them.” MAJ Morelli more than held her own. She finished fifth overall and was the top woman rider in the upright bike race, earning her a Gold medal. After the race, reflecting on her top 5 finish, Morelli said, “I worked hard to get here and wanted to do well for the Army and for my unit at Fort Riley.”

MAJ Shawn Morelli powers across the finish line in the 20K upright bike race.

MAJ Shawn Morelli powers across the finish line in the 20K upright bike race.

SSG Jonathan McLawhorn was also excited to be competing this morning and thought the cold and snow might make the race more interesting. He found inspiration in his other competitors noting, “It is absolutely amazing how much people have overcome to compete here.” McLawhorn had biked previous to his injury but just started handcycling about 3 weeks ago. “I just hope to beat some Marines.”

SSG Alfred Delossantos, the silver medalist in the 10 kilometer handcycle race has only been cycling about a month. He believes there are no winners and losers at the Warrior Games.

“Everyone who chose to be here is a winner,” Delossantos said. “These athletes are an example for wounded Soldiers everywhere. Choose ability over disability—life is what you make it.”

Inspiring words from an exceptional athlete. Congratulations to all who raced.

SSG Alfred Delossantos receives the silver medal in the 10K handcycle race

SSG Alfred Delossantos receives the silver medal in the 10K handcycle race

Warrior Games Pushes Soldiers to Test Their Limits

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 13, 2010 at 2:38 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Wednesday was another great day for Army athletes at the Warrior Games. The first medals of the Games were awarded and the Army swept the recurve bow archery competition and picked up bronze in compound bow archery. Our wheelchair basketball team defeated the Air Force to advance to the gold medal game Thursday night. You can see the latest results of all the competitions at the Paralympics website.

I’ve had a chance to talk to a number of Army athletes during the games and I continue to be impressed by how they are embracing their abilities and competing at the highest levels.

SSG Michael Kacer has been inspired by the Warrior Games. SSG Kacer is having the experience that I hoped all of our Soldiers would.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance but I hope I can repeat it,” he said. “I will take as much out of the Games as I can.”

He shows that you don’t know your limits until you push yourself and do things you never thought possible. Kacer arrived at the games to compete in seated volleyball and track events but he found out that he was also competitive as a swimmer. “I didn’t realize the talent I had until I got in the pool,” he said. “I plan to try out for the U.S. Paralympics team in 50 meter freestyle swimming.”

After competing at the Warrior Games, SSG Michael Kacer hopes to try out for the U.S. Paralympic team.

After competing at the Warrior Games, SSG Michael Kacer hopes to try out for the U.S. Paralympic team.

SSG Paul Roberts showed the power of teamwork in the win against Navy last night. He is one of the leaders of the team and motivates others to play their best. He said he finds inspiration from his mom. Her words, according to Roberts were, “Leave nothing on the court. Play as hard as you can and the medals will come.” I look forward to seeing SSG Roberts and the entire Army team compete for the gold. Go Army!

SSG Paul Roberts races down the court during Army’s win over Navy.

SSG Paul Roberts races down the court during Army’s win over Navy.

Competition Brings Out the Spirit of the Warrior Games

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 12, 2010 at 3:50 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

The first competitions of the Warrior Games started last night, and if they are any indication, we are in store for some spirited and highly competitive events. It is great to see our Soldiers so pumped up and determined to win.

Army volleyball team 1 defends the net in their game against the Air Force.

Army volleyball team 1 defends the net in their game against the Air Force.

Seated volleyball was the first competition. The Army fielded strong teams, as did the other services, which led to some exciting and well-played games. The level of enthusiasm in the sports center was truly impressive, and everyone got caught up in the excitement. There was lots of friendly banter back and forth between the services, but it was also clear that underneath the competition was a true sense of camaraderie. I was proud to see that the true spirit of the Warrior Games was on display. I was especially proud of our Army athletes who stepped up their level of play to meet some tough teams head-on, as well as our Soldiers who cheered on their comrades, drowning out the shouts of the other services.

I left the seated volleyball competition thinking it would be tough to match that level of excitement on the court and in the stands, but the Army didn’t disappoint. They were just as determined and just as tenacious on the court. Because the team was made up of Soldiers from around the country, they had never competed or even practiced together before their match but they were a team in every sense of the word. Like their teammates in volleyball, they rose to the challenge, winning a game against the Navy and holding their own against an experienced Marine Corps team.

Win or lose, I saw the fighting spirit of the Army in full force last night and it was impressive.

The Army wheelchair basketball team moves the ball down the court in their game against the Marines.

The Army wheelchair basketball team moves the ball down the court in their game against the Marines.

WTC at the Army Medical Symposium

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on May 12, 2010 at 9:00 am {no comments}

Wounded Veteran and U.S. Paralympic athlete Kortney Clemons inspires event attendees on the new WTC booth.

Wounded Veteran and U.S. Paralympic athlete Kortney Clemons inspires event attendees on the new WTC booth.

By BG Cheek, WTC Commander

As part of MEDCOM, the Warrior Transition Command will be not only a participant at the Army Medical Symposium in San Antonio May 17-20, but also an AUSA exhibitor. The joint event hosted by AMEDD and AUSA will focus on “Army Medicine: Bringing Value…Inspiring Trust.”

I am sending several senior members of my staff to participate in the symposium and join in the dialogue between military leaders, senior officials, and industry leaders about the role of the Army Medical Department during a time of war and period of transformation.

For those who are attending, I hope you’ll stop by the Warrior Transition Command booth, #223, to learn about the Army’s latest efforts around warrior care.

Embracing Ability Over Disability – Warrior Games Begins

Filed under Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 11, 2010 at 2:38 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Army Athletes march down the Olympic Path during the opening ceremonies of the Warrior Games.

Army Athletes march down the Olympic Path during the opening ceremonies of the Warrior Games.

Yesterday I had the honor of watching our Soldiers participate in the opening ceremonies of the inaugural Warrior Games.  I could not have been more proud of our men and women as they marched down the Olympic Path amidst hundreds of cheering supporters.  The Mounted Color Guard and Honor Guard from the 4th Infantry Division represented the Army well as they carried the U.S. Flag and flags from each of the services down the Olympic Path.

The torch relay was particularly inspiring as athletes from each of the Services passed the torch off but continued together toward the Warrior Games cauldron.  The torch was finally passed to Roger Staubach, who lit the flame.  This moment—when athletes from each of the services arrived at the end of the Olympic Path together—exemplified the spirit of these games.  At that moment it was not a Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman, a Marine, and a Coast Guardsman standing at the base of the cauldron.  It was five athletes who, through determination and a desire to embrace their abilities, personified the American spirit.

Warrior Games athletes from each of the services passed the torch to ultimately light the Warrior Games cauldron, which will burn throughout the week.

Warrior Games athletes from each of the services passed the torch to ultimately light the Warrior Games cauldron, which will burn throughout the week.

As I told these athletes, their job does not end with the Warrior Games or with their own recovery.  Their job is to take the Warrior Games spark back to their units, to other wounded warriors and inspire them to move forward with life.   The job of these athletes is help others embrace and maximize their abilities.

To all the Warrior Games athletes—I look forward to watching you compete.  To all the Army athletes—go at this with all you have, don’t leave an ounce of energy unused, take no prisoners.  I look forward to seeing Soldiers on the medal stands.  Hooah!

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