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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.

Welcome LTC (P) Greg Gadson, New AW2 Director

Filed under AW2 by on July 13, 2010 at 4:58 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

I’m proud to welcome LTC (P) Greg Gadson as the new Director of the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).

LTC (P) Greg Gadson talks with LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, The Surgeon General/Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command and BG Gary Cheek, Commanding General, Warrior Transition Command.

I served with LTC Gadson twice in Afghanistan, where he was my XO and later my Operations Officer.  He also commanded a new Artillery Battalion during the surge in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007—getting everyone back alive.  He is a strong leader who understands the important mission of AW2, as well as the Soldiers, Veterans, and Families it supports.

LTC (P) Gadson lost both his legs above the knee and sustained severe damage to his right arm due to an IED explosion in Iraq in 2007.  This officer remained committed to serving in this U.S. Army, and continued on active duty after his recovery.  Like many wounded warriors, LTC (P) Gadson knows that his injury is just one chapter in his story—his focus is on what’s next. 

I am confident that LTC (P) Gadson will be a great leader for AW2.  He’s a leader who will continue to focus on providing personalized support to severely wounded Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families—support that will foster their independence and help them transition to a productive life post-injury.

I also congratulate COL Jim Rice on his three years of leadership at AW2.  He led with confidence and a strong commitment to providing the very best support to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families.  He will now serve as the Chief, Health Service Support Directorate on the Joint Staff.  In this role he will coordinate medical support for all the services to combatant commanders around the world.

We Cannot Do It Without You

Filed under AW2, WTC Commander by on June 29, 2010 at 3:29 pm {no comments}

BG Cheek talked with wounded Veterans and spouses at AW2’s Symposium Family Night in TX

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

This past week I got to know many of the delegates at the AW2 Symposium—wounded Soldiers and Veterans, along with their spouses and caregivers.  They were in Texas once again serving the Army by working to identify and recommend ways government agencies can improve warrior care.  It was an honor to listen and learn from them so that I can do better to shape the Army’s programs in the future. 

Event delegates spent a week hashing out ways to improve “the system” and then voted on their top five priorities.  They selected:

  1. Medically retired service member’s eligibility for Concurrent Receipt of Disability Pay (CRDP)
  2. Post 9/11 GI Bill transferability to dependents for all medically retired service members
  3. Mandatory post-traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury (PTSD/TBI) training for Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare staff
  4. Transfer option from Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) to Permanent Disability Retired (PDR) for wounded warriors
  5. Benefits and entitlements information to wounded warrior primary caregivers

Our work at the Warrior Transition Command is such an important mission for the Army and if we don’t do it right, and take the best care of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans—and their Families—then we will run the risk that young people will not step forward to serve and defend this country in the future.  I am honored to have this responsibility. 

I told the AW2 Symposium delegates they’ve given us great work to do with these five recommendations and I plan to do it right. 

AW2 Kids Serve Too

Filed under AW2 by on June 28, 2010 at 11:14 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

AW2 Director COL Jim Rice teaches AW2 kid Drayson Hill the fundamentals of archery at Operation Purple®, a camp for the children of wounded warriors hosted by NMFA.

AW2 Director COL Jim Rice teaches AW2 kid Drayson Hill the fundamentals of archery at Operation Purple®, a camp for the children of wounded warriors hosted by NMFA.

Being an Army brat isn’t easy. I should know—I used to be one. Over the last few days, I’ve gotten to meet some very special Army brats: the children of severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans.

While their parents spend the week working at the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium, these kids had a blast. At Operation Purple®, an urban adventure camp hosted by the National Military Family Association (NMFA), they got to do some really cool stuff. They went to Sea World, horseback riding, archery, swimming, and so much more. I have to admit that I was a little jealous of AW2 Director COL Jim Rice, who got to spend a whole day with the kids at Camp Flaming Arrow.

The kids did some work too in the middle of all that fun. On the last night of the AW2 Symposium, 17-year-old Kyle McCormick briefed me, AW2 staff, NMFA, and all the parents on the ways to make camp even better next year, including:

  1. Separate activities for each Operation Purple® camp (OPC) age group
  2. Make OPC a residential, not day, camp
  3. Create a website and Facebook page for AW2 teens
  4. Establish longer duration of OPC to two weeks with more hours each day
  5. Allow more free time during OPC

Afterward, Kyle talked about his OPC experience.  “I didn’t expect to have fun,” he said. “But the counselors were really good at knowing what teens want to do. I really had an awesome time.”

And the parents agreed.

“My 15-year-old daughter fought me about coming to camp,” said AW2 caregiver Maria Mendez-Valentin. “After the first day, she was so excited—there were a lot of other kids her age, and they talked about their feelings toward their injured Soldier. It was really helpful in opening up the conversation for our Family.”

Thanks to all the AW2 kids—both the ones who came to OPC and those throughout the country who are dealing with a wounded parent. Thanks for the support you give your parents and the joy you bring to their lives. You are an important part of their recovery and return back to life.

Wounded Warrior #1 in Nation

Filed under Adaptive Sports, WTC Commander by on June 23, 2010 at 4:48 pm {no comments}

OIF Veteran Kortney Clemons won two national titles at the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships.

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Getting to know the Army’s Warriors in Transition has been a highlight of my job. To hear their stories, learn about their new goals, and see them achieve new heights is what it’s all about—helping Soldiers move into a successful life post injury.

One Soldier I have been following for several years is Kortney Clemons. Kortney was an Army medic who stepped on an IED while working to save a Soldier’s life which resulted in the amputation of his leg. During his recovery at BAMC, he thought his athletic days were over until he saw Paralympian Veteran John Register running around the track on his prosthetic. Kortney set a new goal then and there: become a runner.

Kortney has long since achieved this goal, but this week he took it to a new level becoming the United States Paralympic National Track and Field Champion in the 100 and 200 meters. This is just the latest accomplishment by Kortney whose focused determination to not only succeed, but to excel so epitomizes Warrior Transition Command’s theme, “Soldier Success Through Focused Commitment” that it recently prompted us to include Kortney’s determined and focused image on our recently unveiled branding campaign.

SGT Robert Brown also competed at this meet—SGT Brown lost his right leg below the knee and has continued on active duty. The three medals he earned at the 2010 Warrior Games while competing for the Ultimate Champion title inspired him to compete at the national level.

Congratulations Kortney and SGT Brown—I look forward to watching where your running will take you next.

Wounded Warriors Give the Army a Piece of Their Mind

Filed under AW2, WTC Commander by on June 21, 2010 at 5:52 pm {no comments}

AW2 Symposium delegates focus intently on their role in improving Army warrior care.

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

This week, the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is hosting its sixth annual Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. It’s is a great event, where 65 AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families get together to prioritize the issues and problems facing wounded warriors in the Army. Not only do they tell us what’s wrong, but they also tell us how they think we should fix it.

At the end of the week, I’ll listen to their recommendations, along with several other senior leaders from the Army and other government agencies. Then we’ll roll up our sleeves and start taking the actions necessary to address the problems.

The issues identified at past AW2 Symposiums have produced lasting improvements for wounded warriors and Families, such as…

  • access to treatment for TBI at every military installation
  • the creation of Soldier Family Assistance Centers

And new legislation that includes…

  • an additional $10,000 in VA housing benefits
  • a monthly stipend for primary caregivers
  • expanded Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage by adding TBI and uniplegia (complete paralysis of an arm or leg) as qualification criteria

I look forward to meeting the delegates and hearing their personal stories. I attended the event last year as well, and I noticed how seriously the delegates took their responsibility and how committed they were to making things better for wounded warriors and Families who will follow. Supporting the severely wounded is one of the most important missions in the Army, and I look forward to hearing the delegates’ recommendations on how we can continue to expand and improve the system.

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. 

Wounded Warriors Demonstrate Resilience at Warrior Games

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on May 17, 2010 at 3:26 pm {no comments}
BG Gary Cheek sings the Army Song with gold-medalists from the Mixed 50m Freestyle Relay. Clockwise from left: SSG Michael Janssen, BG Gary Cheek, SFC Landon Ranker, SGT Cayle Foidel, SGT Gavin Sibayan. Army athletes took home 29 medals in swimming.

BG Gary Cheek sings the Army Song with gold-medalists from the Mixed 50m Freestyle Relay. Clockwise from left: SSG Michael Janssen, BG Gary Cheek, SFC Landon Ranker, SGT Cayle Foidel, SGT Gavin Sibayan. Army athletes took home 29 medals in swimming.

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

What an incredible week! The athletes from all services demonstrated just how much is possible for wounded warriors. At Friday’s closing ceremonies, I sensed so many emotions from the athletes – pride, perseverance, accomplishment, and increased self-confidence.

The emotions this week ranged from elation—SGT Gavin Sibayan sweeping gold in his four swimming finals, to heartbreak—SGT Robbie Gaupp excelling in three track preliminaries, only to tear his hamstring in the last qualifier and miss his medal chances in the finals. In each athlete, we saw the true spirit of the U.S. military—people who work together as a team to do what ever it takes to meet mission.

The Warrior Games demonstrated the incredible power of sport to help wounded warriors overcome their injuries and embrace their abilities. We also saw the camaraderie across the service branches—Soldiers and Sailors sharing techniques for springing off the blocks; an Airman helping a Soldier cross the finish line as she lost her breath at the end of the race; Soldiers and Marines shaking hands under the volleyball nets.

Many of the athletes won medals, especially the Army, who finished the competition with 79 medals. Many won multiple medals, and they wore them throughout the rest of the competition—you could hear them coming a mile away.

Congratulations to all Warrior Games athletes for your accomplishments this week. I also offer special congratulations to the U.S. Marine Corps team on winning the Commanders Cup and to Sailor Daniel Hathorn on being named the Ultimate Champion. You are all incredible athletes, and I was honored to share this experience with you.

To all WTs, I encourage you to consider training and applying for the 2011 Warrior Games – there is something empowering about setting and achieving challenging goals, and I look forward to next year’s competition.

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

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