About alanmorales


Website:
alanmorales has written 149 articles so far, you can find them below.


National Resource Directory Overhaul

Filed under Resources, WTC Commander by on February 25, 2010 at 11:51 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online database of thousands of resources for wounded warriors.

The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online database of thousands of resources for wounded warriors.

It seems like every day I am learning about a new organization that supports our wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers and Veterans, as well as their Families. For almost any goal a Soldier sets, there is a group to help the servicemember achieve that goal. It’s impressive to see the growing commitment by the American public at both the national and local level.

There are so many resources, in fact, that navigating them can be challenging to Soldiers. The Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs collaborated to produce the National Resource Directory (NRD), an online database of thousands of resources for wounded warriors. I spent some time looking through the site and was impressed by the wide range of resources available from Federal, state, and local government programs, as well as Veteran service organizations, nonprofit and community-based organizations, academic institutions, and professional associations.

The NRD re-launched this week, and it is now much easier to use. Some of the Web site’s improvements include:

  • RSS feeds and an e-mail subscription service allowing users to sign up for content updates
  • “In the News” and Spotlight features to highlight news and updates in the wounded warrior, Veteran and caregiver community
  • New “homelessness” section of the site featuring VA resources for homeless Veterans
  • Improved search function to allow users to search by national or state resource, as well as government or non-government
  • Alphabetical and popularity-based views for NRD resources

I encourage all wounded warriors and their Families to use the National Resource Directory as a starting point to find available local resources that meet their individual situations.

U.S. Paralympian John Register Inspires WTC Staff and Cadre

Filed under Resources, Warrior Games, WTC Commander by on February 25, 2010 at 11:47 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

(L-R) U.S. Paralympian and Army Veteran John Register and BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander, addressed WTC staff and cadre at the WTC Winter Conference.

(L-R) U.S. Paralympian and Army Veteran John Register and BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander, addressed WTC staff and cadre at the WTC Winter Conference.

Yesterday, U.S. Paralympian and Army Veteran John Register addressed more than 400 WTC staff and cadre gathered for the WTC Winter Conference. John, who now works for the U.S. Olympic Committee, shared his personal story—in 1994, he was an elite-level athlete training for the 1996 Olympic Games when he fell in training and suffered multiple injuries: a hyper-extended knee, broken leg, and shredded artery. Because of the artery injury, John’s doctors offered him two choices: use a wheel-chair or walker for the rest of his life, or amputate the leg.

John focused on his abilities and his goals, and wasted no time getting back in shape. In the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, he competed in swimming, but was most inspired by amputees competing in track and field—his sport. He realized he could do that too, and in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, John won a silver medal in the long jump.

John’s story is an example for all wounded warriors. When confronted with a life-altering situation, John’s attention turned to what he could do and to setting the goals it would take to get him to the next stage. John wanted to compete in the U.S. Olympic Games, and he wanted to continue actively living his life. By setting and achieving small goals, such as perfecting his stride and shaving seconds off his time, John worked incrementally to achieve his larger goal. Not only did he achieve the goal of competing in the Olympics, he won a silver medal.

“When you are injured, you need to accept and embrace the things that are out of your control and open your boundaries,” Register told the crowd. “Injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members have had everything stripped away from them, yet they have the intestinal fortitude to get it back. That’s the inspirational power of sports.”

Most wounded warriors stand to benefit tremendously from adaptive sports, activities that help them embrace their abilities. I encourage all Warriors in Transition (WT) to talk to their squad leader about adaptive sports opportunities in their area and to challenge their boundaries on the athletic field.

All WTC staff and cadre are excited about the upcoming Warrior Games on May 10-15 at the U.S. Olympic Facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. One hundred Soldiers will compete against 100 Sailors, Airmen, and Marines in nine events. These warrior athletes are all currently actively training, meeting their incremental goals and inspiring other WTs in their units.

WTC Staff and Cadre Run Through CTP

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on February 24, 2010 at 6:00 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

An instructor leads the discussion on the Comprehensive Transition Plan.

An instructor leads the discussion on the Comprehensive Transition Plan.

This week, we are making excellent progress on preparing the automated Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) to launch at WTUs across the country. WTC staff and cadre ran through the six phases of the CTP. Conference attendees served in every role necessary for a real CTP, including the Warrior in Transition, spouse or Family member, squad leader, nurse case manager, primary care manager, social worker, company commander, occupational therapist, physical therapist, human resource specialist, AW2 Advocate, and many others.

Working through these phases in vignettes was a successful approach to this week’s training conference. With input from WTC staff and cadre during the minutiae of the CTP process, we identified areas for improvement, and my team and I will examine those areas for Version II of the CTP.

WTC cadre here at the conference found the vignettes particularly helpful in outlining the CTP’s effects at their units. “The automated process with emails and taskers will keep everyone on point to make sure our Soldiers get everything they need for a successful transition,” said 1SG Jeffrey Mullins from the Fort Bliss WTU.

Martha Brown, Director of the Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) at Fort Bragg, agreed that the CTP will also benefit WTs’ Family members. “The WTUs and WTBs have great resources for Soldiers and Families,” she said. “At Fort Bragg, my SFAC has a great relationship with the WTU, and this conference is an opportunity to share best practices with people at installations around the country to really connect both Soldiers and Family members with the resources available.”

The CTP will make significant improvements in helping WTs articulate their goals and receiving guidance and action from their WTU cadre. It won’t work perfectly when we flip the switch, and over time, I’m confident that Warriors in Transition will see significant benefits from the CTP as they work to set and achieve their goals and transition to life post-injury.

WTC Winter Conference Focuses on Comprehensive Transition Plan

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on February 23, 2010 at 10:30 am {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

This week, more than 400 WTC staff and cadre are gathered in Florida for the WTC Winter Conference to roll up our sleeves and work out the details of the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) for Warriors in Transition (WTs) throughout the Army. Input from so many Commanders and staff stationed at Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) throughout the country will help ensure that the tool addresses the full spectrum of the WT population.

This morning, we opened the conference with a video from Army Secretary John McHugh, who reminded all attendees that the Command’s work is “critically important—your work is to the long-term health of the Army” and “vital to our national security.”

During my tenure at WTC, I have visited WTs and their Families at many of the Army’s Medical Treatment Facilities, and I agree with Secretary McHugh’s assessment that “a warrior in the field is the same man or woman as the warrior recovering in the hospital.” Many of these Soldiers never envisioned themselves as someone who would sustain life-changing injuries.

The CTP will help WTs through their transition toward a more meaningful future by setting goals that emphasize ability over disability. The Army has a responsibility to return strong Soldiers to Active Duty and to transition proud, productive Veterans back to society. The CTP will help WTs actively work toward the goals that are right for them, whether attending an Army school, pursuing a college degree, or developing a specific skill. It will also help them achieve goals that are good for their Families. This week, WTC staff and cadre will work through specific details to make the CTP a valuable tool for all WTs.

I’m excited to get to work on this important endeavor, and I encourage you to watch Secretary McHugh’s video message about the mission of this conference.

Fort Stewart WTB Change of Command

Filed under WTC Commander, WTU/WTB by on February 22, 2010 at 4:02 pm {no comments}

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

Last week I went to Fort Stewart, GA, to attend the change of command ceremony for one of our great Warrior Transition Battalion commanders. LTC Jim Kanicki relinquished command to LTC Bill Reitemeyer on a breezy, sunny day at Marne Garden. In his remarks, Jim very eloquently summed up not only the mission of the battalion, but the mission of the Army’s overall Warrior Care and Transition Program. He said that his success as commander will be measured by how successful his assigned Soldiers are when they transition to the next phase of their lives—either returning to duty or integrating into civilian life. In that mission, Jim has indeed been very successful. His battalion transitioned close to 200 Soldiers during his tenure—basically a complete turnover—with 41 returning to active duty. And like all great leaders, he gets satisfaction when those who have moved on call him up to say they are doing well, and to thank him for what the battalion has done for them.

The Army measures its success too in terms of the success of transitioning Soldiers. To that end, we are putting in place the mechanisms that help Soldiers step with confidence into the next chapter of their lives. WTUs are in the process of implementing Comprehensive Transition Plans for all assigned Soldiers that provides a roadmap, with milestones, for personal and professional goals. We are also implementing education, employment, and internship opportunities that enable WTU Soldiers to maximize their rehabilitation period by acquiring new skills and knowledge for use after they leave the WTU. As the program matures, we will continue to add programs and features that set Soldiers up for success.

On behalf of the Army and our Warrior Care community, I want to thank LTC Jim Kanicki for his exceptional service, and wish him all the best as he takes command of the 1-228th Aviation Regiment in Honduras. At the same time, we heartily welcome LTC Bill Reitemeyer—a seasoned Veteran who has served with the 7th Special Forces Group and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan. I know that Bill will build on the great success already achieved at Fort Stewart, and continue to serve our Soldiers, as Jim did, with accessibility, responsiveness, and compassion.

Proving People Wrong

Filed under Soldier Stories, WTC Commander by on February 2, 2010 at 12:11 pm {no comments}

(L-R) BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander, CPT Scott Smiley, West Point Warrior Transition Unit Commander; Noel Koch, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, at the West Point Transition Unit change of command ceremony, February 1, 2010. (Photo courtesy of John Pellino)

(L-R) BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander; CPT Scott Smiley, West Point Warrior Transition Unit Commander; and Noel Koch, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy; at the West Point Transition Unit change of command ceremony, February 1, 2010. (Photo courtesy of John Pellino)

By BG Gary Cheek, WTC Commander

On February 1, CPT Scott Smiley took command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit. While every WTU change of command is notable because it demonstrates a re-commitment on the part of leadership to the comprehensive support of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, this particular change of command was even more so.

CPT Smiley proved a lot of people wrong to get to where he is today.

On April 6, 2005 CPT Smiley was severely injured in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq. As a result, he lost his sight. Many thought he couldn’t continue on active duty. He did. When CPT Smiley decided to pursue his MBA at Duke University, many questioned whether he could do it.

He did.

CPT Smiley has gone on to teach cadets at West Point, to climb Mt. Rainier, to serve as an example to all Soldiers and all Americans.

As the commander of WTC, I charge all WTU commanders and cadre to lead our Warriors in Transition and encourage them to embrace ability over disability. CPT Smiley is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a Soldier sets a determined goal and gives his all to achieve it. I cannot be more proud to have CPT Smiley as a commander of a WTU. The Soldiers who are placed under his watch can rest assured that they are being led by someone who has faced tremendous challenges and overcome them—and can lead them to do the same.

I thank CPT Smiley for taking up this new challenge and to his Family who have provided him with the support to do so.

A New Leader with a Unique Vision

Filed under Soldier Stories by on February 1, 2010 at 10:12 am {one comment}

CPT Scott Smiley and his wife Tiffany with their two kids.

CPT Scott Smiley and his wife Tiffany with their two kids.

By Lee McMahon, WTC Stratcom

Today, CPT Scott Smiley takes command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit. I had a chance to talk with him and his wife, Tiffany, about their thoughts on the upcoming change of command and their future. CPT Smiley is not only becoming a leader of Warriors in Transition, he is a wounded Soldier himself. CPT Smiley was severely injured in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq on April 6, 2005. As a result he lost his sight. This has not stopped him, or his Family, from moving towards their goals and continuing to serve in the Army.

Mrs. Smiley, what was your reaction to learning that your husband would take command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit?

I was excited for him because we were looking at what our next steps would be. He had been going thru the process of talking to the branch manager and doing all the right things to get promoted. He knew he wanted a company command if he could get that opportunity given his unique case.

CPT Smiley, have you had a chance to develop goals for the WTU?

My leadership mentality is communication — communication on all different levels and with not only the WTU cadre but also with the Warriors in Transition. I want to know what they think their goals should be and what our goals as a unit are. In my mind, communication is the key aspect in allowing me to properly lead the Soldiers.

Mrs. Smiley, will you be teaming up with your husband for any tasks for the WTU?

I would love to. Scotty wants me to help out where I can. I don’t know what the opportunities are but I plan on being there, and supporting the Army as a whole. I feel like I’ve been there in a sense so I will help out where I can because we’re kind of a team.

CPT Smiley, how will you motivate Warriors in Transition?

Being an example is the best way that I have learned over the years to be an inspiration. I definitely mean that in multiple ways. For myself specifically, I was in the Medical Hold Company at Fort Lewis so I can relate to today’s Warriors in Transition. When the Soldiers realize that I was in their position, I can show them that I was motivated to not just sit by. I wanted to set goals for myself and I was inspired to continue on active duty. Also, being the example visually by the story I have and by setting those goals, that’s how I motivate—by being better than what you are at that time.

Mrs. Smiley, what are your goals as a Family for the future?

Scotty always jokes that he makes a five year plan but it never happens. That’s what he was doing when this comes up. His mission is to stay in the Army and serve soldiers where he can. He believes he is here for a reason and he will command this company and do what he can to make it a better place.

CPT Smiley, what do you say to a wounded warrior who is questioning his or her future?

It’s not just for wounded Soldiers, for anyone and everyone going thru tough times, I say we all go through them. My story and my life can be used as an example, losing my sight, being told you’ll never see again. I’ve been through tough times. For myself it’s having faith, I’ve been a Christian my entire life, it’s God who supported me, having my wife to support me, that’s what got me through.

Wounded Veteran Scott Vycital Joins First Lady at State of the Union

Filed under Career/Education, Soldier Stories, WTC Commander by on January 29, 2010 at 2:08 pm {no comments}
Scott and Jarah Vycital join WTC Commanding General BG Gary H. Cheek and WTC Sergeant Major SGM Ly M. Lac at WTC Headquarters.

Scott and Jarah Vycital join WTC Commanding General BG Gary H. Cheek and WTC Sergeant Major SGM Ly M. Lac at WTC Headquarters.

By BG Gary Cheek

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting AW2 Veteran Scott Vycital and his wife Jarah. At Wednesday’s State of the Union Address, Scott joined Mrs. Michelle Obama in the First Lady’s box.

Scott told me that sitting in the historic chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives for President Obama’s address was an amazing experience.

“It was an honor to represent wounded warriors at this important event,” Scott said. “I’ve been lifted up by AW2, the VA, and organizations like the National Organization on Disability, and I encourage other wounded warriors to embrace the resources available.”

Scott’s story is a great example of a wounded warrior who has made the most of the opportunities available to him. Scott deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division, and in 2004, he sustained a gunshot wound to his face, neck, and shoulder. As a result, his face is partially paralyzed, and he lost hearing in his right ear. Scott medically retired later that year and used his benefits through the Army and Department of Veterans Affairs to attend Colorado State University, where he studied accounting. Shortly after graduating in 2008, Scott worked with his AW2 Advocate and the National Organization on Disability and found a job with the Federal Highway Administration.

This journey wasn’t easy for Scott and Jarah, but they overcame difficult challenges. It is great to see him continue to support our country beyond his military service. Scott’s story is exactly what the Army wants for every wounded warrior. Scott embraces his abilities over his disabilities and focuses on meeting his goals.

WTC and Navy Sign Career Agreement for Wounded Warriors

Filed under Career/Education, WTC Commander by on January 19, 2010 at 12:02 pm {one comment}
Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek (left) with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia (center) and Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy (right) after signing a memorandum of agreement to increase employment opportunities for wounded warriors.

Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek (left) with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia (center) and Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy (right) after signing a memorandum of agreement to increase employment opportunities for wounded warriors.

(Cross-posted from NAVSEA’s Web site)

Due to advances in modern military medicine, unprecedented numbers of wounded service members are returning to the fight or transitioning their service to civilian employment.

Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Army Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commanding general, U.S. Army’s Warrior Transition Command (WTC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) Jan. 13 in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Wagner Gym auditorium to increase opportunities for meaningful internships and/or employment with the Navy’s largest system command.

“What we have done so far is put the fundamentals in place. But our real goal is to provide that opportunity, that light, that inspiration for a full and productive future to the warfighters in this program,” Cheek told those assembled. “No matter what disease, illness or injury you are fighting, you have skills and abilities that make a difference in this world.”

The general continued by focusing on the scope of opportunities the program’s partnership with NAVSEA offers wounded warriors. “Of all the organizations we are starting to embrace and work with, I believe NAVSEA is perhaps one of the finest in what they are offering to provide for the future for many of you. There are opportunities within this command across the United States, possibly even in your hometown, doing things you would like to do and making a contribution to the nation,” he said.

Following the general’s remarks, McCoy thanked the injured service members for their service, and committed his organization to increasing opportunities for them.

“We are a workforce of about 60,000, 95 percent of which are civilian employees – about one-third of all Navy civilians work for NAVSEA,” said McCoy. “We provide ship, submarines, aircraft carriers, weapons systems to our warfighters. We’re responsible for all the maintenance on our surface ships, subs and aircraft carriers. ”

McCoy continued to promote the significance of the command’s numerous and diverse career opportunities, including his own personal passion for work done at the Navy’s shipyards.

“Half of NAVSEA carries a lunch bucket, wears a hard hat and steel-toe shoes to work each day. In my opinion, we have the best blue collar jobs in America – jobs you can raise a family on,” said McCoy. “The entry requirement to be an electrician, pipe-fitter, welder, technician, is a high-school degree and lots of enthusiam. We will give you everything else. We have stable careers working on some of our nation’s most important military war platforms.”

The MoA signed between NAVSEA and WTC establishes roles and responsibilities for the coordination of Operation Warfighter internships available to service members receiving medical treatment for combat-related injuries, as well as permanent employment opportunities for warriors in transition, Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) veterans, and their spouses/caregivers, as eligible for various federal direct-hiring authorities.

Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs also lauded NAVSEA’s contributions towards warrior transition efforts, and reminded assembled troops that employers are eager to put their skills, knowledge and determination to use.

“This is not charity. This is not a ‘set-aside’ program,” said Garcia. “Wounded warriors are, by definition, tenacious and resilient. They are leaders and doers. At a very young age, they have proven themselves capable of accomplishing what has been set before them.”

“In the Department of the Navy, NAVSEA has set the pace and created the model for wounded warrior integrations. They have made a commitment. They have put their money where their mouth is, and they have brought accountability to the process,” Garcia continued.

The signing of this MoA reflects the commitment between NAVSEA and WTC to provide the best possible care and future opportunities to our nation’s combat-wounded service members, veterans and their families.

For Wounded Warriors interested in employment opportunities at NAVSEA and Navy commands interested in supporting Wounded Warriors, contact Cmdr. David McAfee at david.r.mcafee@navy.mil or (202)781-1364.

Wounded Warriors Gain Attention at AFAP Worldwide Conference

Filed under General by on January 15, 2010 at 6:21 pm {no comments}
AW2 delegates gather with GEN Casey, an AW2 Veteran’s service dog after the AFAP closing ceremony.

AW2 delegates gather with GEN Casey and a wounded warrior's service dog after the AFAP closing ceremony.

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

This morning, I attended the closing ceremony of the AFAP Worldwide Conference. I was impressed at how efficiently and effectively the Army listens to and addresses Soldier and Family issues. I had never seen an organization able to respond to its grass-roots base in such an effective and organized system.

Even more extraordinary was the attention it got from Army senior leadership – the Secretary, Chief of Staff, Vice Chief, and Sergeant Major of the Army all attended the report-out of the top five issues. Now, each of these issues will be assigned to an action officer, and the General Officer Steering Committee will regularly track the progress in resolving each of these issues.

Today was a great day for Army wounded warrior care. The top three issues directly affect wounded warriors and their Families and will make a significant difference in years to come.

The top five issues include:

  1. Monthly Stipend to Ill/Injured Soldiers for Non-Medical Caregivers
  2. Funding Service Dogs for Wounded Warriors
  3. Behavioral Health Service Shortages
  4. Family Readiness Group External Fundraising Restrictions
  5. Exceptional Family Member Program Enrollment Eligibility for Reserve Component Soldiers

GEN George W. Casey, Jr., Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, included warrior care in his remarks. He noted that the Army has made great progress, and that the Army has an important mission to return Soldiers to active duty or transition productive Veterans to civilian life. BG Cheek discusses this on a regular basis, and it’s very encouraging to see it echoed from such a high-ranking leader.

Army leadership also emphasized a new online tool, the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program (CSF), to develop a holistic fitness program with modules for Soldiers, Families, and Army civilians. The program focuses on five dimensions of strength: Physical, Emotional, Social, Family, and Spiritual. After taking an online assessment, Soldiers, Families, and Civilians will be able to use online training modules for the various dimensions of strength. The Soldier module has been online for a few weeks, and it’s only fitting that the Family module went live today, the same day as the AFAP Closing Ceremony. More information is available at: http://www.army.mil/csf/.

Attending AFAP was an eye-opening experience that helped me understand the wide variety of challenges facing Soldiers and Families, including the wounded warrior community. I am especially excited to see that the Army is standing behind wounded warriors and their recovery, and these AFAP issues are an important step in helping them have a more productive transition to life post-injury.

Page 14 of 15« First...«9101112131415»
RSS feed

Write a blog for WTC

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