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Participate in DCoE’s Webinar Addressing Trauma, Grief, and Loss in Military Children

Filed under Behavioral Health, DoD by on May 19, 2010 at 5:04 pm {no comments}

By Dr. Lolita O’Donnell, Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health (PH) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Explaining to a child that their parent has changed while deployed, is difficult—even for professionals. DCoE’s May Monthly Webinar will explore strategies to confront issues with children facing these difficult situations. A successful tactic that we will highlight is our work with the Sesame Workshop.

The webinar will be on May 27, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST, and all servicemembers, Family members, government employees, health care providers, subject matter experts, and anyone interested in this topic are encouraged to join.

To register for this event or for more information please email: DCoE.MonthlyWebinar@tma.osd.mil.

DCoE’s Monthly Webinars provide information and facilitate discussion on a variety of topics related to PH and TBI. Each month features a different topic with presentations by subject matter experts followed by an interactive discussion period. Resources and reference materials related to the topic are provided each month and are available online. All speakers’ presentations are archived on the Monthly Webinar section of the DCoE website.

Athletes Depart Warrior Games with Renewed Spirit

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 17, 2010 at 11:43 am {no comments}
Airman Stacy Pearsall assists AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom across the finish line in the Women's 1500m. Throughout the Warrior Games, athletes crossed the branches of service to celebrate accomplishments and support one another in pursuit of athletic achievement.

Airman Stacy Pearsall assists AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom across the finish line in the Women's 1500m. Throughout the Warrior Games, athletes crossed the branches of service to celebrate accomplishments and support one another in pursuit of athletic achievement.

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

I can’t believe the Warrior Games are over! This week has been one of the most incredible, inspiring experiences, and I’m so humbled to have spent this time with these great Americans.

During the week, I had the privilege of getting to know many of the Soldier-athletes at the Games. They each offer such compelling stories. One AW2 Soldier competing in the shooting competition told me how the preliminaries set off a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashback. For the first time, this Soldier was able to focus enough to push through the anxiety and continue shooting. On the shot when he experienced the flashback, he missed the target, costing him a spot in the finals. However, he told me that “the lesson I learned today is much more important than a medal – I learned that I CAN control my PTSD.”

Another AW2 Soldier, SSG Jessie White, learned that he should set his goals even higher than the Warrior Games. “I hadn’t thrown a shot put in 20 years,” he told me while awaiting his silver medal ceremony. “The distance I threw today almost qualifies for the Paralympics. And I’ve only been training for a month.”

AW2 Soldier SPC Brittany Cosom demonstrated the importance of accepting assistance Friday morning at the track. After winning a Gold medal in the 100m sprint, SPC Cosom looked strong for silver throughout the women’s 1500m. At the finish line, she cramped up, lost her breath, and allowed Airman Stacy Pearsall to help her across the finish line for bronze. By accepting assistance, SPC Cosom received another medal and demonstrated the Warrior Games spirit of supporting wounded warriors across all branches of the military.

At the pool, the swimming finals were also intense. BG Gary Cheek, Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, and CAPT Key Watkins, Director of Navy Safe Harbor, cheered for all athletes with so much enthusiasm that all fans and athletes took notice. For each medal ceremony, we honored the gold medalists with his or her service hymn. “The Army goes rolling along…” is still ringing in my head!

Army women fared particularly well – immediately after SGT Randi McCartney, MAJ Shawn Morelli, and SSG Erin Layko accepted their medals in an Army sweep of the Women’s 50m Freestyle (TBI/Stroke/Cerebral Palsy/PTSD), they had to take them off and prepare for the 50m Backstroke. And they swept that one too!

At the closing ceremony dinner hosted by the USO, the athletes cheered for both their teammates and the competition during the slide show. As I walked around the room, I noticed that the tables weren’t separated by service; instead, I saw a mix of uniform colors. The athletes showed off medals and challenged each other to a rematch next year.

For wounded warriors, the Warrior Games were so much more than a week of sports. I promised one Soldier that I wouldn’t use his name on the blog, but he summarized the week well: “This is so much more than I ever dreamed. I can take this medal back to my unit and show the guys that, even though I’m a wounded warrior, I can accomplish so much. Sometimes, even more than they can.”

Congratulations again to all the athletes! Thank you for letting me share this experience with you.

Army Wins Silver Medals in Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 14, 2010 at 1:42 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Athletes from Army Platoon 4 pose with their sitting volleyball Silver Medals. Army took Silver in both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Athletes from Army Platoon 4 pose with their sitting volleyball Silver Medals. Army took Silver in both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Last night’s finals of both sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball were incredible performances by all athletes. And after three days of competition, several Soldiers wear multiple medals—I love the “clink” sound you hear when they walk around.

Sitting Volleyball
Army competed in both the Gold and Bronze Medal Games in sitting volleyball. Army Platoon 4 succumbed to Air Force despite a valiant effort.

In the Gold Medal Game, Army Platoon 3 made an excellent showing against the Marines. They lost the first game, but in the second, they earned their first lead of the match at 16-15. The bleachers rumbled with excitement from the fans, as the crowd erupted in Army cheers. One Soldier even leapt out of the crowd and sprinted around the gym waving a First Infantry Division flag. As the ref announced the game point, Soldiers and Army fans leapt out of the stands, and the Army flag also made several laps around the gym.

Game 3 was close, but the Marines earned an early lead. As the Marines served match point, the cheers changed—instead of “Let’s Go Army!” and “Let’s Go Marines!”, the crowd chanted “USA – USA – USA!”

Athletes in Army Platoon 3 were ecstatic to earn the Silver Medal, and everyone in the room felt a surge of patriotism as the “Star Spangled Banner” was played during the medal ceremony.

Wheelchair Basketball
Army also took home the Silver in wheelchair basketball, and the score didn’t reflect the Soldiers’ performance. While the Marines have been practicing together for a few weeks, most of the Soldiers didn’t meet each other until they arrived at the Olympic Training Center on Monday. In addition, arranging practice sessions was virtually impossible, because most of them are also competing in other sports. However, the team had a new strategy for last night, and they played solid defense. SSG Paul Roberts had at least four incredible defensive rebounds and at least one block, and SPC Craig Smith sank several impressive shots.

“It feels pretty good to win a Silver,” said SPC Michael Ortiz, who posted several rebounds himself. “The first two days were pretty tough since we were all getting to know each other. We had to figure out positions and strategy. Considering that we had to become a team in just three days, we’re proud of our performance.”

Many athletes are already talking about how they want to compete in the Warrior Games again next year. Who knows which AW2 Soldiers will compete in 2011…

Feel free to share your thoughts on Warrior Games athletes through the “Comments” section of the blog. For more coverage of the Warrior Games, visit BG Gary Cheek’s blog for the Warrior Transition Command, as well as the U.S. Paralympics website and the DOD Warrior Games website.

Army Strong in Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 13, 2010 at 3:00 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Photo Caption: SGT David Marklein offers a warm handshake to a Marine during an early sitting volleyball game. SGT Marklein's sportsmanship embodies the true spirit of the Warrior Games – wounded warriors from all services supporting each other in celebration of the their abilities.

SGT David Marklein offers a warm handshake to a Marine during an early sitting volleyball game. SGT Marklein's sportsmanship embodies the true spirit of the Warrior Games—wounded warriors from all services supporting each other in celebration of the their abilities.

Have you ever seen sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball? These sports require an incredible amount of strategy and endurance. After yesterday’s competitions, all Soldiers should be proud of the Army Warrior Games athletes.

Sitting Volleyball

In sitting volleyball, athletes must have at least part of their hips on the ground at all times. This doesn’t mean they’re stationary, though—athletes bend, lean, and reach at difficult angles to hit the ball across the net. They really have to work as a team to coordinate the shots and find the strategic hits to take advantage of the opponent’s vulnerabilities.

After losing yesterday, all four Army teams played each other in today’s round of the preliminaries—Army Platoon 4 defeated Army Platoon 1, and Army Platoon 3 defeated Army Platoon 2. Today, Army Platoons 3 and 4 will battle for the bronze medal.

AW2 Soldier SGT David Marklein demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the volleyball competition. SGT Marklein plans to retire this summer, and he sees the Warrior Games as a perfect final chapter to his Army career.

“I’m not sure I’ll even digest this experience until after I’m gone,” he said. “After my wife, children, and grandchildren, this has been the inspiration of my life. We’re surrounded by so many warriors who refuse to quit, and that is what military service is all about.”

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is incredibly active and high-energy. The Warrior Games basketball stars really hustle down the court, block shots, steal, and rebound the ball with skill. They shoot free throws, layups, even three-pointers. And they’re not afraid to be aggressive—I was surprised to see them ram their wheelchairs right into the opponents to force a steal.

In the Bronze Medal Game between Navy and Air Force, one Sailor insisted to the ref, “Come on—he wasn’t shooting when I fouled him!”

“Army Strong” was not just a slogan on the basketball court last night. The Soldiers outscored the Airmen 41-12. They were quick with the rebounds, and their great ball-handling helped maneuver around the defenders to create an early lead. Today, the team will face the Marines in the Gold Medal Game.

AW2 Soldier SFC Jacque Keeslar is ready for the fight. “The Marines are good, but it’s going to be an interesting night,” he said. “I think it will come down to who wants it the most. We certainly surprised them on Tuesday—they weren’t expecting Army to be such a challenge.”

Warrior Showdown Begins

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 12, 2010 at 3:17 pm {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

Members of Army Platoon 1 stand for the National Anthem before the sitting volleyball competition begins.

Members of Army Platoon 1 stand for the National Anthem before the sitting volleyball competition begins.

The competition has begun! You can feel the excitement pulsing throughout the Olympic Training Center.

At last night’s sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball games, the crowd’s deafening roar gave the players a burst of energy, especially as the Army and Marines battled for the match point in sitting volleyball, where three Army teams played against each of the other services. As Army Platoon 3 took on the Marines, the dozens of Army teammates were quite a site in their black uniforms—crowding the court and chanting “Ar-my, Ar-my, Ar-my” in deep voices to drown out the Marines as the score see-sawed back and forth. 22-23, 25-24, 26-27…volleyball requires that teams win by two points. Though the Marines finally won 30-28, everyone in the gym knew that Army Platoon 3 left it all on the court.

Perhaps most inspiring is the spirit of cooperation among athletes. I attended the track and field practice yesterday morning, and there was something special about seeing athletes help their competitors with form and technique. Sailors showed Soldiers tips for pushing off the blocks in the sprinting events, and Soldiers returned the favor as Ultimate Champion candidates explained the benefits of a small hop in the shot put ring.

I also caught up with AW2 Soldier SFC Justin Widhalm as he chased his 2-year-old son around the volleyball arena after his game. SFC Widhalm is expecting 15 Family members to join him for the Warrior Games this week, from as far away as Nebraska.

“It means a lot to have them able to see me compete. Mostly because they, including my spouse, never thought I would play sports again,” said SFC Widhalm after his volleyball game against Air Force. “It was good to get the competitive juices flowing…being on a team with so many different injuries—amputations, TBIs, and others—helps you realize how much all the athletes have overcome.”

Shooting practice was another highlight of my day—I was surprised at how quiet it was in the indoor range. Several athletes showed me stacks of their targets. You could see straight through them! They’d hit the bull’s-eye on every single one.

Today’s competition will be even more exciting, with the full archery competition, swimming preliminaries, and another round of volleyball and basketball.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Opening Ceremony Inspires Athletes and Crowd

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games, WTC by on May 11, 2010 at 11:08 am {no comments}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

The inaugural Warrior Games opening ceremony, Colorado Springs, CO, May 10, 2010.

The inaugural Warrior Games opening ceremony, Colorado Springs, CO, May 10, 2010.

I had the honor of attending the Opening Ceremonies of the inaugural Warrior Games. This may be one of the most memorable, inspiring evenings of my life, and I know those around me felt the same way.

“This feels like the Olympics because it is like the Olympics,” BG Gary Cheek, Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, told the Army team before the event. “You’re athletes—you’re here to compete and to win.”

Standing at the U.S. Olympic Training Center was incredible—if you listened closely, you could hear many of the 1,500 spectators talk about the Olympians and Paralympians that had inspired them through the decades—track and field champions, hockey teams, swimmers, figure skaters, and so many others. Everywhere you walk on this campus, you see the names and images of many of America’s greatest athletes.

Each of the teams marched down the Olympic Pathway, followed by one torchbearer from each of the services. The Army led, and the Coast Guard representative handed off the flame to retired football star Roger Staubach, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, who lit the Warrior Games cauldron. As the cauldron erupted in flames, the crowd and athletes chanted, “USA! USA! USA!” with contagious enthusiasm.

The speakers emphasized that, just like all services come together to defend America’s freedom, this week, all services are competing as Team USA. At the end of the week, the medal count, Ultimate Champion, and Commander’s Cup don’t matter as much as the patriotism and can-do attitude.

The athletes competing this week really belong here—they’re such dynamic, resilient, and incredible people. As they marched down the Olympic Pathway, no one saw disabilities—instead, we all noticed the pride, the determination of these Americans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Beyond the friendly rivalry between services, there was a deeper bond; they understand the rewards of overcoming impossible odds.

AW2 Weekly Digest May 10-14

Filed under Soldier Story, Weekly News Digest by on May 10, 2010 at 2:22 pm {no comments}
  • AW2 Veteran Joseph Briseno Jr. is featured in an Associated Press article about his Family’s dedication to taking care of him.
  • WTC Commander BG Gary Cheek was featured in a Defense News article about looking to the future of the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Veteran Jackie Christian, featured in the Beacon Journal, participated in a Pegasus Farms program that’s helps sight-impaired participants work with horses to gain independence.
  • AW2 Veteran Nick Edinger, featured in Mail Tribune, discussed how his strength and resolve helped him survive a tragic ordeal.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Brendan M. Ferreira, featured SouthCoastToday.com, discussed being upbeat during a grueling recovery.
  • AW2 Soldier SPC Noah Galloway, featured in Birmingham News, returned to the place where he lost two limbs.
  • AW2 Soldier LTC Marc Hoffmeister, featured in Military Times, won’t let injury end his career or limit his goals.
  • AW2 Soldier WO1 Johnathan Holsey, featured in Army News, discussed becoming a motivation for others and the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Soldier SFC Jacque Keeslar, featured in Los Angeles Times, discussed the healing aspect of competing in the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Soldiers SFC Jacque Keeslar and SGT Robert Price are featured in a Defense News article about the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Daniel Lopez, featured in The Virginian-Pilot, discussed training for the first Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Michael Lukow was featured in The Gazette in an article about the Warrior Games becoming a pipeline for the Paralympics.
  • AW2 Veteran Brendan Marrocco is featured in two CBS News stories about his injury, recovery, Family, and “The American Spirit.”
  • AW2 Veteran William Mobley, featured in Public Opinion, participated in a Letterkenny turkey hunt with other wounded warriors.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Robert Price, featured in Army News, was given the honor of carrying the torch at the Warrior Games because he made sure other Soldiers had the opportunity to compete.
  • AW2 Soldier CPL Ryan Shurtleff, featured in Coastal Courier, discussed his injury, recovery, and the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Soldier SFC Justin Widhalm, featured in the Colorado Springs Gazette and KXRM-TV, discussed competing in the Warrior Games.

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.

AW2 Weekly Digest May 3-7

Filed under Soldier Story, Weekly News Digest by on May 10, 2010 at 9:28 am {no comments}
  • AW2 Soldier SSG Brian Beem, featured in Fairbanks News-Miner, is returning to Iraq and is determined to walk out of the country on his own terms.
  • AW2 Soldier MAJ Tammy Duckworth, featured in Federal News Service, spoke at the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency Asian-Pacific Heritage Month Observance.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Daniel Lopez, featured in The Daily Press, has a drive to compete that is not dulled by loss.
  • AW2 Soldiers SGT Joseph Mershon, SGT Drew McComber, SPC Craig Smith, and 1LT Mark Wise were featured in a DCMilitary.com story about their Purple Heart Ceremony at Walter Reed.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Ryan Major, featured in Times-Picayune, attended an event at the White House honoring the New York Yankees.
  • AW2 Soldier 1LT Zach Osborne, featured on WDBJ-TV, shared his story of courage and survival.
  • AW2 Soldier SGT Andrew Peden, featured in The Gazette, made a surprise visit to see girlfriend and newborn daughter.
  • AW2 Soldier SPC Craig Smith, featured on DCMilitary.com, was presented a Purple Heart and is participating in the Warrior Games.
  • AW2 Veteran Mark Tippett, featured in The Daily Press, discussed traumatic brain injury and his new career at the Washington Navy Yard.

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.

Caregiver Support Signed into Law

Filed under Veterans Affairs by on May 6, 2010 at 3:33 pm {3 comments}

By Jane Dulin, AW2 VA Liaison

On May 5, 2010, President Obama signed into law a bill that will be extremely beneficial to eligible AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Family member/caregivers. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (S.1963) will establish a permanent program to support Veteran Family members who serve as the recognized caregivers of eligible Veterans, improve health care for Veterans in rural areas, help VA adapt to the needs of women Veterans, and expand supportive services to homeless Veterans.

The bill’s caregiver support provisions will fulfill VA’s obligation to care for the nation’s wounded Veterans by providing designated caregivers with training, counseling, supportive services, and a living stipend. Additionally, this bill will direct the VA to reimburse attendants for travel expenses, including lodging and subsistence, incurred in connection with authorized VA treatment for Veterans as well as provide healthcare services to Family caregivers under CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program VA).

For the full version of the bill, please visit http://veterans.senate.gov or http://www.govtrack.us/ (search S.1963).

Walter Reed Athletes Head to Warrior Games

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Games by on May 6, 2010 at 1:43 pm {one comment}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

I’m so excited about the Warrior Games next week! I headed out to Colorado Springs yesterday, and there was a great surprise waiting for me at the DFW Airport as I waited for my connecting flight.

I noticed several men and women with Army Strong shirts and digi-print backpacks. Not unusual, I know—I often see uniformed military personnel in airports. But several people in this group also had prosthetics and were waiting for the Colorado Springs flight. Something told me they were headed to the Warrior Games.

Now, I’m usually a very well-mannered person, almost to a fault. But yesterday, my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t help myself.

“Are you going to the Warrior Games?” I bluntly asked one of the Soldiers with as much charm as I could muster.

“I sure am,” grinned SSG Jessie White, who will be competing in archery and shot put. “There are about 14 of us on the way out from Walter Reed to adjust to the Colorado Springs altitude. We’ve got to be in great condition for the Games.”

As I’d watched these athletes mill about the DFW terminal, grabbing snacks and bottles of water, shaking off the soreness from sitting on a three-hour flight, I saw that a lot of other passengers noticed them too. I could see the pride and gratitude in these people’s faces, the appreciation for the sacrifices these—and all AW2 Soldiers and Veterans—have made in defense of our freedom.

For me, this was a great start to the Warrior Games experience—the event will be an inspiring example of the warrior strength residing deep inside every Soldier in the U.S. Army. If the enthusiasm demonstrated by the Walter Reed group is an indication of the whole Army team, Army will make a strong showing next week!

Check back to the AW2 Blog throughout the Warrior Games for an inside look at the athletes and action. The WTC Stratcom team will be on the ground and blogging all week. You can also follow BG Gary Cheek, Warrior Transition Command Commander, as he blogs about his Warrior Games experience as well.

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