Archive | Warrior Transition Command | Warrior Transition Command

Online Benefit Web Portal Becomes Easier to Navigate

Filed under Benefits, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on February 4, 2013 at 2:39 pm {no comments}

eBenefits is a web portal; a central location for Veterans, Service Members, and their families to research, find, access, and, manage their benefits and personal information.

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
The Department of Defense (DOD) and Veteran Affairs (VA) updated the eBenefits web portal for easier access and navigation for Soldiers and Veterans to use during their search for resources and provides tools to help in their transition process.

“The improvements eliminate some or the earlier confusion as to where certain information and documents can be found,” said Dexter B. Friday, financial support specialist and retirement services officer, Strategy, Plans and Operations Branch, AW2. “It will provide easier navigation capabilities for our Soldiers and Veterans.”

“This portal is not just for our Soldiers and Veterans, but all Soldiers and Veterans,” he added. “eBenefits provides a direct link to the VA system and with the use of this tool Soldiers can access their VA claim status, retrieve military records, review their payment history, etc. Its capabilities are endless.”

Currently, eBenefits is a joint, secure web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to research, access and manage their VA and military benefits and personal information.

“I receive frequent requests from our Veterans concerning their benefits and most of the information can be found on the site,” he added. “I suggest that they take the time to review and get to know all that it has to offer.

The web portal currently provides features such as access to official military personal documents, the ability to view the status of a disability compensation claim, view Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status, apply for Veterans benefits, order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks, and many other features are being added regularly.

“There are many state benefits available for Veterans, but these benefits required a letter from the VA along with the application.” he said. “Previously, our Veterans would have to call the VA Customer Service to request a letter be sent to them, but with eBenefits our Veterans can download the letter themselves and not have to wait the time for VA to produce, print and mail or fax the document.”

Other portal improvements include a tool to help in determining if a Veteran is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits and a search function that identifies a claimant’s appointed veterans service representative, with links to Google Maps indicating the location of their nearest representative’s office.

Before accessing the eBenefits Web portal, Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon. They can choose from two levels of registration, DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) and DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). The service is free, and once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of your life.

Veterans who attempt to register and are informed they have no DEERS record, will need to have VA verify their military service and add them to DEERS. This is most likely to occur in the case of Veterans who served prior to 1982. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.

Local Resources for Soldiers and Veterans

Filed under Community Support Network, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on January 22, 2013 at 12:29 pm {no comments}

By LuAnn Georgia, WTC Stratcom
We are pleased to announce six new members in the Community Support Network. These organizations offer local resources and connections to help better the lives of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers. Click on the links below to learn more about them and the types of products and services they provide.

1. Paws 4 Independence

Website: www.paws4independence.com

Type of Organization: Service Dog Organizations

Description: Paws 4 Independence is a non-profit organization that specializes in training and providing service dogs to Veterans, adults, and children with disabilities, adults and children with diabetes, psychiatric issues, and seizure disorders.

2. Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut

Website: www.biact.org

Type of Organization: Resource Databases

Description: The Brain Injury Association of Connecticut (BIAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and information to survivors of brain injury, their Families and the community. Programs and services include a toll free helpline that directs callers to resources and providers and support groups throughout Connecticut for survivors of brain injuries and outreach and education for Families, Caregivers, and Veteran’s Families, on a variety of topics related to living with a brain injury.

3. Rainier Therapeutic Riding

Website: www.rtriding.org

Type of Organization: Other: Therapeutic Horsemanship

Description: Rainier Therapeutic Riding provides horsemanship services to wounded active-duty and Veteran servicemembers and their Families. Rainier Therapeutic Riding helps heroes struggling to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), combat injuries, mental health challenges, and other visible and invisible wounds of war.

4. Johnny’s New Hope, Inc.

Website: www.johnnysnewhope.org

Type of Organization: Assistance with Federal Benefits; Care Packages, Letters and Messages, and Moral Support; Housing Assistance; Physical Rehabilitative Support; Retirement and Transition; Services for Families, Children, and Caregivers

Description: Johnny’s New Hope is a Veteran owned organization whose primary mission is to provide housing for military Veterans and their Families. Cabins are available for emergency housing to get heroes back on their feet. Johnny’s New Hope also provides food, clothing, and home renovations.

5. Therapy Achievements

Website: www.reachTA.com

Type of Organization: Physical Rehabilitative Support

Description: Therapy Achievements provides out-patient occupational, physical and speech therapy services for people with neurological, orthopedic, or pain conditions. There are programs which address balance and movement, speech and swallowing, swelling from edema and lymphedema, driving rehabilitation and adaptive technology and seating. Services are provided by therapists with advanced training. Therapy Achievements is dedicated to helping people re-gain access to their community and to maximize their independence.

6. VetsYoga (aka Yatra Yoga International)

Website: www.vetsyoga.com

Type of Organization: Support Roster; Mental Wellness and Counseling; Physical Rehabilitative Support; Retirement and Transition; Services for Families, Children, and Caregivers

Description: VetsYoga offers an alternative approach to coping with combat stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through an instructional DVD that includes easy variations which can be practiced in the privacy of home. The material and training focuses on strength, flexibility, and relaxation. The DVD is available for purchase online at a 50% discount available to Veterans with the coupon code.

To learn more about the Warrior Transition Command Community Support Network and to view a complete list of member organizations, visit http://www.wtc.army.mil/community/.

WTC and AW2 Provides Entrepreneurship Training

Filed under AW2, General, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on January 17, 2013 at 4:48 pm {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
Starting a business can seem like a difficult process, but wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans can take comfort in the fact there are many resources available to help assist in the entrepreneurship process.

“There are a lot of businesses and resources out there to teach our population how to own and run a successful business,” said Vicki Mullen, AW2 Labor Liaison Specialist.

Mullen and Cory Hixson, Action Officer, the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Commander’s Action Group, will conduct a two-hour, call-in training session on January 17, 2013 for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, Family members, and Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocates.

The first class is being offered to individuals in the southern region, and additional training sessions will be offered regionally.

“We decided to provide the training by regions to ensure we are reaching as many people as possible,” Mullen said. “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to listen to some of the tools available for starting their own business.”

Originally this type of training was taught to the WTU transition coordinators, but Hixson saw there was a need for this information to be provided in a larger scale directly to the WTU and AW2 populations.

“There are so many resources at their fingertips, but they are not taking advantage of them because many do not know to ask the questions,” said Hixson, who attended an entrepreneurship boot camp and completed extensive research on self employment and starting your own business.

“We know the need is out there,” Hixson said. “There is such an opportunity for our wounded, ill, and injured to not have to work a nine-to-five job, but to own a business. They can do what they like to do and not depend on sitting behind a desk.”

During the training session, Hixson will speak about the different centers and programs within the Small Business Administration, where to find information on the National Resource Directory, explain what the Veteran Franchise Centers is, as well as provide information about additional programs such as Operation Jump Start, Operation Boots to Business, and several other resources.

He will also give listeners a chance to ask questions about a variety of small business topics.

“I want to help by pointing out small business training and resources, but also answer any questions that have already popped up,” Hixson said.

“Many do not realize there are resources to start a business specifically for those who are female, disabled, a Guard orReserve Soldier, a Family member, a Caregiver, and so much more,” he added.

For more information, contact the WTC at (703)325-8999 or email www.usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.career-education-readiness-br@mail.mil or usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.AW2-career-program@mail.mil.

Road to Warrior Games Update

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on January 15, 2013 at 5:22 pm {no comments}

MSG Ron Prothero, who is stationed at Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, practices swimming laps during the 2013 Team Army Warrior Games cycling and swimming selection clinic. The selection clinic was conducted January 07-12 at Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Cubel)

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
As the Warrior Games steadily approaches, more than 180 wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans from across the U.S. and Germany are training at various training and selection clinics in hopes to be selected as an athlete for the Army’s team.

“We looked good last year and had quite a few successful athletes in many of the sporting events, but how we looked last year versus how we look now is completely different,” said MSG Jarrett Jongema, Adaptive Reconditioning Branch Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. “Different in that we have tried to build a more balanced, yet competitive team across all of the sporting events.”

During the 2013 Warrior Games, slated for May 11-17 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, athletes will compete in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, track and field, archery, and competitive shooting with hopes of being awarded a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

“It’s great to see a Soldier or Veteran who has never tried one of these sports to come to the clinics, learn about it, go back home and practice, then come back determined to do better than their last try-out,” Jongema said. “They come back to each clinic with a higher caliber of motivation as well as improved results with their various scores, times, or distances.”

The training clinics are preparing the Soldiers and Veterans not only to compete for the Army during Warrior Games, but give them a chance to explore different reconditioning activities that they have not tried before.

“These clinics are more than just about making the team,” Jongema said. “We are trying to teach our Soldiers and Veterans about the different types of adaptive reconditioning activities because they could help in the recovery process.”

“The part that separates these clinics from other Adaptive Sports and Reconditioning events is that they are competitive in nature first, with the therapeutic and recreational aspects coming in second and third,” he added. “This changes the vibe in the air a little knowing that the people sitting in the room with you are competing for the same spot on team Army as you.”

The final round of training and selection clinics will take place the last week of February through the third week in March, and team selection announcement is tentatively planned for the first of April.

While everyone who tries for the team will not be selected – there is a 50 team member limit for each service during the Warrior Games – athletes are receiving specialized one-on-one training from experienced coaches, many who are U.S. Paralympics competitors or medal winners.

“Not only do we have top-notch competitors, but the coaches’ reputations speak for themselves,” Jongema added. “We are determined to select and compete with only those who put forth the efforts and really give it their all.”

For more information about Warrior Games visit the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command Road to Warrior Games page or the U.S. Paralympics website.

Keep checking back for more updates as the road to Warrior Games continues.

Under Construction

Filed under General by cmccarrie on January 7, 2013 at 4:58 pm {no comments}

Soldiers from the 758th Engineer Company measure and piece together faceboards.

By Tracy Freedman, WTC Stratcom
Over the next week, the WTC blog will be undergoing some changes. We will be integrating historical posts from the AW2 blog into this blog as the official blog of the Army Warrior Transition Command. In addition to the content you are used to receiving about warrior care, Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Units and the Warrior Care and Transition Plan, AW2 specific content will also be available here. Please make a note of the change and bear with us as we consolidate these sites. Thank you for your patience.

WTC Community Support Network New Organization Summary

Filed under Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on December 14, 2012 at 11:04 am {no comments}

By LuAnn Georgia, WTC Stratcom
There are five new members in the Community Support Network. These organizations offer local resources and connections to help better the lives of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers. Click on the links below to learn more about them and the types of products and services they provide.

PRIDE Industries

Website: www.prideindustries.com

Type of Organization: Career Training, Education, Human Resources Support, and Employment Opportunities

Description: PRIDE Industries is a nonprofit organization and leading employer of people with disabilities. By partnering with businesses and government agencies, PRIDE creates meaningful jobs for the disabled work force, while providing first-rate manufacturing and service solutions for companies and organizations nationwide.

Brain Injury Association of Washington

Website: www.braininjurywa.org

Type of Organization: Assistance with Federal Benefits, Resource Databases, Services for Families, Children, and Caregivers, and Connecting Individuals to Community Resources

Description: The Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1982 and was created as a system of support for those affected by brain injury. The organization’s mission is to increase public awareness, support, and hope for those affected by brain injury through education, assistance, and advocacy.

United Oil Packers

Website: http://www.unitedoilcompany.com

Type of Organization: Career Training, Education, Human Resources Support, and Employment

Description: United Oil Packers, founded more than 50 years ago, is a leader in the edible oils and fats industry. The proven philosophies of the organization include honest, hard work, consistent reliability, and products that offer quality and value. United Oil Packers strives to help wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans by providing employment opportunities.

Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet

Website: www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

Type of Organization: Family Pets

Description: Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is a 501c3 non-profit service available in all 50 states and is available to all armed force branches. Comprised of an all volunteer staff, the mission of the organization is to foster pets in safe homes with caring individuals; and to support reuniting pets with owners following deployment related to a combat, peace-keeping, or humanitarian mission, or an unforeseen medical and/or homeless hardship situation. There is no cost for the service, but the pet’s owner is asked to cover any pet related expenses.

Unitek College

Website: www.unitekcollege.edu

Type of Organization: Career Training, Education, Human Resources Support, and Employment

Description: Unitek College is an accredited healthcare and business training school with the main campus located in Fremont, CA. Among the many courses offered, there are several Veterans Affairs approved healthcare training programs including Vocational Nursing, Registered Nursing, and Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Online courses are available. Unitek College was named by Victory Media to the 4^th annual 2013 Military Friendly Schools R list.

About the Community Support Network

The Community Support Network was created based on requests from severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers. Soldiers stated that connection with local communities and community leaders are essential for their success and reintegration. For additional information, visit the Community Support Network webpage.

Do you know of an organization that wants to assist wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers? We are happy to provide membership information to these organizations based on your requests and referrals. Please email contact information to the Community Support Network at: usarmy.pentagon.medcomwtc.mbx.aw2communitysupportnetwork@mail.mil.

Soldiers Rebuild Futures through Career Transformation

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 27, 2012 at 2:19 pm {no comments}

Operation Warfighter candidate SSG Kimberly Webster (left) works with a colleague to provide customer service in the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
SSG Kimberly Webster recovered at the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion (BAMC-WTB) after suffering nerve damage to her right knee, leg, and foot from an injury while deployed in Iraq. After her injury, she recalls facing “the challenge of finding something completely new” after working in Army aviation for 23 years. It wasn’t until she learned of Operation Warfighter (OWF) that she became optimistic about her professional future.

As a federal internship program designed to place servicemembers in supportive work settings outside of the hospital environment, OWF seeks to positively impact this population while they seek to join the civilian workforce. The program encourages several strategies for success including resume building, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, and gaining valuable federal government work experience in order to increase employment readiness during their recovery.

Due to the support she received through OWF and WTB Transition Coordinator Zach Gant, SSG Webster is now completing an internship with the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS).

“OWF helped me rehabilitate. It was good to get back to working with a team and into a daily routine,” she said. “After six months, I know what to expect every day. I know there’s a workplace where I belong.”

Transition Coordinators like Gant support recovering Soldiers at 29 WTUs and nine Community-Based WTUs (CBWTUs) nationwide. They work with OWF to help employers at federal agencies and private sector organizations connect with wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from all services who anticipate transitioning out of the military soon. In the Army, each Soldier recovering in a WTU develops career goals through their personalized Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).

“The Soldiers with a plan, and who are working toward it, are the ones who are successful after they leave the WTU,” said Gant.

SSG Claudia Mendez, another Soldier healing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Warrior Transition Battalion (JBLM-WTB), encourages Soldiers to take a chance. With a background in the military medical field, she has now learned that she “loves customer service and being around people,” after working in the installation’s Defense Military Pay Office through OWF.

“You can’t limit yourself to what you’ve always known,” she said. “So many doors can open in your favor.”

For more information about employment opportunities for wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, visit the Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) website at www.WTC.army.mil.

No Cost, On-Line Training at Syracuse University for Post 9-11 Veterans and Soldiers

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 23, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

1LT Bryan Upham, Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit, prepares for his professional future.

By Luann Georgia, WTC Stratcom
The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, a member of the Community Support Network*, is offering a “Veterans Technology Program” to post-9/11 Veterans and Soldiers with a minimum of a high school diploma. The program is a non-credit, certificate program that is offered at no cost. There are four certificate programs to select from. Each course is delivered online, which enables students to participate from any location and at a time that is convenient to their schedule.

The program is designed to help post-9/11 Soldiers and Veterans create development plans which are specific to individual skill sets, interests, and goals, as well as gain understanding of and insight into the corporate culture of global companies. Program participants learn to effectively prepare for and execute job searches, as well as resume and cover letter writing. The technical aspects of the Veterans Technology Program allow participants to focus on a specific concentration of their choice and, where applicable, acquire industry certification.

For additional information about the program and instructions on how to apply, log onto: http://get-vet.syr.edu

*Community Support Network has a variety of providers on the WTC and AW2 website that are available to assist in the career transition process. These supporters are actively engaged in helping the wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans and Family members. They offer opportunities on training, education, apprenticeships, certification and more.

Jon Zagami Proves Disabled Veterans Add Value in the Workplace

Filed under Career/Education, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 21, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

Jon Zagami, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), demonstrates his leadership abilities and unique skill set in the workplace as a disabled Veteran.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
Jon Zagami’s story is one that serves as a model for employers. As a Veteran living with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), he can recall a time when he laid in a hospital bed and wondered if he would ever walk again.

Today, Zagami is a leader on his team at Caterpillar Financial, working on the company’s most difficult portfolio. He motivates his peers, demonstrates hard work, and gets results. But in looking back to a time when he was searching for a job, Zagami says he worried about how to convey to employers that he could add value to the workplace despite his injuries.

“One of the biggest questions in my mind was, how am I going to explain to people that I left the Army because of injuries?” he said. “And you know, looking at it from an employer’s perspective, I understand that it sounds scary, and a lot of questions arise.”

Although he lives with PTSD, TBI, and physical injuries, Zagami felt that he should give no reason for his employer to feel that he was different from others, so he turned down accommodation offers and opted to not use crutches at work.

“I don’t want any reason to prove to other people that I’m different,” he said. “I just want to come in here, and I want a chance to excel.”

And he does. David Michael, Zagami’s supervisor, says that Zagami comes to work every day and performs at an exceptionally high level, acting as a model employee to his fellow colleagues.

“People look to Jon for direction, and he has a way of motivating those around him toward accomplishing difficult tasks,” he said. “A lot of our customers are having challenging or difficult financial times, and he’s able to calmly work with them and make them feel good about the solutions we are offering.”

Zagami says that his ability to work on the most stressful projects while keeping calm and focused is due to his perspective on life.

“I’m lucky that I have an opportunity to work with the most difficult portfolio that we have. I enjoy it every single day,” he said. “While it stresses some people out, I can keep a smile on my face and say this is not that bad, because I know how bad it really can be.”

Zagami demonstrates leadership and motivation in the workplace, and his actions are telling of his appreciation for his job. He thinks that employers should take the opportunity to hire Veterans for their unique skill set and experience.

“If I had the ability to hire someone who had worn the uniform over a peer with the same education level, or the same experience, it’s a no-brainer to me. I know that this person’s been tried.”

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for Rob

Filed under General by cmccarrie on November 20, 2012 at 4:28 pm {no comments}

Retired SSG Rob Roberts and wife MSG Rebeca Roberts following “Hire A Veteran” press conference in Washington, DC.

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom
This time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the hectic holiday planning and festivities. Errands to run. Turkeys to cook. Houses to clean. Miles to cover. Hosting to do. Yesterday, with my giant Thanksgiving “to do” list in hand (I’ve got three Thanksgiving’s to prepare for) my world stopped spinning. It was stilled, centered, and refocused. What I’m trying to say is I got a refreshed perspective on Thanksgiving – thanks to Rob.

Rob is a quiet guy. Unassuming. He’s a reserved observer. You’d miss him in a crowd, but I think that’s OK with him. He’s more of a behind-the-scenes team-player. Yesterday however, he boldly came forward and captivated a room. For the first time since he was nearly killed in 2009, he publicly shared his story of how he was severely wounded in combat. He came forward at a national press conference in the hopes that he could increase the employment opportunities for others like himself.

His story drew me in – it was like listening to a plot line for the next action movie… Scene: Open to a winding road in a canyon in Afghanistan. See a Humvee with a military police officer (Rob), a translator, and two Soldiers turn the corner, and boom, IED. Rob, the only survivor, is on fire from gasoline. Making it out of the destroyed vehicle, he comes under gunfire. With no other options, he jumps off a cliff unsure of when or where he’d land. Splash, water – but he cannot swim. Luckily the currents pull him to shore. After the explosive fireworks from an A-10, he’s medevac’d out. As the Chinook takes off, the pilot asks, “How’s he looking?” The medic replies, “You better step on it.” Scene fades. Next, there’d be a montage of scenes of Rob focusing on his recovery at a Warrior Transition Unit… second and third degree burns, back spasms, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder, then a Purple Heart presented personally by President Obama. Fast forward three years, and see Rob working at the FBI and a newlywed. His story invisible to the casual observer – he’s just “another suit” at work.

As he recanted his story, these words gave me pause: “When I took my oath, raised my hand, and swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, I meant it.” He went on to explain, “If I couldn’t serve in the Army any more, I knew I wanted to serve my country by working in the federal government.”

Continue to serve? I thought. Hasn’t he served enough – and more than most already? He must have read my mind as he added, “Yes, I was messed up pretty bad. One-hundred percent disabled. I didn’t need a job – I wanted one. I was too young to be retired. I needed a new purpose … I was happy to be alive!”

By the end of his story, I’d literally teared up, laughed, and had my mouth drop open. I also came to the conclusion that none of my holiday worries mattered. The list was not what Thanksgiving was about.

He closed his story with a quote from Albert Einstein, “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”

This Thanksgiving, I’ll be saying a prayer for the Soldiers who take the oath to do something about the evil in the world. I’ll be thankful for Rob.

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