Director’s Message—AW2 Moves Forward

Filed under Staff Stories by on July 12, 2010 at 10:46 am {no comments}
COL Jim Rice speaking at the 2010 AW2 Symposium.

COL Jim Rice speaking at the 2010 AW2 Symposium.

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

It’s hard to believe that it is already time for me to leave AW2; I don’t think three years have ever passed so quickly for me. There have been plenty of changes both in the program and those who help make it run, but as I have said from day one, if we keep our focus on the Soldiers and Families everything else will work out right.

As I look back, the positive spirit I have seen—in the AW2 population, in the headquarters staff, and most importantly the Advocates in the field—is what stands out and what I’ll take with me. Although I have seen many staff come and go, each valued team member was replaced with an equally energetic and dedicated professional who seemed to meet every need no matter how tough the task. It is great to know that so many people are lining up to support our wounded warriors.

AW2 has been effective because of the dedication of the Soldiers, DA civilians, and contractors who consistently pull in the same direction to improve the lives of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. I can’t stress enough how difficult that growth has been—from about 2,100 to over 7,200 Soldiers and Veterans—a number I don’t think even the most conservative of us would have imagined when the program kicked off more than six years ago. I appreciate everyone’s teamwork during this dramatic growth spurt, to make this program, and ultimately our wounded warriors, successful.

With this growth there is still much left to do—some of it particularly heavy lifting. That is why the Army selected LTC (P) Greg Gadson to carry this program forward. He is an inspiring Soldier and leader, who has lived the warrior ethos and knows AW2 and the Wounded Warrior Lifecycle as few of us ever will. We continue to be an Army at war, with nearly nine years of boots on the ground in Afghanistan and casualty numbers still increasing.

I will always remember my time with AW2 and its outstanding Soldiers, Veterans, and Families who despite their own challenges continuously seek improvement for those who are certain to follow. As the program moves forward, I have no doubt AW2 will continue to provide the required expertise, passion, and excellence—For As Long As It Takes!

The Flag

Filed under 2010 Symposium, Holiday by on July 2, 2010 at 3:52 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

COL Rice stands for the pledge of allegiance during an AW2 Symposium event.


As I was out running this week, I noticed the display of more and more flags in the neighborhood. Large ones on front porches. Small ones even lined the
borders of a few yards. I love seeing the proud display of the American Flag.

Perhaps it was spending a week with wounded warrior’s kids last week at the AW2 Symposium, but seeing all the flags out in preparation for July 4th made me think about saying the pledge of allegiance each day in school. “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Hand on heart, eyes on flag, all in unison.

Our flag makes a powerful statement. Where ever it is, there is freedom—or the fight for it.

Currently, each Soldier wears a flag patch on their uniform—which I often get asked about because it looks as though it’s backwards. But rather, it’s to appear that the flag is flying in the breeze as the Soldier moves forward. This dates back to when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle. The Soldier’s forward momentum caused the flag to stream back. For me, this patch represents the Army’s “forward lean” in fighting and protecting the freedoms represented by our flag. It’s a patch I am proud to wear.

During the holiday weekend, I’m sure even more flags will be on display and raised proudly in parades. I encourage everyone to take a moment to really stop and think about all that the United States flag represents, and to say a prayer for those who defend it.

The Votes Are In, and It’s Time For Action

Filed under 2010 Symposium, Soldier and Family Story by on June 29, 2010 at 1:59 pm {4 comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

At each of the last six AW2 Symposiums, we’ve given the delegates a mission: to be the voice of the thousands of wounded warriors, their Families, and their caregivers. Like delegates in years past, 2010 Symposium delegates accepted the mission and got the job done.

On Friday morning, each of the five delegate focus groups briefed senior officials from Army, Veterans Affairs (VA), and other agencies on their top issues. AW2 Veteran John Wright, spokesman for the careers focus group, got the session off to a great start when he plopped Veteran Scott Stephenson’s prosthetic on the podium and told the audience that his group “had a leg up on the rest of the delegation.”

After the briefing, the delegates voted to prioritize the top issues facing Army wounded warriors, their Families, and their caregivers. This year, the delegates selected the following things to be addressed:

  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 servicemembers
  3. Mandatory post-traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury (PTSD/TBI) training for 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
At the 2010 AW2 Symposium, delegates in the medical focus group reflect on their discussions as they prioritize their top issues for the brief-out to senior Army leadership.

At the 2010 AW2 Symposium, delegates in the medical focus group reflect on their discussions as they prioritize their top issues for the brief-out to senior Army leadership.

Senior Army, MEDCOM, and VA leaders listened firsthand to the delegates talk about these issues and committed to work hard to resolve them.

Now that the votes are in, my team and I will get to work. We’ll coordinate with other programs within the Army, throughout DOD, and other federal agencies, especially those within VA. In addition to their commitment, I promise that AW2 will do all it can to continue to provide personalized support for as long as it takes. It’s our honor and privilege.

This week at the AW2 Symposium, there was a lot of hard work by our delegates—65 severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. They opened up about experiences they don’t typically share, they tackled hard issues facing wounded warriors, and came together to prioritize areas for change to improve things for those who come next—all while dealing with their own ongoing medical challenges such as burns, amputations, TBI, and PTSD. I was proud of how they continued to serve the Army. Their efforts will impact generations to come.

I thought AW2 spouse Loree Pone put it well, she said, “Delegates had a lot of compassion for other peoples’ issues—we’re here to make things better for the wounded Soldiers that follow. I know that some of these issues will take time to resolve, but I know that the Army will work to fix them as quickly as possible.”

I appreciate all the 2010 Symposium delegates, as well as delegates from all previous AW2 Symposiums, for taking the time to come and tell the Army how we can continue to improve the care we provide to severely wounded warriors and their Families. We heard your concerns, and now it’s time to take action.

Army Gathers Recommendations for Improvements

Filed under 2010 Symposium, Behavioral Health, Symposium by on June 20, 2010 at 7:58 pm {no comments}
Veteran Carlos Labarca-Cruz and his Family

Veteran Carlos Labarca-Cruz and his Family traveled from Puerto Rico to attend the 2010 AW2 Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

For the sixth year in a row, AW2 is bringing in more than 65 delegates—severely wounded, injured and ill Soldiers, Veterans and their spouse/caregiver—to identify the top issues facing this population and recommend improvements. While delegates are hard at work, their children will participate in Operation Purple®, an urban adventure camp hosted by the National Military Family Association.

I look forward to this event every year. Not only does it keep AW2 focused on what is important to the Army’s wounded warriors, but it unites Soldiers and Veterans together—as well as their Families. This afternoon I saw a Soldier, two Veterans, two wives and a mom all talking in a group about their challenges and their accomplishments. There were tears but also much laughter in describing the adventure that comes with being a wounded warrior.

I look around and see amputees showing off new prosthetics. I overhear wives talking with other wives about the organizations where they got local help. I hear Veterans talking about life with PTSD—comparing symptoms. I see anxiety on a parent’s face when they talk about the stress of the injury on their kids, as well as relief when they talk to an organization in our Community Support Network. I see folks connecting with their greater Army Family—learning they are not alone. It’s a powerful week for all involved.

I think delegate spouse Regina Hill summed it up best when she told me, “Participating in the AW2 Symposium is very important for us for many reasons. It helps us heal by sharing our story, as well as giving us the sense of helping make this road better for other Families facing similar situations. Allen and I both feel that if we don’t share our own story, we can’t expect for things to get fixed that we have struggled with throughout this journey. We hope that by sharing our personal struggles and accomplishments, we will shed light on some things that need fixed and share the blessings we have received that others may not know about.”

Army Celebrates 235th Birthday

Filed under Holiday by on June 14, 2010 at 10:00 am {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

The Army has a long history of providing the best possible care for its wounded, ill, and injured. Shortly after the Army was founded on June 14, 1775, it created a formal medical department to both treat those wounded or injured and to prevent the spread of disease. During the Revolutionary War, thousands of Soldiers were wounded in battle but thousands more became ill with small pox, dysentery, and other diseases at camp and in the field. Many Soldiers suffered during the brutal winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. Despite often desperate conditions, a lack of trained medical personnel, and often grossly inadequate supplies, General George Washington insisted on the best care for the men fighting for freedom.

During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson was ordered to disband his unit before the first attempted attack on New Orleans, with no provisions or pay for his Soldiers. Many were severely wounded, ill, and injured, and General Jackson wanted better for his troops. Jackson’s doctors had limited resources compared to the medics and hospitals today, but he insisted that every Soldier under his command receive the best care possible. He even ordered that officers give up their horses for those too wounded to walk. According to history, a doctor demanded the General’s own horse for an injured Soldier, and Jackson dismounted and walked for days to reach his home in Tennessee.

George Washington said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive Veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”

Today, the Army remains committed to providing the best care for its wounded, ill, and injured – in the field, during training, and at home station. AW2 recognizes that warrior care goes far beyond medical treatment. Warrior care includes assisting AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families with everything it takes to fully transition – from coordinating benefits to finding employment. We must ensure that this generation of Soldiers receives the same high level of support that has been the hallmark of Army Strong for 235 years.

Memorial Day

Filed under Holiday by on May 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

On Memorial Day, Americans pause to remember the servicemembers throughout our history who have fallen in the line of duty. We also reflect on the true cost of freedom and the impact defending our freedom has on military Families.

On this important national holiday, I think about the wounded warriors and Family members I’ve gotten to know during my time at AW2. I’ve served in the U.S. Army for more than thirty years, most of my time in the Army Medical Department. From company grade time in Desert Storm to OIF tours as both a battalion and brigade commander, my units tried to ensure Soldiers were treated and evacuated timely and effectively. The response and treatment times for casualties have improved dramatically and have resulted in a significant reduction in combat deaths. The most severely wounded are moving forward post-injury, post-treatment to create new careers and achieve amazing goals due to their Families, great medical teams, and nationwide community support. Just two weeks ago, I was at inaugural Warrior Games watching 200 wounded servicemembers compete at the Olympic Training Center and watched as some realized for the first time that they were seconds away from qualifying to compete at the international Paralympic athlete level. It was powerful to see but only a small representation of the success ALL of our Wounded Warriors can achieve.

As we spend Memorial Day at barbecues and enjoying friends and Families, I’ll be thinking about those who struggle with this holiday due to the loss of a loved one. While the loss may lessen over the years, it’s always there. My hope is that those left behind can find some level of solace knowing how many around the world appreciate—every day—their loved one’s sacrifice serving our country.

First Graduation of AW2 Education Initiative Students

Filed under Advocate Story, Career/Education by on May 20, 2010 at 11:25 am {4 comments}

By Jim Merrill, AW2 Advocate

COL Jim Rice, Former KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Wes Fine, and Jim Merrill at the AW2 Education Initiative KU graduation.

(L-R) COL Jim Rice, Former KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Wes Fine, and Jim Merrill at the AW2 Education Initiative KU graduation.

The weekend of May 15-16, 2010, saw many college graduations and ceremonies across the country. Along with COL Rice, I had the pleasure of attending a special one; the master’s hooding ceremony at the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, for the first six graduates of the AW2 Education Initiative.

These new graduates, all wounded warriors, were the first selected to take part in an innovative cooperative program between the Department of the Army (DA) and KU. Soldiers that possessed bachelor’s degrees could attend KU as either COAD (Continuation on Active Duty) Soldiers or as paid DA civilians, with all fees paid, to obtain their master’s degree, and in return become an instructor at the Command and General Staff College (C&GS) at Fort Leavenworth, or in another capability with the Army.

Congratulations to the Soldiers who completed the AW2 Education Initiative Program this year. Their names, degrees, and next assignments are: 

  • CPT Gates Brown, Military History, Department of Military History, C&GS College, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT (Ret) Wes Fine, International Studies, Counterinsurgency Center, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT (Ret) Dave Holden, Military History, Department of Military History, C&GS College, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT Tim Hornik, Social Work, AMEDD (U.S. Army Medical Department) 
  • CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Political Science, Department of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Operations, Fort Leavenworth 
  • SGT (Ret) Rob Laurent, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Fort Lee, VA
AW2 Education Initiative KU Graduates are (L-R) Rob Laurent, CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Wes Fine, CPT Tim Hornik, and CPT Gates Brown.

AW2 Education Initiative KU Graduates are (L-R) Rob Laurent, CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Wes Fine, CPT Tim Hornik, and CPT Gates Brown.

COL Rice and I attended both the hooding ceremony and a reception that followed. In a short speech by CPT Gates Brown, on behalf of the other students, CPT Brown thanked all those involved for giving these Soldiers this opportunity. The words struck me as ironic; they were true American heroes standing in front of us, thanking us. In my opinion, it should have definitely been the other way around. My life has changed by being exposed to Soldiers such as these. Speaking as a proud and patriotic American, thank you, gentlemen, for what you have done, your pain, suffering, and sacrifices for this country, and the continuing service you are providing.

Seek Help, Take Care of Yourselves

Filed under Behavioral Health, Resources by on May 6, 2010 at 10:47 am {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and was created to increase awareness about behavioral health and reduce stigma. As is true in the civilian sector, the Army also has a stigma associated with behavioral health. Stigma prevents many Soldiers, Veterans, and Families from seeking help. There are many resources to reach to for professional assistance, here are a few examples:

Families and caregivers need support as well to avoid compassion fatigue. In order to help others, take care of yourselves. For some helpful tips found on the Real Warriors website to help build resilience, see below:

  • Focus on the positive impact of what you are doing
  • Talk to your colleagues/Family for support
  • Set boundaries for yourself
  • Stay physically fit
  • Avoid comparing yourself with others
  • Be patient with yourself
  • Find tools for resilience

AW2 Annual Training—Changing Futures

Filed under Staff Stories, Training by on April 24, 2010 at 1:55 am {one comment}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

We’ve had a great week at AW2 Annual Training with a focus on “Changing Futures.” Spending time with 200 members of the AW2 staff was powerful—these people have so much passion, so much empathy. They genuinely care about AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families, and they want to do everything they can to support wounded warriors’ transition to life post-injury.

As we moved through the trainings sessions, AW2 Advocates had lots of detailed questions. They’ve asked how to help their wounded warriors get the most benefits possible—they wanted to understand all the details about each program and topic. I’ve been moved by the excitement in their voices when they share success stories about individual Soldiers, and I’ve seen the frustrations in their faces when they talk about hitting roadblocks. It’s also been heartening to see them support each other—suggesting solutions, offering encouragement, and reminding each other how our mission impacts lives.

The AW2 training team assembled a productive schedule, including in-depth sessions very applicable to the staff. These topics will enhance the quality service AW2 staff provide to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families:

  • Tricare and Medicare
  • Social Security for Wounded Warriors
  • Finance Information
  • AW2 Eligibility Requirements
  • Continuing on Active Duty/Reserve (COAD/COAR)
  • Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
  • Social Media Engagement
  • Resiliency and Compassion Fatigue
  • Four in-depth sessions on Veterans Affairs benefits

To the AW2 staff, thank you for all you do to “change futures” for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. You are making a difference, and I’m proud to serve with you.

It’s All About the People

Filed under Training by on April 20, 2010 at 5:47 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

AW2 Advocate Kathreyn Harris and AW2 Operations Management Specialist Scott Burdsall at AW2 Annual Training.

AW2 Advocate Kathreyn Harris and AW2 Operations Management Specialist Scott Burdsall at AW2 Annual Training.

You can feel the energy. Well, probably a more accurate statement is that you can hear the energy. Literally.

Year round, 200 people work all hours of the day, any day of the week, on any number of issues. While their work varies, their commitment never waivers and their mission remains focused. They provide local support for severely wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. In local communities around the globe, these staff fulfill the Army’s promise of Warrior Care. Alone, they change lives. Combined, they are a force to be reckoned with—and this week, they’re all together in Dallas, Texas, for the Army Wounded Warrior Program’s Annual Training.

As I walk through the hotel, the staff’s passion is not only audible in the questions they ask and the lessons learned that they share, but it’s physical. You can see the joy when someone talks about their Soldier’s success or the agony over a Veteran’s set back. For these 200, it’s all personal. As it should be.

During this week, the entire AW2 staff will train together to ensure we’re the best we can be for our wounded warriors—they deserve nothing less.

As I talk to AW2 staff, I’m reminded of the power of people. How one peson can help an amputee continue on active duty. How one Veteran can inspire another. How one phone call can save a life. How one story can motivate a volunteer. How one company can provide a new career path.

Today during our general session, I looked at a room full of “ones” and was struck by the cumulative impact each “one” had on the lives of more than 6,000 wounded warriors. This group, AW2, is changing futures. Now that’s energizing.

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