Archive | Resources | Warrior Transition Command

Veteran Uses AW2 Resources to Succeed in Civilian Workforce

Filed under AW2, Career/Education, General, Resources, Soldier Stories, Soldier Story, Veterans Affairs, Warrior Transition Command by jmiller on April 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm {no comments}

By Emily D. Anderson, WTC Communications Division

Leaving the military can be a nerve-racking experience for a wounded, ill and injured Soldier, but Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veteran Billy Guyton will attest to using the resources the Army offers to successfully transition from the military to the civilian workforce.

Guyton was hired by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the organization that operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment.

“I was looking for a job,” Guyton said. “I told my Advocate, and the next thing I knew I was being contacted by the hiring manager from DeCA.”

Guyton’s AW2 Advocate contacted the AW2 Career and Education Cell in hopes of getting him in the Expedited Referral Process, a process that connects AW2 Veterans with employers who are looking to hire wounded, ill and injured Veterans and have agreed to expedite the hiring process for qualified Veterans.

“Billy’s advocate submitted an issue requesting employment assistance,” said Mullen. “I was the ‘connector’ between Billy and DeCA, because I knew if I could get someone to speak with Billy, they would want to hire him.”

“If a Soldier or Veteran is looking for employment, we ask that they contact their Advocate,” said Vicki Mullen, AW2 Labor Liaison Specialist. “The Advocate will notify us, and we will start the employment process.”

Guyton learned firsthand the process works but it requires the Soldier or Veteran to do their part to help.

“The resume plays a huge part in getting hired,” Mullen said. “Soldiers and Veterans should ensure their resumes contain all of the information required before submitting it for employment.”

“If they have 5-10 years of experience and the federal resume is only a couple of paragraphs they have left out a lot of information,” she added. “Use all resources available to you i.e., ACAP, DOL, Transition Coordinators, etc.”

Guyton, who was recently promoted to a supervisory position, proves success can transfer from the military to the civilian workforce, but recommends a Soldier or Veteran take chances and use the resources available.

“I was an engineer in the military, but I’m working in logistics,” he said. “I’m glad DeCA saw that I had other skills to bring to the table.”

“Just because you are doing one thing in the military it doesn’t require you to do the same job as a civilian,” Guyton added. “Hopefully, Veterans and employers will continue to look beyond the military specialty title and focus on the military skills.”

Visit AW2’s old blog for additional stories on AW2’s career and education services and stories of Soldiers and Veterans successfully finding employment.

The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. Through the local support of AW2 Advocates, AW2 strives to foster the Soldier’s independence. There are more than 19,000 Soldiers and Veterans currently in AW2.

Ft. Belvoir Warrior Transition Battalion and Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Training Center conduct resilience refresher workshop for unit MRTs

Filed under Resources, Training, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on April 1, 2014 at 11:51 am {no comments}

By Alissa L. Bookwalter, CSF2 Training Center Liaison Officer to Warrior Transition Command

Ms. Ashley Jenkins, a CSF2 Training Center Master Resilience Trainer-Performance Expert (MRT-PE), covers “Hunt the Good Stuff” with a Ft. Belvoir WTB MRT.

Resilience skills are an integral part of the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers. Warrior Transition Command (WTC) also uses resilience skills for Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Families, Cadre and staff, ensuring that resilience training is offered at the unit level at all WTU’s – primarily though Master Resilience Trainers. Master Resilience Trainers (MRTs) are selected by their command staff to attend a two-week MRT training course conducted by Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2).

Once a certified MRT returns to their WTU, they develop a unit resilience training program and conduct resilience training for local Soldiers, Families, Cadre and staff at least once per quarter. Local CSF2 Training Centers, staffed by CSF2 Master Resilience Trainers-Performance Experts (MRT-PEs), are available at the installation level to assist MRTs with training, resilience and performance enhancement skill refreshers and conducting two week MRT courses.

The Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) recently conducted a Resilience Skills Refresher Workshop in conjunction with the National Capital Region (NCR) CSF2 Training Center. All Fort Belvoir WTB MRTs and command staff attended the workshop that provided additional skills training and practice-teaching on two of the most heavily utilized resilience skills in the WTU – “Hunt the Good Stuff” and “Goal Setting.”

“As an attendee and participant, I observed the true benefits of resilience refresher training,” said Fort Belvoir’s WTB Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier. “Leaders must provide opportunities to equip MRTs with the skills necessary to be a force multiplier within their organizations.”

Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Training Center MRT-PEs covered “Goal Setting” and “Hunt the Good Stuff” with unit MRTs. After a brief refresher on the skills, the MRTs had the floor to demonstrate their knowledge and teaching abilities to the audience and Command team.

Michael Fairman, the National Capital Region CSF2 Training Center Manager noted that “keeping MRTs refreshed and engaged is critical to the success of the CSF2 program. As a CSF2 Training Center, we are equipped to provide MRTs with the tools that allow them to be successful.”

The Fort Belvoir WTB plans to continue Resilience Refresher Workshops once per quarter to keep unit MRTs current on skills.

For more information on CSF2 Training Centers and Resilience skills, please visit http://csf2.army.mil/index.html.

Did You Know? WTC Community Support Network

Filed under Benefits, Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on November 5, 2013 at 11:15 am {no comments}

By Amanda Koons, WTC Stratcom

Did you know that wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers may be eligible to receive free or discounted products and services from local organizations through the WTC Community Support Network? WTC connects individuals in the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) with local community organizations that offer products and services that are free of charge, covered by insurance or at a significantly reduced cost.

Read on for answers to the questions “who, what, when, where and why” about the Community Support Network.

Who may be eligible to participate in the Community Support Network?

Online Community Support Network resources are available to all wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Family members and Caregivers. Each Network organization determines who they are able to assist individually. Before signing up, Soldiers and Veterans should contact the organization to determine whether or not they are eligible.

What is the Community Support Network?

Community Support Network organizations provide a wide variety of products and services, including but not limited to:

Adaptive Reconditioning and Recreational Services
Animal and Pet Supplies and Services
Care Packages, Correspondence, Food and Moral Support
Education and Career Training
Employment Support and Opportunities
Fertility and Reproduction Counseling
Financial Counseling and Services
Housing and Relocation Assistance and Counseling
Mental Wellness Support and Counseling
Retirement and Transition
Substance Abuse Assistance and Counseling
Veteran, Soldier and Family Assistance

For the full list of categories and organizations, visit www.WTC.Army.mil/Community.

When do I need to obtain an ethics opinion about Community Support Network products or services?

Active Duty Soldiers, including Reserve and National Guard Soldiers while on active duty, need to obtain an ethics opinion if the value of any individual gift or donation they receive exceeds $350 or if various gifts from the same source in a calendar year exceed $1000. If you have questions about this guideline, contact your chain of command.

Where can I find more information about the Community Support Network?

Your source for up to date Community Support Network information is the Community Support Network website: www.WTC.army.mil/Community. Check back often to see new organizations as they are added. The WTC blog also frequently features posts about Community Support Network organizations. To see relevant posts, go to: http://WTC.armylive.dodlive.mil/tag/Community-Support-Network.

Why should I participate in the Community Support Network?

Why not? Organizations offer unique and sometimes hard to find solutions. These products and services are there for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans. Community Support Network organizations have agreed to one or more of the following:

Providing products or services free of charge,
Accepting insurance as a payment, or
Offering products or services at a significantly reduced price, with all costs being disclosed up front and prior to any agreement.

Experience shows that community support aids in the successful recovery and transition of wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans as they reintegrate into their local communities.

“Did You Know?” Series

Using your feedback, WTC Stratcom identified five topics where wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Families and Cadre want additional information, particularly around Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) resources, benefits and policies that impact their recovery and transition. We’ll post one blog per week on these five topics throughout our “Did You Know?” blog series during Warrior Care Month:

1) Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)

2) Community Support Resources

3) Internships

4) Adaptive Reconditioning

5) Transition Coordinators

Is there another topic you want us to cover in the future? Post a comment here.

Wintergreen Adaptive Sports Helps Wounded, Ill and Injured Servicemembers Hit the Slopes

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Community Support Network, General, Non-profit, Resources, Soldier Stories, Soldier Story, Warrior Care Month, WTC by jmiller on October 30, 2013 at 9:40 am {no comments}

Lt. Col. Danny Dudek takes on the slopes at Wintergreen Resort (photo provided by Lt. Col. Danny Dudek)

By: LuAnn Georgia, Warrior Transition Command Stratcom Division

With fall beginning, many people like Lt. Col Danny Dudek are looking forward to a break from the heat and a chance to get back to winter weather activities. Dudek, an avid sports fan and eight-time medal winner at Warrior Games for swimming, is looking forward to getting back on the slopes with the Wintergreen Adaptive Sports Program.

This will be Dudek’s third year skiing with the Wintergreen Adaptive Sports crew, and he is excited to share their story and what it’s meant to him.

“After becoming disabled in Iraq, I started looking for things I could do. I was looking for things I could enjoy and that I’d have the ability to improve on to a level of independence. Downhill alpine skiing falls into that category for me,” Dudek said. The Wintergreen Adaptive Sports program opened up new options for Dudek. “I learned that it doesn’t matter what your injury level is, they have a way of getting anyone on the snow. Once I was up the mountain, I was able to work towards skiing independently. I was able to ski every slope and, although I did end up sliding down hill on my back sometimes, I truly loved it.”

In addition to their ongoing programs, for the past 10 years Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Va. has held a Wounded Warrior Weekend. Although the event is called Wounded Warrior Weekend, Dudek pointed out “the focus is not just on the warrior. There’s skiing instruction, tubing, warming rooms, and activities for spouses, parents and kids. No one is left out, and at the end of last year’s event you could tell that everyone left happy and exhausted.”

With support from Disabled Sport USA, Wintergreen Adaptive Sports provides food, cold weather clothes and equipment for the weekend to all athletes, regardless of the injury or disability.

“Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard Seamen and Soldiers all participate and have a story to tell,” said Dudek. “The injuries and disabilities are as varied as each service member’s background. What’s special about the event is that the whole Wintergreen, Va. community gets involved. There were over 30 families that opened up their homes to wounded warrior Families last year. They provided a place to rest and encouraged interaction without expecting anything in return.”

“I can’t wait until it starts snowing again. I have my equipment all ready and am looking forward to improving on my skills and what I was able to do last year. I may even attempt to go on the terrain park and enjoy some of the jumps. Who knows,“ said Dudek.

The WTC Community Support Network lists resources that offer products and services that are either free, covered by insurance, or significantly reduced in price with all costs being disclosed up front and prior to any agreement between the organization and all wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families, and Caregivers. The Wintergreen Adaptive Sport Program, a WTC Community Support Network member, offers winter and summer programs to individuals with cognitive and or physical disabilities. Both programs offer a wounded military weekend during January and August. Scholarships are available to those unable to pay. For more information about how you can participate, visit www.wintergreenadaptivesports.org.

Learn more about the WTC Community Support Network and the resources and assistance provided by more than 350 organizations by visiting http://www.WTC.army.mil/community.

Did You Know? Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)

Filed under Benefits, General, Resources, Warrior Care Month, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on October 29, 2013 at 12:09 pm {no comments}

By Amanda Koons, WTC Stratcom

Did you know that servicemembers who incurred a permanent catastrophic injury or illness may be eligible for a monthly financial compensation called Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)? SCAADL helps offset the loss of income by a primary Caregiver who provides non-medical care, support and assistance for the servicemember. Read on to see who qualifies for SCAADL, what steps you should take to apply and where you can go to find more information.

1.) Do I qualify for SCAADL?

You may qualify for SCAADL if you are a servicemember who:

Has a catastrophic* injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty;
Has been certified by a Department of Defense (DoD) or Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to be in need of assistance from another person to perform the person functions required in daily living or required constant supervision;
Would, in the absence of this provision, require some form of residential institutional care (i.e. hospitalization or nursing home care); and
Is not currently in inpatient status in a medical facility.

*Catastrophic: A permanent severely disabling injury, disorder or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty that the Secretary of the military department concerned determines compromises the ability of the afflicted person to carry out activities of daily living to such a degree that the person requires person or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed or constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.

2.) What steps should I take to apply?

SCAADL is not automatic. Soldiers must actively apply. If you believe you qualify for SCAADL, contact a member of your recovery team, such as your primary care manager, nurse case manager, AW2 Advocate or unit leadership for the SCAADL application and guidance.

Your DOD or VA physician will complete a DD Form 298. If your attending physician is not affiliated with DOD or VA, your recovery team can make arrangements to have a DOD or VA physician review your case and complete the certification. Your application (DD Form 2948) will be forwarded, via your chain of command, to the Warrior Transition Command.

3.) Where can I go to find more information?

Your first resource for information about SCAADL is your recovery team, including your primary care manager, nurse case manager, AW2 Advocate or unit leadership. In addition, the following electronic resources are available to you:

“Did You Know?”Series

Using your feedback, WTC Stratcom identified five topics where wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Families and cadre want additional information, particularly around Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) resources, benefits and policies that impact their recovery and transition. We’ll post one blog per week on these five topics throughout our “Did You Know?” blog series during Warrior Care Month:

Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)
Community Support Resources
Internships
Adaptive Reconditioning
Transition Coordinators

Is there another topic you want us to cover in the future? Post a comment here.

AW2 Veteran Explains Importance of Resources in Civilian Workforce

Filed under AW2, Benefits, General, Resources by eanderson on August 23, 2013 at 3:45 pm {no comments}

By Emily D. Anderson, WTC STRATCOM

AW2 Veteran Robert Murafsky shares his transition story publicly to inspire wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans and gain support for the AW2 community. (Photo Credit: Sanchez Santos)

Most people consider speaking about themselves a challenge, especially if it is to a crowd of people. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veteran Robert Murafsky tackled this task in order to provide insights about thriving in today’s workforce as an AW2 Veteran.

“I knew I wanted to be a Soldier since I was a little kid watching the Army commercials on television,” said the Metuchen, N.J. native. “I thought when I joined the military, I would serve 20-plus years, retire, and spend the rest of my life fishing and falling asleep in my reclining chair.”

“However, my reality changed once I was wounded because I had to recover and refocus,” Murafsky added. “If it wasn’t for great programs like the Army Wounded Warrior Program, I wouldn’t have the job I have today working as an Army civilian.”

On August 28, 2006, while performing a search mission during a deployment in Hit, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, an enemy sniper shot Murafsky in the face damaging his right eye.

“A few minutes into the search I felt an awful pain, heard a loud ringing, and everything started to go in slow motion,” Murafsky said. “I remember putting my hand to my face, pulling it back, and seeing lots of blood.”

He was taken to the Forward Operating Base for an initial assessment, then airlifted to a nearby base for surgery. After surgery, he was medically evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Despite a catastrophic injury, Murafsky navigated through the rehabilitation process, transitioned out of the military in May 2007, and qualified for AW2.

AW2 supports Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. This program, through the local support of AW2 Advocates, strives to foster the Soldier’s independence.

“I told my Advocate I was searching for a job, gave her my resume, and the next thing I know I’m being told to come in for an interview,” he said. “I have no idea what happened between giving her my resume and getting that phone call, but I know she had something to do with it.”

Murafsky currently works as a security specialist for the Department of the Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management.

“My first day working as an Army civilian was great because it kind of made me feel like I was back in the Army,” Murafsky said. “This job makes feel like I am helping out the Army. It may be in a small way, but I consider myself part of the Army still.”

“This job has been great, and I feel like they didn’t hire me to check a box but to actually help a wounded warrior,” he added. “They put me in touch with programs to receive equipment that would help me with my disability and allow me to work in the best conditions possible.”

One program he finds particularly helpful is the DoD Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP).

CAP ensures that people with disabilities and wounded servicemembers have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the Department of Defense and throughout the federal government.

“We provide the equipment to allow people like Robert equal access to everything,” said Kameelah Montgomery, acquisition team leader of CAP. “There’s technology out there for these Soldiers and Veterans.”

Some examples of technology available for those who are blind or have low vision include Braille displays and translators, large print keyboards, or a compact and portable version of a closed-circuit television.

“They can receive it free of charge while in uniform,” she added. “It’s theirs to keep forever because we want them to go out and be successful.”

To learn more about how to hire a Veteran at your organization, including an online toolkit and educational video for hiring managers, visit the Warrior Transition Command at www.WTC.army.mil/employers or for information about CAP, visit http://www.cap.mil.

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.

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.

Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)

Filed under Benefits, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom
Attention wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Warrior Transition Unit cadre, and Army leaders. Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL) was authorized by the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. This special monthly compensation is for active servicemembers who incur a permanent catastrophic injury or illness.

It is important to note that SCAADL compensation is not automatic, the Soldier or his or her guardian must apply, and a DOD or Veterans Affairs (VA) physician must complete a DD Form 2948 to certify eligibility. If the attending physician is not affiliated with DOD or VA, arrangements can be made to have a DOD or VA physician review the Soldier’s case and complete the certification.

SCAADL helps offset the loss of income by a primary caregiver who provides non-medical care, support, and assistance for the servicemember. This compensation continues until 90 days after the Soldier is separated from the service, when he or she begins receiving compensation under a VA program, or the Soldier recovers and he or she no longer requires assistance with activities of daily living.

To apply for SCAADL, Warriors in Transition should contact their chain of command and Primary Care Manager. More information and frequently asked questions can be found in the SCAADL Information Sheet on the WTC website.

For questions, please send an email to WTC.g1scaadl@conus.army.mil or call 703/325-2030.

Family Focus–New Online Tool Aims to Better Inform Wounded Warriors Loved Ones

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on July 19, 2011 at 7:38 am {no comments}

By LTC (P) Hugh Bair, WTC G-3,5,7 Chief

LTC (P) Hugh Bair announces the launch of a new online resource for Families of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.

Over the Fourth of July holiday, I had the opportunity to spend time with my Family at a North Carolina beach. It was great to kick back with my dad and brother and get caught up. As they are both now Veterans, there was much focus on and interest in my new job supporting the Army’s wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving with Soldiers at the tip of the spear. My Family during those missions was often far away back home figuring things out without me. Well, that might be OK for normal circumstances, but I know when things aren’t going well, like when your loved one gets injured in a training accident, diagnosed with a deadly disease, or wounded in a firefight, you should not be figuring things out on your own. You need help.

To that end, the Army worked hard to create a comprehensive support system for our Soldiers Families and loved ones. For our wounded warriors, focusing on the mission at hand—to heal and transition, is clear. Medical appointments, visits with a squad leader, rehabilitation, adaptive sports, career planning. For the Family members however it’s often hard to figure out the Army system, learn the acronyms, or understand their role in the recovery process.

So, it’s my pleasure to launch a new online learning tool exclusively for those who are caring for our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. The Warrior Transition Command’s new Comprehensive Transition Plan Learning Module for Families walks loved ones through the structure of the Warrior Transition Unit, outlines their role in the seven-stages of the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP), includes four videos, and provides links to additional resources.

We’ve made this tool accessible online so that a Soldier’s immediate caregiver and extended Family around the world can better understand what they are going through and how to help. As a multi-generational military Family, I know the value of having my loved ones near and supportive of my career goals. The more they know, the more I can focus on the job at hand.

I look forward to hearing from our wounded warrior’s Family members about this new tool through the blog comments feature. Is it helpful? What needs to be added? How can we make it better? I know my own Family is watching to see what we do for our wounded, ill, and injured, and are ready to hold me accountable at our next Family vacation. I want to do them, but more importantly, our wounded warriors, proud.

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