A Warrior Spirit: Looking Back on AW2’s Decade of Impact

Filed under AW2, General, Staff Stories, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on May 20, 2014 at 3:56 pm {no comments}
By Anna Eisenberg, WTC Communications Division
AW2 long-serving staff member Charles Williams, pictured in the back, and his family attended an event in Wash., D.C. with former AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson.

AW2 long-serving staff member Charles Williams, pictured in the back, and his family attended an event in Wash., D.C. with former AW2 Director COL Greg Gadson.

A decade ago, a small but mighty organization sprouted up to address the needs of severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers. The Army created the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) in 2004, a dedicated program providing personalized support to recovering Soldiers. A year and a half later, DS3 changed its name to the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), which has since impacted nearly 20,000 severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans. This year marks AW2’s 10th Anniversary and provides an opportunity to take a step back and appreciate how the program has evolved.

Looking back inspires a hopeful future, and long-serving AW2 staff member HR Specialist Charles Williams remains dedicated to helping severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers.

“When I came to work the program had just started,” explained Williams, who has served on

staff since the program’s inception in 2004. “It was me, a colonel and a lieutenant colonel—that was it. We had to grow the program.”

Williams, a retired service member who worked for a time as an Army recruiter, spent a lot of his early days at AW2 interacting with wounded Soldiers. “They had a warrior spirit,” Williams recalled. “I would draw off of their strength. I could feel the energy and the love and the resiliency that they had. They are truly heroes.”

Though he enjoyed working directly with the Soldiers, Williams felt his experience would be more valuable in human resources. As the program evolved it was able to create more departments and take on more staff. “Now we have people with the appropriate skill sets to do what’s needed to take care of Soldiers and Families effectively,” Williams said of AW2’s growth. AW2 now has a presence in Warrior Transition Units (WTU) at major military treatment facilities around the world, providing Soldiers with personalized care as they recover and rehabilitate.

From the start, AW2 Advocates played an integral role in a Soldier or Veteran’s recovery process. They are on-site at WTUs and VA locations, and collaborate with WTU cadre to educate each Soldier on available benefits and resources and help the individual create goals. William Years came on board in September 2004 as AW2’s first Advocate, back then called “Soldier Family Management Specialists,” and shared how the program grew to meet the needs of wounded, ill and injured Soldiers.

“Soldiers and Families were confused as to who was a nonprofit and who was an official Army program,” said Years. “We’ve got the ability now to coordinate services to assist them,” he added, “and coordination between AW2 and the VA has smoothed out.”

On top of better coordination between services and organizations, recovering Soldiers and Veterans now have more education and employment opportunities. AW2 Career Coordinator Roberta Berry, who joined the program in August 2005, said “back then, we were all learning together how to best support the wounded, ill and injured. AW2 Advocates today have the Advocate Support Branch, which is a team of subject matter experts who specialize in finance, VA resources, education and more.”

AW2 long-serving staff agree that the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans. “It’s good to see where we were compared to where we are now,” said Years. “We’ve made great strides. You’ve got people who actually want to do the work because they have a passion to assist people and see things through,” he said of AW2 staff members.

From 16 Advocates to a legion of more than 200, from a team of trailblazers to strategically placed staff in Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) and VA locations across the country, AW2 has continued to grow.

“We need to be able to tell the world that if your child goes into the Army and they sustain injuries, there is a program here that is going to help them all the way through,” said Williams. “To continue to talk about AW2 and what we can do for Soldiers, Veterans, Families and Caregivers—it’s a conversation that should never stop.”

Editors Note: 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). Read more about AW2′s decade of impact with more than 19,000 severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers at http://www.WTC.army.mil/announcements/aw2_10th_anniversary.html.

“AW2 Can Change People’s Lives,” AW2 Soldier and Staff Member Says

Filed under AW2, General, Soldier Story, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on May 15, 2014 at 8:42 am {no comments}

By Anna Eisenberg, WTC Communications Division

“AW2 can change people's lives," said AW2 Soldier and current staff member Staff Sgt. Jorge Haddock-Santiago, pictured far left on a ride in Big Sur, California in 2011.

“AW2 can change people’s lives,” said AW2 Soldier and current staff member Staff Sgt. Jorge Haddock-Santiago, pictured far left on a ride in Big Sur, California in 2011.

Staff Sgt. Jorge Haddock-Santiago’s wounds are invisible—scars that no one can see or touch but will never heal or disappear. Haddock, who served as a Mortuary Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), was on his third deployment to Iraq when he began developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He worked in the same role on previous deployments, managing Soldiers’ personal affairs and ensuring that all mortuary processes functioned smoothly.  “To take care of Soldiers, you have to take care of yourself first,” said Haddock. “That’s when I came forward and said I have these issues and I want to take care of them.”

Haddock spent two years recovering at a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) in Germany, where he worked with his interdisciplinary team, including his AW2 Advocate, to create a set of goals. His main objective: remain in uniform. After a Medical Evaluation Board found him medically unfit for duty, Haddock applied to continue on active duty through a special program called Continuation on Active Duty (COAD). “I wanted to stay in in any way and serve my country,” Haddock said. “All my other goals were there to help me work toward COAD.”

Haddock’s other goals included rediscovering an old hobby that he enjoyed before he deployed: cycling. His AW2 Advocate connected him with a nonprofit that led Soldiers and Veterans on a cycling trip, and his motivation to recover skyrocketed. “Adaptive reconditioning did a lot,” Haddock said of the physical activities that Soldiers participate in to support their physical and emotional well-being. “It has one main goal: to heal you and give you purpose.”

With a total of 18 years in the Army, Haddock remains in uniform and serves as the Continuation on Active Duty/Continuation on Active Reserve NCO at AW2, assisting in taking care Soldiers who want to stay in the Army through this unique program.

“AW2 can change people’s lives,” said Haddock. “Taking care of Soldiers, especially when they are ill or wounded, I am proud of that. When you see the difference you do, when your job is impacting others and their Families, there is no greater satisfaction than that.”

Editors Note: 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). Read more about AW2′s decade of impact with more than 19,000 severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers at http://www.WTC.army.mil/announcements/aw2_10th_anniversary.html.

An AW2 COAD Soldier Shares his Motivation to Continue on Active Duty

Filed under AW2, General, Soldier Story, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on May 15, 2014 at 8:41 am {no comments}

By Anna Eisenberg, WTC Communications Division

Staff Sgt. Giovanni Pascasio participated in a “Death March” in White Sands, N.M. in 2009.

Staff Sgt. Giovanni Pascasio participated in a “Death March” in White Sands, N.M. in 2009.

Staff Sgt. Giovanni Pascasio remembers waking up in a hospital bed. He remembers looking to his right leg, then his left. He remembers moving his arms, realizing he was able to keep them despite the shrapnel wounds and second and third degree burns that covered over 30 percent of his body—injuries sustained in combat in Iraq in 2007.

Pascasio recovered at a Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) connected him with an AW2 Advocate while he was still in the hospital, and they bonded immediately. “She would visit me if not every day then every other day,” said Pascasio of his AW2 Advocate. She was knowledgeable about Veteran benefits such as Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) and social security, and kept him on top of his appointments. “We would talk for hours. She was always attentive and always willing to help me,” said Pascasio.

Pascasio worked with his AW2 Advocate and his mother, who doubled as his Non-Medical Attendant (NMA), to create a Comprehensive Transition Plan that would enable him to meet his goals as he recovered and transitioned. Though he continued to improve physically, Pascasio struggled with his guilt and anger. “I blamed myself for everything that happened,” he said. “I didn’t give up on life, but I gave up on the Army. I felt like I wasn’t fit to be in.”

With guidance from his AW2 Advocate, and inspired by other Soldiers he met at the WTB, Pascasio decided to apply for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)—a program designed for Soldiers who have been found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) but are interested in continuing to serve in the Army.

Pascasio currently serves as an Operations Sergeant at Warrior Transition Command in the AW2 Advocate Support Branch, a job he was recommended for by his AW2 Advocate. He is also working toward an associate degree in general studies at the University of Maryland University College.

“AW2 was instrumental in helping me put together my five year plan. I’ve hit four out of my five goals,” said Pascasio of his accomplishments. He plans on obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a major in emergency management services and a minor in homeland security.

Editors Note: 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). Read more about AW2′s decade of impact with more than 19,000 severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers at http://www.WTC.army.mil/announcements/aw2_10th_anniversary.html.

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 on April 1, 2014 at 11:51 am {no comments}

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

Ashley Jenkins

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.

 

Veteran’s biggest reward is telling his story and sharing experiences with other wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans

Filed under AW2, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on March 26, 2014 at 3:51 pm {no comments}

By Emily D. Anderson, WTC Communications Division Army Wounded Warrior Program

Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veteran Rico Rawls never thought after two tours in Iraq, one in Albania, a tour in Macedonia and one in Kosovo that he would be sitting in a wheelchair in front of a crowd at the World’s Toughest Rodeo in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But that’s where he found himself on February 8, 2014.

AW2 Veteran Rico Rawls and his Family

AW2 Veteran Rico Rawls and his Family received special recognition during the World’s Toughest Rodeo in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, February 8, 2014 (Photo courtesy of Rico Rawls).

Although he may no longer wear the uniform, Rawls said his biggest reward is telling his story and sharing his experiences with other wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans. “At first I was a little skeptical about the recognition at the rodeo because I was just doing my job when I was in the military,” said Rawls. “I’m always amazed when I am recognized for doing my job and doing the right thing.”

Eventually Rawls’ medical issues caught up with him. In addition to problems with his hip, he ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) for two weeks following a brain tumor diagnosis.

He remains thankful to his fiancée, his AW2 Advocate, nonprofit organizations and several individuals from his time at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) and credits part of his recovery to their support.

“I specifically want to thank 1st Sgt. Larry Perrine, Sgt. 1st Class Nick Bright and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Ertl who were my original first sergeant, platoon sergeant and mentor,” he said. “The Cadre at my WTU were amazing.”

“Additionally, my fiancée helped tremendously throughout my recovery,” he added. She was at the hospital when I was in the ICU.”

“Katrina (Hood) is now recognized by the VA as a Caregiver, which means her job is to strictly help me,” Rawls said about his fiancée who VA recognizes as a Family Caregiver under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.

“Rico is a very humble and extremely appreciative person,” said Bill Duerr, his AW2 Advocate. “I am very happy for him and his Family because they deserve it.”

Rawls’ journey has not been easy but he continues to receive assistance from AW2, the VA and several nonprofit organizations. He offers this advice to other wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans.

“It is important to listen and take the time to fill out any required paperwork.  It may seem tedious, but it pays off,” he said. “These organizations are not out here as charity but providing the tools we need and care about us.”

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 18,000 Soldiers and Veterans currently in AW2.

Did You Know? What is AW2

Filed under AW2, General, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on March 24, 2014 at 12:45 pm {no comments}

By Caitlin Morrison, WTC Communications Division

Did you know that the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) was established 10 years ago to support severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers? AW2 is a major component of the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and the Warrior Transition Command (WTC). Over the last decade AW2 has supported more than 19,000 Soldiers and Veterans in navigating processes and procedures that open doors to services, resources and benefits.  These resources build and strengthen abilities to adapt to daily life and empower AW2 Soldiers and Veterans to regain their independence.

Today, Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, either back into duty or on to civilian life.

To qualify for AW2, a Soldier must suffer from wounds, illness or injuries incurred in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, and receive or expect to receive at least a 30 percent rating from the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) for one or more of the conditions listed below, or receive a combines 50 percent IDES rating for any other combat/combat-related condition:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Severe loss of vision/blindness
  • Severe hearing loss/deafness
  • Fatal / incurable disease with limited life expectancy
  • Loss of limb
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Severe burns
  • Severe paralysis

Upon entry to the program, each AW2 Soldier and Veteran is paired with one of the more than 200 AW2 Advocates who guides the Soldier throughout the recovery and transition process and toward achieving independence. Together they collaborate to set goals for the Soldier’s and Family’s future to meet the personal needs and abilities of the individual AW2 Soldier or Veteran. Some common activities that AW2 Advocates support are:

  • Creating an action plan for life after transition
  • Coordinating with government agencies (i.e. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor)
  • Supporting Continuation on Active Duty/Continuation on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR)
  • Providing career guidance
  • Locating educational opportunities
  • Performing financial audits
  • Finding local resources
  • Navigating medical and Physical Evaluation Board (MEB/PEB)

AW2 Advocates collaborate with transition professionals at AW2 Headquarters to resolve issues related to careers and education, benefits, pay, the Department of Veterans Affairs and more. These AW2 transition professionals also use their vast knowledge and experience with wounded, ill and injured Soldiers to help write policies and guidance that affect all WTUs.

“Did You Know?” Series

We will post a blog every other week on the following five topics throughout our “Did You Know?” blog series during the AW2 Tenth Anniversary commemoration:

1)    What is AW2?

2)    AW2 Advocates

3)    AW2 Career and Education

4)    AW2 Pay and Benefits

5)    VA Resources

Is there another topic you want us to cover in the future? Want to share your story? Post a comment here or email us at usarmy.pentagon.medcom-wtc.mbx.strategic-communications@mail.mil.

Did You Know? Meet the WTU Career and Education Readiness Team

Filed under AW2, Career/Education, General, WTC, WTU/WTB by on February 24, 2014 at 11:30 am {no comments}

By Caitlin Morrison, WTC Communications Division

Do you know how many Cadre are involved in WTU Soldiers’ Career and Education Readiness (CER) activities?  Career and Education Readiness activities support wounded, ill and injured Soldiers as they transition, whether they remain in the Army or transition to Veteran status.  All Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Soldiers set career goals as part of their Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).  Career and Education Readiness activities provide eligible Soldiers with the skills and knowledge they need to advance toward their career goals. Achieving career goals contributes positively to the rehabilitation and reintegration process, which is why there are so many Interdisciplinary Team members along with the Triad of Care available to support every Soldier.

You may already know that the Triad of Care – Primary Care Manager (PCM), Nurse Case Manager (NCM) and Squad Leader (SL) – coordinates to ensure all members of the WTU team operate synergistically to benefit the Soldier.   Nurse Case Managers keep team members up to date on the Soldier’s medical status and physical profile.  Squad Leaders coach, teach, mentor and counsel Soldiers on their responsibilities while participating in a CER activity.  They also ensure Soldiers are at their places of duty and coordinate with their work site supervisor for assessments.

What you may not know is that in addition to the Triad of Care, each CER-eligible Soldier also works with an interdisciplinary team that includes a Transition Coordinator (TC), Occupational Therapist (OT), Medical Management (M2) and Career Counselor (CC).   They may also participate in as external support programs such as the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) and Operation Warfighter (OWF).  Interdisciplinary Team members work together and inform one another of important updates and changes to ensure Soldiers have the most productive and successful CER experiences possible:

–       Transition Coordinator (TC): ensures the Soldier’s career goals line up with the CTP and helps coordinate CER activities.

–       Occupational Therapist – Registered (OTR):  completes Phase I goal setting with the Soldier and provides life skills training and goal reassessment throughout the Soldiers’ stay at the WTU.

–       Medical Management (M2):  works to determine eligibility for CER activities along with the WTU Commander.

–       Career Counselor (CC): counsels Soldiers on the logistics of career changes.

Transition professionals at Warrior Transition Command talk about Soldiers experiencing the “fog of recovery”, or the emotional and psychological difficulties that may accompany physical injuries.  Soldiers assigned to WTUs are encouraged to develop and strive to meet career goals to ease the fog. This often includes returning to the work force either in a familiar or new work environment.  The CER program, with the support of the Interdisciplinary Team, helps Soldiers prepare and plan a career path that will put them on the right track for returning to, or creating, a new normal.

For more information on Career and Education Readiness, visit the Career Planning webpage and the “Meet the WTU Career and Education Readiness Team” fact sheet.

Launch of the New WTC Website

Filed under AW2, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by on January 15, 2014 at 4:42 pm {no comments}

By Brig. Gen. David J. Bishop

The Warrior Transition Command (WTC) is excited to launch the new WTC website which will provide wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families, Caregivers and Cadre with increased access to information. Based on feedback directly from you, we launched a more user-friendly website with in-depth information on all aspects of the recovery and transition process. Being the proponent for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers means ensuring you can find accurate information easily, using today’s technology.

Visit the new, user-friendly website at www.WTC.army.mil. To learn more, check out the public website redesign factsheet at this link. The new site provides in-depth information on many topics, including but not limited to:

You and your Family can access the website on any device, including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. This way information is available to you whether you are healing at a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) or at home. We relied on recovery and transition experts from WTC, WTUs and other elements of the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and the site will continue to grow to keep up to speed with the information you need.

I urge you to explore the new site and learn more. Your feedback is important in shaping how the website will grow and evolve to meet your needs. Send us an email at usarmy.pentagon.medcom-wtc.mbx.strategic-communications@mail.mil. Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook page and Twitter page for more updates.

 

Army Chaplain’s Faith Strengthened Through Working with Wounded Soldiers

Filed under General, Guest Blogger, Warrior Care Month, WTC, WTU/WTB by on November 27, 2013 at 10:00 am {no comments}

By Chaplain (MAJ) B. Vaughn Bridges, Warrior Transition Brigade Chaplain, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Guest Blogger*

CH Bridges Praying

CH (Maj.) B. Vaughn Bridges, WRNMMC, prays with Soldiers and their Families during a Navy Lodge dinner. (Photo courtesy of CH (Maj.) B Vaughn Bridges)

In October 2013, I began serving as the Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) Chaplain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland.  Shortly after my arrival at the WTB, I had the privilege of meeting with WTB Soldiers and their Families at our monthly evening meal in the Navy Lodge.  This setting provides many ministry opportunities for military personnel who have been wounded in combat, injured and those with illnesses and other medical concerns.

Every day presents its own unique challenges and opportunities for ministry.  As one example, a Soldier and her mother requested to speak with me when I arrived in my new position as WTB chaplain.  They just wanted to come by to say hello and have a discussion about spiritual matters, just like they had done with the former WTB Chaplain.  The Soldier explained to me that when she first received the news from the doctor that her condition was incurable, she put her trust in God to help her cope with such a hopeless prognosis.  She also recalled her own experience with despair when the doctors said there was nothing else they could do.  As I reflected on our conversation, I was astonished with the Soldier’s faith and acceptance and her ability to reflect, having the personal awareness to articulate her thoughts and feelings as she embraced this difficult challenge in her life.

This Soldier, knowing that she might not be healed, experienced a crisis of faith.  She chose to have hope in God.  During our conversation, I was reminded of the words of the late great preacher and theologian James S. Stewart from Scotland.  Stewart wrote, “Let us consider the most inescapable ‘Either/Or’ of life; either despair – or faith.  Either blank, unrelieved pessimism, or a gambler’s throw with your soul.  Either darkness and futility and ultimate night, or the vision of God standing within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.”

Ministry with wounded, ill and injured warriors provides us with many teachable moments.  My own faith increases and is strengthened when I meet people like this Soldier who choose to embrace life’s struggles with such courage and resilience.  As the WTB chaplain, I seek to offer hope as I build and nurture relationships with these warriors by listening to their story.

 

*Note: The expressed comments and views of guest bloggers do not reflect the views of WTC or the United States Army.

Army Impresses at Joint Services Sitting Volleyball Tournament

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Soldier Stories, Warrior Care Month, WTC, WTU/WTB by on November 26, 2013 at 11:41 am {no comments}

By Emily D. Anderson, WTC Communications Division

SVB Team

Army’s Sitting Volleyball athletes listen to the National Anthem before the start of the third annual sitting volleyball tournament held at the Pentagon on November 21. (Photo LuAnn Georgia, WTC Communications Division)

Exciting, fast-paced and inspirational were a few words used to describe the Third Annual Joint Services Sitting Volleyball Tournament hosted by the Office of Warrior Care Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

“This event is a big deal, and I am happy and nervous to be an Army representative and looked forward to the level of competition,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Hall, assigned to the Warrior Transition Brigade, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“For a while I didn’t know what activities were out there that I could do,” Hall explained. “I think sitting volleyball is a great sport that puts everyone, regardless of injury, on an even level.”

The annual event consisted of Service members and Veterans from every branch of the military and the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) competing against each in an adaptive reconditioning event that highlights the importance of remaining active after injury and illness.

“I think the event went pretty good, and we were definitely holding our own against the other teams,” Hall added. “The coach was great, and I would compete again.”

J.D. Malone, the Army’s sitting volleyball coach, had nothing but good things to say about the team and Hall’s performance during the tournament. “I’m pretty amazed that they came together so fast, and Hall was a team player who would take what was asked of him and go back to the net and execute it.”

“In two days, the athletes learned to aggressively play at the net, and they were able to serve with accuracy,” said Malone. “At one point, I could call a zone on the court, and the athletes were serving to that area.”

SVB team in action

Soldiers assigned to Warrior Transition Units prepare to block a serve by a member of the Special Operations Command’s team at the third annual sitting volleyball tournament held at the Pentagon on November 21. (Photo LuAnn Georgia, WTC Communications Division)

For the past two years, Army secured a spot in the final rounds, but this year the Army’s team competed for third place against the SOCOM’s team.

“Sitting volleyball is pretty interesting especially if you’re not extremely mobile.” said Hall. “It lets you still play outside the normal perimeters and try something new.”

Hall said he was happy to be a part of a team and still experience activities despite his injuries. “I’ve always been pretty athletic and into sports, so with limited ability I thought I would be more of a watcher instead of a doer, but I realize that’s not true,” he said.

To watch a recap of the action, visit DVIDS and to learn more about adaptive reconditioning benefits and programs visit the WTC website.

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