Did You Know? WTC Community Support Network

Filed under Benefits, Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources, WTC, WTU/WTB by 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:

  1. Providing products or services free of charge,
  2. Accepting insurance as a payment, or
  3. 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 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)

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.

Breaking Down Barriers through Adaptive Sports

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Community Support Network, General, Non-profit by on August 27, 2013 at 1:34 pm {no comments}

By LuAnn Georgia, WTC Stratcom

Swimmers and non-swimmers alike were able to participate in tubing fun at Fort Belvoir, Va. Wounded Soldier Jordan Knox along with Shelly Neal, spouse of retired Soldier William Neal, enjoy a few laughs on an exhilarating spin around Tompkins Basin.

Swimmers and non-swimmers alike were able to participate in tubing fun at Fort Belvoir, Va. Wounded Soldier Jordan Knox along with Shelly Neal, spouse of retired Soldier William Neal, enjoy a few laughs on an exhilarating spin around Tompkins Basin.

Tompkins Basin, Fort Belvoir, Va., was the site for a group of wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers to gather for some fun in the sun and water activities.

Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation and Team River Runner (both non-profit participants in Community Support Network) joined forces to offer a day of tubing, water skiing, sailing, flat-water kayaking, and camaraderie as part of their adaptive sports initiatives.

Bill Dietrich, Executive Director of ‘Two Top’- a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, runs a summer and winter program which benefits wounded warriors and their Families and was on hand to discuss their program and the effects it has on the participants.

“I love helping people do things they didn’t realize they could do,” Said Mr. Dietrich. “Our program works with all sorts of disabilities.  There aren’t many we can’t help.  Some people are fearful when they first start out, but building trust is essential. It’s key to an individual letting their guard down, breaking down barriers, and allowing themselves to have fun.”

“Getting everyone together and helping them try new things or just seeing them enjoy themselves offers a lot of rewards.” But according to Mr. Dietrich, “It’s not a one man show.  Without our incredible volunteers, these programs wouldn’t be possible.”

During the summer, water sport events are offered at different locations and are usually held a couple of times a month.  The summer programs are only available during the week days, in order to avoid the weekend crowds.  Reservations are required in order to properly plan and staff the events.  According to Dietrich, an ongoing challenge is getting enough volunteers together at one time, as the majority of volunteers still have regular jobs.  He added, “it takes between 8-10 people to properly staff for just one water skier.”

While summer activities are only offered during the week days, the bulk of winter activities are held on weekends. Snow skiing and snowboarding sports, including lessons, are offered at Two Top Mountain in Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg, Pa.

Dietrich, the 2012 recipient of the Army’s Spirit of Hope award is passionate about his program, the impact and joy it’s brought him as well as those he helps.  All programs are free to wounded, ill, or injured population.  “As long as I can continue to raise the money to fund the program, it will be free for our wounded warriors.”

For information about Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation visit:   www.twotopadaptive.org.  You can find information about Team River Runner at www.TeamRiverRunner.org.

Welcome to the AW2 Community Support Network

Filed under Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources by on September 14, 2011 at 11:37 am {no comments}

By SSG Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

Join me in welcoming the newest organizations in the AW2 Community Support Network. These organizations are part of the 252 AW2 Community Support Network organizations that help better the lives of AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. Click on the links below to get to know them.

The AW2 Community Support Network was created based on direct requests from severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. Wounded Soldiers stated that connection with their local community and community leaders was essential for their success and reintegration. For more information, please visit the AW2 Community Support Network webpage.

Do you know of a caring organization that wants to assist wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers, Veterans and their Families? If so, please email the AW2 Community Support Network at the below email address. I welcome your recommendations and referrals.

Send organization referrals to AW2CommunitySupportNetwork@conus.army.mil

It is From the Heart

Filed under 2011 Symposium, Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources by on July 19, 2011 at 5:24 pm {no comments}

By Patricia C. Sands, WTC Stratcom

Twenty-five organizations convened at the Community Support Exhibit Hall at the 2011 AW2 Symposium to share information about their local support to wounded warriors and their Families.

Twenty-five organizations stood up to be part of the Community Support Exhibit Hall at the 2011 Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium, and more wanted to attend. It’s a very heartfelt gesture when one considers the commitment in time and resources it takes to attend. However, this was not business as usual.

When companies and organizations attend events they have a goal in mind, usually to make money and expand their market. However, these 25 organizations are not at the 2011 AW2 Symposium to make money. Their goal is to see how they can serve our wounded warriors and their Families more effectively. They want to meet the community and the leaders of the Warrior Transition Command and AW2. They want to get the word out that they are here to help and support wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families.

When reviewing the list of participating organizations below, please remember that their services and products are either free or are covered by insurance. Their efforts are from the heart.

Who are these generous organizations? They are as varied as the individual needs of the Soldiers, Veterans, and Families they support. They also run the gambit of expertise that cover each of the lifecycles that a wounded warrior works through. In addition, many are members of the AW2 Community Support Network, a group of organizations that are needed and vital to the AW2 Soldier, Veteran, and Family as they recover and assimilate back into the community.

I encourage wounded warriors and their Families to click the links below and get to know them.

It doesn’t end with giving wounded warriors and their Families a link to each organization’s website. They will know more about each of these organizations as we follow them through the next year. We will detail their stories through articles and blogs. The more wounded warriors and their Families know, the more they can help. It is all about networking and communicating.

Maybe you, as a wounded warrior or Family member, will be the vital link to refer a resource to the AW2 Community Support Network. Maybe you will be the one to connect another wounded warrior to a much needed resource. The Army cannot do it all. It takes the whole community to work together to make a difference.

Stand Up For Heroes

Filed under Non-profit, Staff Stories by on November 4, 2010 at 5:05 pm {no comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

Last night I was at dinner at Walter Reed with about 50 wounded Soldiers and their Families to watch the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s 4th Annual “Stand Up for Heroes” entertainment/comedy event. The event was live in New York, NY, and was broadcasted via satellite to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and six areas of operation in Iraq. The event celebrated Soldiers, honored those who are wounded, and raised funds for programs that support wounded warriors around the country. Based on the laughter at Walter Reed–the event was a hit. 

As hosts, Lee and Bob Woodruff brought a personal perspective to the challenges wounded warriors and their Families face, they also shared an understanding of the importance of humor during the recovery process. Lee joked with the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army GEN George Casey in the audience, “I want to run my fingers through your medals.”  

Bob also demonstrated to the audience how rare servicemembers are within American society by stating that less than 1% of the country currently wears a military uniform compared to the 11% during Vietnam. Several wounded servicemembers and their kids were featured in a foundation video that stressed “it’s not about the war, it’s about the warrior.”        

The Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army GEN Peter Chiarelli welcomed participants and political comedian Jon Stewart emceed, opening with, “We’re here tonight for a fundraiser for wounded warriors–or rather, to get money for the Democratic party.” On a more serious note, he added, “I spout for a living, and I know that it’s a privilege that is defended at every single level by those we’re honoring.” 

Tony Bennett, a World War II infantryman, kicked off the show stating, “I know what everyone here has been through.” Bruce Springsteen followed up with several songs, including a moving duet with his wife, “If I Should Fall Behind (wait for me),” and then auctioned off his acoustic guitar for $145,000.  Other performers included Joel McHale and Jerry Seinfeld. 

Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News anchor, worked the crowd for immediate donations of $50,000, $25,000, $10,000, and $5,000–more than 100 people made donations. The money will support the mission of the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help ensure that our nation’s injured servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families return to a home front ready to support them. 

Jon Stewart closed the night stating, “These Soldiers–this is the best our country has to offer.”

The Bob Woodruff Foundation is a member of the Army Wounded Warrior Program Community Support Network

Tempered Steel: A Way to Breakdown Burn Stigma

Filed under Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources by on September 7, 2010 at 12:02 pm {no comments}

By Luana Schneider, AW2 Mother

For Luana Schneider (center) creating an opportunity for the public to interact with Tempered Steel wounded warriors will help break burn stigma

Editor’s Note: CaringBridge is a participant in the AW2 Community Support Network.

While at the AW2 Symposium, everyone was very interested in our brand new non-profit that we were starting: Tempered Steel, The Stories Behind the Scars.

We decided to co-found Tempered Steel after my son Scott was seriously wounded and disfigured in Iraq in November 2006. Our first hand experience in handling the responses to Scott’s injuries from civilians and military alike, compelled us to break down the barriers between wounded and disfigured Veterans and those who only see their scars. Tempered Steel’s goal is to exchange fear for enlightenment by exposing the very real human stories behind the wounds of war.

In deciding to co-found Tempered Steel, we contacted other severely wounded military members and asked for their participation and involvement. The response was overwhelmingly, “YES.” Our severely injured military members have had to learn how to deal with the public’s perception on who they are on nothing more than a glance from a stranger. As these wounded explained, “they are in essence, still the person they were before the injuries… on the inside.” Each of them feel they had not fundamentally changed. The only difference was the way they looked and how the public now viewed them.

Each disfigured hero, in their own way, has had to learn how to function in a society that in many ways has shunned them or are even outright horrified at the mere sight of these wonderful heroic men and women. Through the photo introspective and videography of these wounded warriors, Tempered Steel will reintroduce society to the stories behind the scars. These wounded warriors from the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars allowed the photographer and videographer to share in their vulnerability, strength, humor, and adaptability. The very personal glimpses into the eyes of these military heroes will bring about a greater compassion and empathy that these injured heroes greatly desire from their communities. By exposing their wounds with great humility, they desire to open a dialogue between the disfigured and disabled world and the communities they live in.

Our wounded warriors will be talking to schools, community groups and at public functions. They will talk not only about their injuries and how the perceptions of others make them feel, but also will also teach individuals to treat others with disabilities and disfigurements the same as they would like to be treated. We plan on working diligently to have our seriously wounded military members play a vital role in their communities.

If you  would like to learn more, please visit: http://www.TemperedSteelInc.org

New Organizations in the AW2 Community Support Network

Filed under Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources by on June 3, 2010 at 3:46 pm {one comment}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

There are now 144 registered organizations in the AW2 Community Support Network to demonstrate their support for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families.

In May, the AW2 Community Support Network hosted its second quarterly conference call to discuss the benefits of adaptive sports and recreation. BG Gary Cheek, Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, discussed the ways adaptive sports and recreation boost confidence as wounded warriors set goals and transition to life post-injury. I personally really enjoyed hearing from AW2 Veteran Kortney Clemons, who spoke about the ways training as a Paralympic-level athlete helped him move forward with his life and recovery. Many of the AW2 Community Support Network organizations discussed best practices in hosting adaptive sports programs for wounded warriors, and I hope they each learned something from their peers.

The list of newly registered organizations is below. AW2 has posted most of these organizations to the AW2 website and is working to post the others.

Federal Organizations: (registered between March 9 and May 31)

Non-Federal Organizations: (registered between March 9 and May 31)

AW2 encourages all AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members to nominate organizations for the AW2 Community Support Network. To nominate an organization that has made a difference in your life, contact me at AW2CommunitySupportNetwork@conus.army.mil.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

Resiliency and Compassion Fatigue

Filed under Behavioral Health, General, Non-profit, Training by on April 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm {one comment}

By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom

At AW2 Annual Training on Friday, the staff attended a session on Resiliency and Compassion Fatigue. Like AW2 Family members and caregivers, AW2 staff are empathetic, compassionate people, and they are usually deeply emotionally invested in the AW2 Soldiers and Veterans they support.

As I listened to the session, I wondered if some of the suggestions could also be applicable to AW2 Family members and caregivers. I’m not a psychologist or therapist, so I’m not an absolute source, but I thought this information might be helpful to others.

The presenter, Dr. Lisa Landry, explained that resiliency involves sustaining good health and well-being during stressful conditions. It’s usually not a natural skill; instead, it’s usually a learned strength. This doesn’t mean that resilient people deal with everything perfectly, but that they actively work to prevent burnout, take care of themselves, and prevent suffering.

Dr. Landry suggested several tips for preventing compassion fatigue and increasing resiliency, such as:

  • Acknowledge what is happening – it’s okay to admit that you’re dealing with a difficult situation
  • Take a break when you need one
  • Listen to your Family and friends who notice you’re disengaged, irritable, or isolated
  • Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and mentally; This includes getting enough sleep and exercise, eating well, and engaging in creative and social activities
  • Find a peer to talk to and share how you’re feeling; Another AW2 Family member or caregiver is probably going through a similar experience
  • Keep your sense of humor and let yourself have fun in life
  • Be aware of how you’re feeling and look for things that revitalize and invigorate you
  • Make time for yourself
  • Make time for your Family and friends

During the months I’ve supported AW2, I’ve had the privilege of talking to many AW2 Family members and caregivers – to spouses and parents, as well as AW2 children. I’ve been incredibly impressed by their big hearts and deep resilience. They show so much grace and compassion, and I hope they’ll continue to take care of themselves as they support their AW2 Soldiers and Veterans.

My Day with Service Dogs

Filed under Advocate Story, Behavioral Health, Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources, Staff Stories by on March 19, 2010 at 3:38 pm {2 comments}

By Ann Yingling, AW2 Advocate

I had a really cool day recently! Jeff, one of the Veterans I work with, is in the process of receiving a psychiatric service dog through Paws 4 Vets, a member of the AW2 Community Support Network.

I say “process” because it is certainly that. There are applications, interviews, home studies, and “bumps” to attend. (A bump is the process of meeting various dogs to see if any of them bond with the human. And believe me—the dog is the one doing the choosing!) There are trainers to meet, training to attend, and on and on. And it is for good reason that the process is so meticulous—this is serious stuff, not only for the person who receives the dog, but for the dog, too. It’s finding a life partner and making a life-long commitment!

But back to my day… I traveled to Fort Stewart where Paws 4 Vets has a pilot program with the Warrior Transition Battalion there. Both Cadre and Soldiers assigned to the WTB will be training the dogs, which will eventually be assigned to a Soldier or Veteran. Attending that day at Fort Stewart were Terry Henry, Director of Paws 4 Vets, his daughter Kyria who trains the trainers, the Soldiers who will be training the dogs, and Jeff and his parents.

We started out with basic introductions—Jeff and another Veteran (Navy!) who will also be receiving a dog, told the group their “story”. It was very emotional—both heart breaking and heart warming, listening to these two Veterans talk about their service in Iraq, their struggles with PTSD, and the hope for a “normal” life that the dogs have given them. All the while they were speaking, several beautiful golden retrievers and a black lab lay quietly and patiently at their feet. The Soldiers who are training the dogs then spoke about how this program has given them something worthwhile to get excited about—knowing that they will be helping out a fellow wounded warrior. They also told of the benefits received from the dogs in their own healing process.

Then we got to see Sallie, one of the goldens, in action! She showed us just one way that she will be helping a wounded warrior who suffers from agoraphobia (the fear of crowds or open spaces). If Jeff (for example) and Sallie are out in public, and someone is approaching Jeff from behind, Sallie will nudge Jeff in a special way to alert him. If Jeff is not paying attention, Sallie will nudge a second time, a little harder. If the person has approached within an arm’s length of Jeff, Sallie gives a very definitive bark to alert him. Another way a psychiatric service dog has been known to help is that they can “sense” things we humans can’t. For example—for someone who is prone to seizures, flashbacks, or nightmares, the dog might sense the event before it actually happens. Dogs have been known to warn a person of an oncoming seizure—alerting the person so that he can get to a safe place before the onset of the seizure. Dogs can wake a person up before the he becomes too entrenched in a nightmare or flashback. Also, the responsibility of having a service dog is another “hidden” benefit. A dog has to be let out and has to be walked and fed. These responsibilities can help get a person out of the house, give the person a mission or something to focus on.

At Fort Stewart that day, I saw lots of neat “tricks” that a psychiatric service dog can do and I also witnessed the most basic benefit of a service dog: the love and companionship provided. No one loves you as unconditionally as a dog!

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