Education and Training Program Pays off for Warriors in Transition

Filed under General by on September 20, 2011 at 5:17 pm {no comments}

CW2 Ryan Moore sets up his equipment to take a photograph. The Warrior in Transition has been taking classes and improving his photography skills as part of his education efforts during his time in the Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion.

By: Stacy Neumann, Ft. Carson Medical Department Activity Public Affairs
What does a Soldier do when he or she can no longer be a Soldier? It’s a question faced by a   majority of the troops in Fort What does a Soldier do when he or she can no longer be a Soldier?  It’s a question faced by a majority of the troops in Fort Carson’s Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB).  Fortunately, the WTB currently has more than 250 job opportunities and internships to help Soldiers find an answer to that question.  

WTB Commander LTC Mechelle Tuttle says 95 percent of the time Soldiers in the unit leave the military. While healing takes top priority once he or she lands in the WTB, not far behind is what  Tuttle calls the Soldier’s second priority–to transition.

“Our job is to help facilitate them in finding a new direction,” Tuttle said. “Sometimes they’re stuck  in a rut. They always wanted to be a Soldier and they don’t know how to think a different way.  There’s a multitude of opportunity out there. There’s a lot that will make you a valuable part of  society.”

Each Soldier develops a Comprehensive Training Plan (CTP). Through the aid of his or her transition support team, it is customized and designed to help him or her either return to the force or move into the role of Veteran. The CTP includes an education and training component where Soldiers can explore options in school, internships and other jobs. “There’s a wealth of information for Soldiers looking for opportunities,” said CW2 Ryan Moore.

Moore joined the WTB in August 2010. Originally planning to make the Army a career, Moore found he could no longer stay and cadre encouraged him to pursue his passion for photography. Moore attended classes at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

“The resources and time that were given to me has prepared me for the transition. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and it was a radical shakeup that would change things for me,” said Moore. “The leadership and mentoring I’ve been given is unmatched.”

Soon to leave the military, Moore has been accepted and plans to earn his Master of Fine Arts in Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design campus in Hong Kong.

About 46 percent of eligible Ft. Carson Warriors in Transition attend some type of school. Approximately 50 percent participate in on-the-job training. Currently, more than 20 different federal agencies have Soldier interns through Operation Warfighter. Northrop Grunman, Lockheed Martin, Space Command, Buckley and Peterson Air Force Base, the Forestry Service, Fort Carson, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and more also train WTB Soldiers.

Former WTB Soldier Isaac Torres said the flexibility of the education and training is key.

“Before my time in the Army, I had no trouble in school,” he explained. “After deployment, I had trouble with comprehension and understanding. I put myself down because I thought I was smarter than that.”

His WTB nurse case manager recommended art therapy classes and Torres found his niche. Since leaving the military, the former sergeant has sold several pieces, enrolled in culinary school, and hopes to combine his artistry and baking skills by becoming a pastry chef.

Torres said, “You try something like this out. You find it’s going to take a great deal of effort but you can accomplish it.”

WTB CSM Brian O’Connors added, “Education and training can help Soldiers redefine what success means to them. The biggest challenge is to get them to move out of their comfort zone and realize it will benefit them.”

Tuttle says Soldiers spend an average of about a year and a half in the WTB. During that time, nurse case managers, squad leaders, occupational therapists, and a newly hired transition coordinator help them identify how to prepare for their chosen career.

Often, organizations that want to hire Warriors in Transition will contact the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) or the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). “The discipline and values that come with military service is something that companies want,” said Tuttle.

WTB cadre say that’s when a Soldier finds that education and training pays off and he or she becomes a Veteran with years of service still ahead.

Adaptive Sports Paves the Road to Recovery for Soldiers

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Transition Command by on September 15, 2011 at 4:20 pm {no comments}

SFC Nouel Vargas, platoon sergeant, Bravo Company, Fort Carson WTB, practices his archery skills during an Adaptive Sports Experience clinic. The clinic was designed to “train the trainers”, who will pass those skills onto warriors in transition. Vargas also learned to operate the crossbow with his teeth, with an adaptive mitt and from a sitting position.

By Stacy Neumann, Fort Carson Medical Department Activity Public Affairs, Guest Blogger

SFC Jason Pichette gritted the Velcro strap in his jaw, using his teeth and neck to draw the crossbow’s strings back and pull it taut. The arrow flew forward, hitting the target’s lower third. The Soldiers behind him cheered.

“That was an accident,” the Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) platoon sergeant admitted with a sheepish grin. “I didn’t mean to let it go then.  I didn’t aim.”

Doesn’t sound like your typical day of Army physical training?  Welcome to PT– Warrior Transition style.

The Army’s Warrior Transition Command (WTC) established the use of adaptive sports to aid Warriors in Transition on the road to recovery and physical fitness. It mandates Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) find a way to implement at least three days of organized adaptive sports. Individual units determine how they want to do that. In addition, the WTC provided Fort Carson funding for at least 37 pieces of equipment, ranging from specialized wheelchairs, to crossbows and shot puts, and TRX® suspension trainer equipment. This equipment, worth more than $70,000, is designed to encourage and enhance the adaptive sports experience.

From August 15 through 19, Pichette joined 47 cadre members from Western Region WTUs, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) representatives and others for a five-day adaptive sports experience course designed to “train the trainers.” Participants teamed up with United State Paralympic athletes to learn adaptive sports techniques, in hopes of passing those skills onto Warriors in Transition.

Jeff Fabry assisted in archery instruction. After losing an arm and a leg in an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident, he went on to win bronze medals in the Beijing and Athens Paralympic Games.

Fabry noted, “I know what they’re going to see and what challenges they face. You have to think out of the box.”

On Fort Carson, the WTB partners with four types of entities:  the Colorado Springs-based LifeQuest Transitions, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation, the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Paralympic Military Program, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). The four WTB companies rotate four days a week at these facilities, tackling activities like cycling, archery, wheelchair basketball, aqua aerobics, kayaking, and sitting volleyball.

CPT Sarah Reynolds, WTB Assistant Operations officer, said, “They are exposed to each resource in hopes they can find out what fits them and benefits them the most. Then, we can continue to move them in that direction—perhaps get them into things like the Warrior Games or Ride2Recovery (a long distance cycling program).”

The first annual Warrior Games was held in May 2010 as a partnership between the Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic Committee. The inaugural event brought about 200 injured, wounded and ill participants from the four military services to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs as guests of the USOC Paralympic Military Program. Warrior athletes earn medals in each event and compete to be the “Ultimate Warrior” in a pentathlon format. The military service with the most points takes home the Chairman’s Cup.

Fort Carson plans to train at least 30 Soldiers to compete in the next Warrior Games.

SFC John Oliver, WTB Operations Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), added, “Even if they’re skeptical, they get in there and it’s a different experience. Competitive sports bring out the best in everybody. The ultimate goal is to change their frame of mind and get a positive attitude.”

In Fort Carson’s Garcia Physical Fitness Center, SSG James Mars’ colleagues were positive he wasn’t going to hit the target. His first arrow went wide, bouncing off the floor. Fabry showed the trainers some new techniques:  how to shoot for Soldiers without a limb, how to shoot from a wheelchair, and how to hold a bow if your hand won’t work. After enduring some teasing for his first shot, Mars hit the target.

Alpha Company squad leader SSG Muriel Droke said cadre try to show the Soldiers that trying new things and sticking with it is key.

“I like to lift weights. But after learning this stuff, I can do other things and see a difference and the Soldiers see that. Lead by example,” Droke said. “There’s no such thing as you can’t do it. There is always an alternate way.”

Mars added, “Its one step to help with other obstacles in life. You just taught yourself this. Now why can’t you go to school? Why can’t you take a class?”

Local cadre said the Fort Carson WTB began their revised adaptive sports training at the company level this month. Each company will get two months worth of exposure to the sports. Cadre said the skills from this workshop will allow them to help further develop resilient Soldiers who can demonstrate and believe in the battalion’s new motto, “CAN DO.”

 

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

Nine Eleven Summit

Filed under General by on September 13, 2011 at 4:38 pm {no comments}

The 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilience
By Erich Langer, WTC Stratcom 

COL Gadson participates in the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilience

Washington DC – As the Newseum’s Annenberg Theatre lights perked back to life following the debut of a powerful new wounded warrior documentary film, even the most casual observer knew there wasn’t a dry eye to be found.

Yes, most folks were touched and visibly moved by Jay Lavender’s new film, ‘Wounded Warriors’ Resilience’.  The short documentary was produced as part of a series commemorating the 10th anniversary of September 11 focused on the stories of remembrance, renewal, and resilience told by Army and Marine warriors wounded in combat.

  • MAJ Justin Constantine, a Marine Corps tanker who wasn’t able to communicate with an adjacent vehicle during battle took the initiative to leave the safety of his Abrams M-1 tank only to be shot and severely wounded by an enemy sniper. His life ultimately was saved by a young Marine who exited the tank under fire to pull back the wounded officer.  Today, he continues an active lifestyle pursuing many new sports, including adaptive golf, and works with the Wounded Warrior Project helping fellow wounded warriors.
  • SPC C.J. Stewart, an Army Medic whose job was to save others lives on the field of battle, but ultimately became a casualty himself after his arm was just about blown off.   A fellow Soldier, with little regard for his own safety, traversed open ground with threats of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) everywhere to reach his fallen comrade and render first-aid.  Stewart, despite losing lots of blood, had the presence of mind to instruct his buddy how to correctly apply the tourniquet, tightening it harder, harder and even harder-a procedure that ultimately would save his arm and probably his life.
  • 1LT Tyson Quink, an Army West Point graduate and standout football player with the Black Knights was still new to war was when he was blown up by an IED. When a buddy reached him to render aid and yelled, “…where’s your tourniquet? Quink responded like a battle-tested and experienced Solider is trained to do. He calmly pointed to a medical pouch strapped to one of his severed legs that was several yards away from his body. The young officer almost didn’t make it to the Annenberg Theater for the Summit. He had just returned from a funeral for a fellow U.S. Military Academy classmate, already his fourth.
  • 1LT (Ret.) Denis Oliverio, a Marine shot by an enemy sniper. The bullet found its mark and ultimately penetrated his head causing severe injury and ultimately scores of follow-up  surgeries. Not embittered by his injuries that required major reconstructive surgery, he relearned how to talk. He holds no grudge against the combatant responsible for his condition, ‘he was doing his job and I was doing mine’.
  • COL Gregory A. Gadson, Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Director, lost both legs while serving in Iraq.  The field artillery officer was traveling in a convoy when his vehicle was blown up by an IED.  His inspirational story of perseverance, grit, and determination is well known but he attributes his renewal and resilience to his strong faith in God and his Family.  ‘First of all, I was able to lead men into combat–this was an absolute honor. Most days I like who I am, and I am here today for all those wounded warriors before me. I believe it is my responsibility to do all I can to make it better for those who come after me.’

In a unique format, the film was shown with little introduction to a full house of 400 specially invited 9/11 Summit guests.  A panel discussion with several wounded warriors featured in the film was moderated by Univision correspondent Ilia Calderon.  Also joining the panel was GEN Peter Chiarelli, Army Vice Chief of Staff, and The Honorable W. Scott Gould, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Panelists were able to convey personal stories of remembrance, renewal and resilience, along with touching first-hand attributions that continue to impact them even today.  These stories without a doubt have become the fabric of life in and out of battle following the catastrophic events of 9/11 that took nearly 3,000 lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.

A broadcast team from the Pentagon Channel was in attendance, too.  Airing of the ceremony which included interviews with Gadson and Quink will soon be broadcast and available for viewing on the Pentagon Channel’s website.

The day-long 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit included other films and panel discussions moderated by political icons and senior broadcaster Dan Rather.  Each session topic focused on the extraordinary stories of unity, selflessness, and resiliency surrounding historic events that followed. In unique fashion, the summit also was forward-looking as panelists, featured speakers, and guests called on Americans to honor the day by making a commitment to embrace emergency preparedness, and serve the nation with a renewed focus and energy in building community and national resilience.

Making the Most of What You Have

Filed under Guest Blogger by on August 23, 2011 at 4:16 pm {no comments}

By Mark A. Campbell, CSF-PREP, Guest Blogger

Editor’s Note:  Mark A. Campbell serves as a WTU Master Trainer/WTC Liaison.  He joined Comprehensive Soldier Fitness- Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program (CSF-PREP) in 2007, and is currently working toward his doctorate in Health Promotion andWellness. The expressed comments and views of guest bloggers do not reflect the views of WTC or the United States Army.

Have you ever been walking through an airport, remember that you have to make a call before you board the plane, and realize that your cell phone battery is almost dead? You rush to the nearest outlet and plug in long enough to make the call, until you can arrive at your destination and fully recharge the battery.

Our personal energy stores are not unlike this. Have you ever left work feeling like you do not have enough “left in the tank” to spend quality time with your Family? One of the biggest performance challenges that an individual can face is effectively managing his/her energy. Life does not stop, it does not slow down, it will not wait for you. It is important to know how to make the most of the energy you have and to understand how to refill your energy tank whenever possible. “Energy management” is a term used to describe the process in which a person uses deliberate strategies to leverage the body’s energy resources.

I don’t have to tell you anything about stress. We are all masters of it. By definition, stress is “anything that causes us to mobilize energy.” If you look at it in that way, there are countless examples of this happening each day.  Another good analogy would be that of an ATM machine. Imagine all day long you withdraw various increments of cash. If we only make small deposits from time to time, then we will never get ahead. One of the biggest misconceptions in our society is that “I’ll get enough sleep when I’m dead.” I think we all realize that there is a wall, and without the proper recovery, we will most definitely hit it hard.  There are many different techniques that an individual can use to deliberately manage energy. Here are a few:

  1. Recovery Breathing: Slowing down our bodies and taking good, cleansing breathes can benefit us on multiple levels. Recovery breathing is a way to relax tense muscles, calm the mind, as well as deliver more oxygen throughout the body. This will also improve your memory and ability to think clearly.
  2. Reinterpret what you are up against:  By looking at upcoming events in your life as “challenges” instead of “threats” we are less likely to unnecessarily mobilize large amounts of energy in the form of doubt, worry, and fear. By looking at an event as a challenge, then you can plan for all of the ways you can grow from the experience and be successful.
  3. Control the Controllables: It is a common, human quality to focus on those things that we perceive as negative stressors, but have no control over (weather, traffic, other people, etc.). The only three things that we can ever truly control are what we think, what we say, and what we do. The next time you feel the negative effects of stress, look at what you can control in the situation. This will help to prioritize your stressors, and act on them accordingly.

It is important to have strategies in place for effectively managing your levels of energy. It will look a little differently for each of us, but the take-home message should be that stress happens. However, through deliberate recovery techniques we can minimize the negative effects. Our personal levels of energy are a scarce resource, and we should protect them in order to be at our best.

A Life Remembered

Filed under Advocate Story by on August 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm {one comment}

By Ken Garot, AW2 Advocate

AW2 Veteran Bob Briggs and his wife, Michelle. Bob passed away on June 28, 2011 due to medical complications as a result of the injuries he sustained in Iraq in 2005.

On April 16, 2005, three days after returning to Iraq from spending time with his Family in Iowa, SGT Bob Briggs was taking a break with several Soldiers waiting for the remainder of his unit to move to their location in Ramadi. With no warning of incoming fire, 110 mm mortars struck their position. Five Soldiers were killed instantly and many were injured. Bob was only ten feet from where one mortar struck, and the impact almost took Bob’s life and the lives of two Soldiers standing nearby.

After his emergency surgeries in Iraq, Bob was airlifted to Germany for intensive treatment for a severe head injury. He was brought back to life three times as the medical team worked frantically to stabilize his condition. After rehabilitation at Walter Reed, Bob returned to Iowa where these traumatic events would change not only his life, but that of his wife Michelle and their two children, Ashlea and Cody.

As a result of his injuries, Bob developed left side hemiplegia , or total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body, that required extensive and ongoing physical and occupational therapy.  Over the years, he would have his own dog, Pock, trained as a service dog to help him move without injuring himself. Bob remained active in many outdoor activities and events including bike riding and golf.

Bob and Michelle became deeply involved in Veteran’s Service Organizations throughout Iowa and the nation, and they were instrumental in the development and passage of an Iowa Grant Program worth up to $10,000 for Iowa wounded warriors medically evacuated out of the war zone. They were also the ground breakers for the English River Outfitters, an organization dedicated to providing all Veterans a place to relax and take time out to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and pleasant environment, free of charge.  More recently, Michelle traveled back and forth to Washington where she served on a panel of Veteran Family members giving input into the VA Caretaker program that was passed into law and implemented in early April 2011.

Bob passed away on June 28 at the age of 42 from medical complications related to the injuries he sustained in Iraq that fateful day in 2005. His sudden and unexpected death shocked and saddened all who loved him and created a deep sense of loss to a larger community who came to know and admire the work he had done on behalf of Veterans like himself. Bob’s life exemplified the phrase “selfless service” so others might give hope to those who sacrifice to serve their country. Despite his medical struggles, he proved that one person can make a difference.  His work will now go on through the efforts of Michelle and countless others who strive to make life better for those who gave so much.

 

Senior Noncommissioned Officers Discuss Way Ahead During Training Conference

Filed under Annual training, CSM Benjamin Scott by on August 19, 2011 at 1:59 pm {no comments}

By CSM Benjamin H. Scott, Jr., WTC Command Sergeant Major

CSM Benjamin H. Scott, Jr., the WTC Command Sergeant Major, speakingduring the training conference held in Orlando, FL.

CSM Benjamin H. Scott, Jr., the WTC Command Sergeant Major, spoke with several senior noncommissioned officers during the training conference held in Orlando, FL.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Sergeants Major, First Sergeants, and Senior NCOs from several Warrior Transition Units (WTUs), Community Based Warrior Transition Units (CBWTUs), and the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) during the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) Training Conference held in Orlando, FL.

During this Senior NCO meeting, I reinforced the idea of communication within our command and among each other resulting in a positive impact for the severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans.

I also listened to the NCO leadership express concerns, frustrations, and issues that plague them at their locations. Their suggestions and concerns have not gone unheard. The purpose of the WCTP Training Conference was to bring these ideas to the table, because if you don’t ask, you won’t get. While the Warrior Transition Command has come a long way, we still have a way to go, and the feedback from the Sergeants Major and First Sergeants will greatly improve the path to excellence.

A key component to the way ahead is understanding and implementing the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP). The CTP will help strengthen the leadership in the WTUs, Military Treatment Facilities, and the Senior Commanders—allowing for the best care possible.

So many times, my boss, BG Darryl A. Williams has stated, “CTP is the core of what we do.”   And I completely agree. In order for the CTP to be successful, we have to support it, own it, and live it. We are not simply setting the standards, but creating a foundation that will help these Soldiers and Veterans succeed for the rest of their lives. I’m not saying we can resolve all issues immediately, but we can’t take the necessary steps to fix something if we don’t know there is a problem that needs fixing. And the CTP helps us get at this realization.

The bottom line is that the CTP is a big deal.

BG Williams and I are committed to making this program a success by ensuring all severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans have the necessary tools and equipment to succeed and excel throughout their lives.

We will continue to stress the importance of the CTP and its essential role in ensuring the Soldiers, Veterans and their Families have the ultimate level of care and support that is standardized throughout the Army.

Along with our commitment to these Soldiers, Veterans, and Families, my personal commitment—and one that I stressed to the Senior NCOs during our meeting—is enforce the standards with compassion.

Read more about the Comprehensive Transition Plan on the WTC website.

Commander’s Drumbeat: One More Round

Filed under Annual training, Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on August 11, 2011 at 9:43 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

Herschel Walker visits with Soldiers

Herschel Walker visits with military personnel at the WCTP Training Conference in Orlando.

We’ve worked hard this week at the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) Training Conference, and folks were getting tired. We needed a little something, a little boost. Boy did we get it – in the form of Herschel Walker. This guy is awesome. He has a message I wish every Soldier and Family member could hear: “We can go one more round.” Most of you probably know that he is a Heisman Trophy winner, played for the New Jersey Generals, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles. What you may not know is that he suffered from dissociative identity disorder, dealt with extreme anger, and threatened others with physical violence of which he had no memory. He sought psychotherapy treatment and made his illness public to encourage others to seek help.

His story is peppered with references to his strong Christian faith and with sports anecdotes. With each demon he had to confront, he told himself, “I can go one more round.” One thing that struck a chord with the team at this conference was how he addressed stigma. In the Army, we talk a lot about stigma—the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care. It’s something we want to wipe out, something we want to overcome. Herschel’s message is that stigma doesn’t really exist when you know who you are and what you have to do. It is something used to make others feel less than who they are. When you know who you are and what to do, stigma doesn’t matter.

He also emphasized the importance of support networks and admitted that some people bailed on him when he went public. It didn’t matter, the people supporting him were the ones he needed. Getting better, getting free from his illness was what was important. He credits his ex-wife and pastor for getting him through the dark days. Herschel said there are times when you don’t think you can get up, times when you don’t think you can make it, and that’s when you need someone there to encourage you—to tell you that you can make it.

To me, his most compelling message is that maybe more important than telling people to seek help, is if you see a friend or family member struggling—go to them. Go to them because when they get to that really low point, they can’t see anything else. Help that friend or family member go one more round.

Herschel is also vocal about the importance of physical and mental fitness and how they go together. He understands it is important mentally to be able to know and understand your surroundings and that if you are physically fit you have the energy to adapt.

He shared that he considered a military career before he was recruited by Coach Vince Dooley at the University of Georgia. Herschel proudly admits he feels a connection with servicemembers because we have the ability to overcome and adapt in a lot of different situations. He compared the football team to the military saying that teamwork is how things get done.

Walker, who in his life has felt like he was not going to make it, wants Soldiers to know that they will make it. That there is no such thing as I can’t ; no such thing as I will give up; no such thing as I will quit. We can go one more round.

It’s clear my job as a senior leader is to create conditions where all of our Soldiers and their Families feel supported and part of a team—a team that can go one more round.

Hooah!

Commander’s Drumbeat: Partnering to Face Our Challenges – Warrior Care and Transition Program Training Conference

Filed under Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on August 10, 2011 at 7:52 pm {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy

John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, cited the Comprehensive Transition Plan as a very tangible example of the positive work done through the Warrior Care and Transition Program.

We are on a roll here in Orlando, FL. My staff did a super job planning this conference! More than 1,000 attendees spent the first two days training on the Comprehensive Transition Plan. When they return home they can help us standardize the transition planning process across the Army. Today we’re on to training segments focusing on interdisciplinary team members and warrior care improvement including: comprehensive pain management, adaptive sports, polypharmacy, force structure models, and internship opportunities.

We started the day with a presentation by John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy. I have to say, he is a super advocate for the wounded, ill, and injured, and for the military and civilian men and women who take care of them. He made it clear he understands the challenges Soldiers face while coping with posttraumatic stress and the challenges of successful transitions back to the force or of leaving the military.

It’s great to know that we are definitely on the same page and moving in the same direction. We are both energized about education and employment for our Soldiers who transition out of military service. Mr. Campbell captured it perfectly when he said that “long after the guns are silenced, we have not succeeded if all of America does not hear the silence of the drums of war as a deafening call to action–a call to help lead our wounded warriors, the next greatest generation, into the classrooms as teachers, into the board rooms as executives, into their communities as small business owners and entrepreneurs , and into the lives of all Americans as leaders in their communities, their government, and back to their military to help others along the way.”

He reflected on his generation of Veterans who didn’t have the support they needed to overcome challenges and vowed it is a scenario he refuses to see repeated. Following his remarks, I had the opportunity to meet today with Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) commanders and NCOs; then with doctors, nurses case managers, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

The reason I’m sharing this with you is twofold. One, to let you know that leaders in the warrior care arena, military and civilian, like me and like Mr. Campbell, are committed to providing the best possible support to today’s wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. Second, the meeting with this group of WTU medical professionals was historic. It was the first time we got them all together, and they are an extraordinarily dedicated and impressive group who deserve a shout out! They do good work, they change lives, they are critical to the success of our wounded, ill, and injured warriors. They also realize that Families are integral to the success of Warriors in Transition and that they need and deserve the same care and attention we provide their loved ones.

I feel confident—and you should too—that together with Mr. Campbell’s office and with our partners the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Veterans Administration, we can continue to improve and leverage resources internally and in local communities. An example of this is Judith Markelz. Mr. Campbell recognized her during his remarks so on behalf of the Army and Mr. Campbell, I too want to recognize her in this forum. She runs the Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio, TX. Ms. Markelz saw a need for a place where warriors and their Families could go to find resources, counseling, and a respite from their worries. She built the center from the ground up and people noticed. In 2008 $4 million was donated to the center for expansions, renovations, and improvements. It provides services to Soldiers and their Families and didn’t cost the Army a dime. So, kudos to Judith Markelz for her dedication, enthusiasm, and her selfless contributions to our wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their Families.

Folks, the bottom line here is that we’ve made great strides and we can continue to improve because our fight goes on. Know that I’ll stand with you to meet the challenges. Hooah.

Commander’s Drumbeat: VCSA Kicks Off Warrior Care and Transition Program Training Conference

Filed under Annual training, Leadership, Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on August 9, 2011 at 10:10 am {no comments}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN Peter Chiarelli, kicks off the Warrior Transition Command Training Conference in Orlando.

Army Vice Chief of Staff, GEN Peter Chiarelli, kicks off the Warrior Transition Command Training Conference in Orlando. His remarks were carried live on the Pentagon Channel: http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/. Scroll down and click on the Warrior Care & Transition Conference featured video.

Hi folks. I’m back in Orlando, FL this week. You likely recall I was here about two weeks ago for the AW2 Symposium. This week is all about the Warrior Transition Command and the Comprehensive Transition Plan or CTP. The CTP is a big deal. It’s the roadmap for warriors transitioning out of military service or remaining on active duty and transitioning back to the unit or to another Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

I’ve gathered about 1,000 people here from across the Army who directly impact the care of our wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their Families—from WTU cadre to clinicians, resource managers, and pharmacists.

The CTP is a seven-part multidisciplinary structured process for every Warrior in Transition that includes an individual plan that the Warrior in Transition builds for him/herself with the support of the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) cadre. Although it is standardized, it allows warriors to customize their recovery process, including setting and reaching personal goals. It includes a personal, customized plan created for the Soldier by the Soldier. This week is about the CTP, about committing to networking, learning the processes, and about standardizing how we support these Soldiers and their Families across the Army. The success of what we are doing this week will be measured in the extent to which what is learned results in real change. Change measured in terms of how well everyone, and I do mean everyone, implements every aspect of the CTP. So let’s galvanize this across the Army so that everybody is on the same sheet of music at the end of this week.

We couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. On Monday, GEN Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, kicked off our opening ceremony so we’re all energized and ready to take on the tough challenges. His remarks were carried live on the Pentagon Channel.  Enter GEN Chiarelli, Warrior Care, or Warrior Care & Transition Conference in the search box to the left of the All Videos ribbon or click on this direct link.

I encourage you to take a look at this. For those of you haven’t had the opportunity to hear him speak, GEN Chiarelli is passionate about taking care of Soldiers and their Families. He recognizes there is nothing more important than caring for our own and he understands the challenges and commitment of all of you who support our wounded, ill, and injured, active duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers. He was generous with his comments about how far we have come over the past few years, but clear that we still have improvements to make including continuing to take on post-traumatic stress disorder and concussions. He also addressed the Integrated Disability Evaluation System and where we are on that. He is committed to taking this on and partnering with Army leaders at the local levels and the Veterans Administration (VA) to streamline the process. Before he departed he challenged attendees to collaborate, share lessons learned, and commit to standardizing and implementing the CTP. It was great to hear him speak. It’s clear he gets that this is important, especially in a resource constrained environment. I want you to know that I share his passion and if we stay on track with training, education, employment, and keep telling our story, we’ll get this job done.

Training is important. I want to improve resiliency for our Soldiers, for our cadre and for all of you in this room. Have you heard of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Master Resiliency Training? It’s a great course—resiliency is important for social workers, for nurses, noncommissioned officers (NCOs), doctors—everybody. Look into this. If you help yourselves, you help your Soldiers and their Families.

Education can be addressed on numerous levels. For now, I want you all to understand the Continuation on Active Duty (COAD) and Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) programs. I want Soldiers to know and understand the process for staying on active duty if that is what they want and they are able to do it.

Finally, you’ve all heard me say this before—we’ve got to work on careers and jobs for these warriors. They all deserve a soft place to land regardless of whether they stay in the Army or not.

Before I sign off I want to give a big shout out to our social workers! This is one dedicated group—they worked all day Saturday and Sunday. That’s impressive. They are a vital part of the WTU team and contribute directly to the success of our wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their Families. They brought some issues to my attention, and we’re going to look into them. These are the conversations I want to have and plan to have this week. That’s why I’m here. I look forward to the week ahead. Hooah!

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Warriors in Transition can submit a blog by e-mailing WarriorCareCommunications [at] conus.army.mil.