Soldiers Rebuild Futures through Career Transformation

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by on November 27, 2012 at 2:19 pm {no comments}

Operation Warfighter candidate SSG Kimberly Webster (left) works with a colleague to provide customer service in the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
SSG Kimberly Webster recovered at the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion (BAMC-WTB) after suffering nerve damage to her right knee, leg, and foot from an injury while deployed in Iraq. After her injury, she recalls facing “the challenge of finding something completely new” after working in Army aviation for 23 years. It wasn’t until she learned of Operation Warfighter (OWF) that she became optimistic about her professional future.

As a federal internship program designed to place servicemembers in supportive work settings outside of the hospital environment, OWF seeks to positively impact this population while they seek to join the civilian workforce. The program encourages several strategies for success including resume building, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, and gaining valuable federal government work experience in order to increase employment readiness during their recovery.

Due to the support she received through OWF and WTB Transition Coordinator Zach Gant, SSG Webster is now completing an internship with the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS).

“OWF helped me rehabilitate. It was good to get back to working with a team and into a daily routine,” she said. “After six months, I know what to expect every day. I know there’s a workplace where I belong.”

Transition Coordinators like Gant support recovering Soldiers at 29 WTUs and nine Community-Based WTUs (CBWTUs) nationwide. They work with OWF to help employers at federal agencies and private sector organizations connect with wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from all services who anticipate transitioning out of the military soon.  In the Army, each Soldier recovering in a WTU develops career goals through their personalized Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).

“The Soldiers with a plan, and who are working toward it, are the ones who are successful after they leave the WTU,” said Gant.

SSG Claudia Mendez, another Soldier healing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Warrior Transition Battalion (JBLM-WTB), encourages Soldiers to take a chance.  With a background in the military medical field, she has now learned that she “loves customer service and being around people,” after working in the installation’s Defense Military Pay Office through OWF.

“You can’t limit yourself to what you’ve always known,” she said.  “So many doors can open in your favor.”

For more information about employment opportunities for wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, visit the Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) website at www.WTC.army.mil.

 

No Cost, On-Line Training at Syracuse University for Post 9-11 Veterans and Soldiers

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by on November 23, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

1LT Bryan Upham, Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit, prepares for his professional future.

By Luann Georgia, WTC Stratcom
The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, a member of the Community Support Network*, is offering a “Veterans Technology Program” to post-9/11 Veterans and Soldiers with a minimum of a high school diploma.  The program is a non-credit, certificate program that is offered at no cost.  There are four certificate programs to select from.  Each course is delivered online, which enables students to participate from any location and at a time that is convenient to their schedule.

The program is designed to help post-9/11 Soldiers and Veterans create development plans which are specific to individual skill sets, interests, and goals, as well as gain understanding of and insight into the corporate culture of global companies. Program participants learn to effectively prepare for and execute job searches, as well as resume and cover letter writing. The technical aspects of the Veterans Technology Program allow participants to focus on a specific concentration of their choice and, where applicable, acquire industry certification.

For additional information about the program and instructions on how to apply, log onto: http://get-vet.syr.edu

*Community Support Network has a variety of providers on the WTC and AW2 website that are available to assist in the career transition process. These supporters are actively engaged in helping the wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans and Family members.  They offer opportunities on training, education, apprenticeships, certification and more.

 

Jon Zagami Proves Disabled Veterans Add Value in the Workplace

Filed under Career/Education, Warrior Transition Command by on November 21, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

Jon Zagami, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), demonstrates his leadership abilities and unique skill set in the workplace as a disabled Veteran.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
Jon Zagami’s story is one that serves as a model for employers. As a Veteran living with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), he can recall a time when he laid in a hospital bed and wondered if he would ever walk again.

Today, Zagami is a leader on his team at Caterpillar Financial, working on the company’s most difficult portfolio. He motivates his peers, demonstrates hard work, and gets results. But in looking back to a time when he was searching for a job, Zagami says he worried about how to convey to employers that he could add value to the workplace despite his injuries.

“One of the biggest questions in my mind was, how am I going to explain to people that I left the Army because of injuries?” he said. “And you know, looking at it from an employer’s perspective, I understand that it sounds scary, and a lot of questions arise.”

Although he lives with PTSD, TBI, and physical injuries, Zagami felt that he should give no reason for his employer to feel that he was different from others, so he turned down accommodation offers and opted to not use crutches at work.

“I don’t want any reason to prove to other people that I’m different,” he said.  “I just want to come in here, and I want a chance to excel.”

And he does. David Michael, Zagami’s supervisor, says that Zagami comes to work every day and performs at an exceptionally high level, acting as a model employee to his fellow colleagues.

“People look to Jon for direction, and he has a way of motivating those around him toward accomplishing difficult tasks,” he said. “A lot of our customers are having challenging or difficult financial times, and he’s able to calmly work with them and make them feel good about the solutions we are offering.”

Zagami says that his ability to work on the most stressful projects while keeping calm and focused is due to his perspective on life.

“I’m lucky that I have an opportunity to work with the most difficult portfolio that we have. I enjoy it every single day,” he said. “While it stresses some people out, I can keep a smile on my face and say this is not that bad, because I know how bad it really can be.”

Zagami demonstrates leadership and motivation in the workplace, and his actions are telling of his appreciation for his job. He thinks that employers should take the opportunity to hire Veterans for their unique skill set and experience.

“If I had the ability to hire someone who had worn the uniform over a peer with the same education level, or the same experience, it’s a no-brainer to me.  I know that this person’s been tried.”

AW2 Soldier Credits Comprehensive Transition Plan for Helping Him Through His Recovery Process

Filed under Adaptive Sports, General, Warrior Transition Command by on November 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

AW2 Soldier and Operation Warfighter Intern 1LT Dana Summons recently joined the WTC adaptive reconditioning branch. He will help other wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers add physical activities in their journey to recovery.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with AW2 Soldier and Operation Warfighter Intern 1LT Dana Summons who recently started working at the Warrior Transition Command in the adaptive reconditioning branch. He has 18 years of military service and takes full advantage of the different opportunities made available. I’m inspired by his positivity and courage. Most of all, I wanted to know why Summons feels it is important to share his story.

“The Army has given and invested so much in training me,” Summons said. “I currently have a bachelor’s degree in arts and history and am also working to complete an associate’s degree in project management.”

During our conversation, he credited the six domains of the Comprehensive Transition Plan  in helping with his journey to recovery. The Comprehensive Transition Plan is a systematic framework that allows wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers to customize their recovery plan across six domains—career, physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual.

“I can clearly see how important the six domains are in my life,” Summons said. “For example, working at my internship has been therapeutic for me. It has helped with my physical domain because I have to get back and forth on the metro, but also the social [domain], because I’m interacting with individuals again.”

On October 4, 2010, while deployed to Kandahar with the 101st Airborne, 3rd Brigade, Summons stepped on a dismounted, pressure-plated Improvised Explosive Device. The blast threw him 10 feet into the air.

“Smoke was everywhere, my ears were ringing, and I heard someone yelling ‘the LT’s been hit, the LT’s been hit,’ Summons said. “I knew there was only one other LT there, and I saw her running around, checking on her Soldiers.”

“As the smoke cleared, I turned my head to look at my right shoulder, and that’s when I saw my foot there. My left leg was across my chest,” Summons added. “All I could think was, oh boy, his is really going to hurt.”

A 19-year-old medic told the squad leader to grasp the artery in Summons’s right arm where shrapnel had embedded into his shoulder.

“If the medic had not known to do this, I would have lost my arm,” Summons said. “I credit him with saving my arm, and my life.”

Two years and 14 surgeries later, Summons shares his positive message and his faith to help other wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.

“When I was healing and going through my recovery process, my mental state was at the lowest point. I had to readjust, and I didn’t know how to transition to the new normal,” he said. “I have always believed in a spiritual being, but going through this really strengthened my faith.”

“I want others to know that life goes on, and it’s possible to fulfill hopes and dreams even with physical limitations,” Summons added. “Someone can always benefit from your story.”

Summons’ Operation Warfighter (OWF)  internship landed him in the Warrior Transition Command adaptive reconditioning branch. This office is responsible for aiding in the recovery of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers by reconditioning their physical, emotional, mental, and cognitive states through adaptive activities.

“It’s great to have Soldiers who have gone through similar life changes working at our organization,” said LTC Keith Williams, WTC adaptive reconditioning branch chief. “We can’t expect other organizations to hire our wounded, ill, and injured if we are not willing to do the same.”

“LT Summons is doing a fantastic job so far, and I look forward to the insight he can give us to better help our population,” Williams added.

While Summons is still waiting for a final decision to see if he is able to continue his military career, or is found unable to continue, he said he wants others going through similar situations to learn from his experience.

“I had to learn how to walk again, but I didn’t let that stop me. I mean, look at me now. It’s two years later and I’m living a very happy life,” Summons said.

Warrior Transition Command Soldier Recognized for Commitment to Wounded, Ill, and Injured Soldiers

Filed under General, Warrior Transition Command by on November 13, 2012 at 4:53 pm {no comments}

MSG Howard Day receives the National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS) Selfless Service Award during the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy graduation ceremony. SGM of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, NAUS representative Mike Plumer, CSM Rory Malloy, USASMA Commandant, and CSM D.L. Yates, USASMA Course Director congratulated Day on his achievement.

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
MSG Howard Day, Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Soldier, was recently honored by the National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS) with the Selfless Service Award. Day was recognized by the organization during his graduation ceremony from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), Fort Bliss, Texas. He received the award for his volunteer service to wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans during his 10-month resident’s course.

“Being recognized was a humbling and remarkable moment,” said Day, the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) in charge for the U.S. Army WTC Standardization and Evaluation Branch. “I was honored to be recognized for the unique challenge of being a full-time student and still being able to help wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.”

“Soldiers are constantly held to certain standards known as the Army values. These values are ingrained from the start of basic training throughout a military career, so to be recognized for something that happens naturally lets me know I set the example for younger Soldiers,” he said.

During Day’s attendance at the USASMA, he volunteered more than 160 hours to the WTC, organizing several Warrior Games shooting clinics and working as the 2012 Warrior Games Army’s shooting team coach.

“Taking care of each other and taking care of Family is an example of the values our Soldiers in the Army have,” said WTC CSM Mark A. Dennis. “I have served in several deployed theaters and our NCOs and Soldiers always go above and beyond to do their best to take care of people.”

“Our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers need the support. Many have made sacrifices that others cannot imagine. Sacrifices that change their lives and their Families’ lives forever,” he added. “Even if assistance is not needed it is always nice for them to know that it is available, and that someone truly cares enough to be there for them.”

The NAUS Selfless Service Award is presented to a servicemember for his or her volunteer community service and leadership. Recipients serve their country by loyally doing their duty without thought of recognition or gain, and with the basic building block of selfless service being the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

“MSG Day has the spirit of volunteering, and the spirit of going above and beyond, but I will say that many in our organization do. There are no other organizations in the Army like our Warrior Transition Units,” said Dennis. “For example, the cadre volunteer to do the jobs they do. They are evaluated on the performance of their challenging positions, and they work very long and hard hours to take care of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.”

“I believe that MSG Day being the recipient of the NAUS award while attending the Sergeants Major Academy demonstrates the true spirit of the commitment of our Enlisted Corps to never leave a fallen comrade,” said Dennis. “This sets a great example for others in taking his time from an already extremely busy schedule at the academy to assist others to make their life a little better, and to show that there are those out there that truly care.”

Day admitted he had challenges trying to coordinate all of the activities and ensure the athletes received the appropriate amount of training for them to successfully compete in the shooting events during the Warrior Games.

“We had many objectives to accomplish. There were a lot of moving parts, and I still had to meet the academy’s requirements,” he said.

“I worked a lot with U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and the Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Battalion,” he added. “We also partnered with the UTEP (University of Texas El Paso) to host the clinics at a location near Fort Bliss, and coordinated with Comprehensive Soldier Fitness- Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program in order for the events to be a success.”

Day’s 27-year military career consists of being an infantryman and a drill sergeant. He has workedon various assignments including a stint with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and in protective services while deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006.

During Day’s 2009 Afghanistan deployment, he tore cartilage in his knee. After being evacuated, he was treated and transferred to the Fort Sill Warrior Transition Unit for seven months. While at the WTU, he worked on his recovery but remained vigilant in helping other wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. His dedication led to contact with the WTC Operations Division Chief to work at the headquarters.

“It is my honor working with MSG Day here at the Warrior Transition Command,” said Dennis. “He sets the right example for the NCO Corps and for our junior enlisted in the Army to emulate. His hard work and dedication are appreciated by us all.”

“This was another true sign of his commitment to our Soldiers. Since his arrival back to the WTC he has been serving as the NCOIC for our Organizational Inspection Program team that goes out twice a month to different WTUs to ensure we are providing the best services to our Soldiers,” said Dennis. “He is the type of NCO that is 100 percent committed to all he does.”

Along with the NAUS award, Day received a three-year membership to NAUS and an invitation to the NAUS 44th Annual Meeting and Luncheon October 20, 2012 where retired GEN David Petraeus was the keynote speaker.

Community Support Network Organization Uses Tattoos to Boost Confidence

Filed under Warrior Transition Command by on November 9, 2012 at 11:21 am {no comments}

An employee with Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) adds finishing touches to the Purple Heart medal design on a prosthetic leg. GTOPI is a member of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command Community Support Network.

Editor’s Note: Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations is a participant in the WTC Community Support Network, formerly known as the AW2 Community Support Network.

By: WTC Stratcom
Headquartered in Port Orchard, WA, Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI) was founded in 2008 by Dan Horkey, who lost the lower half of his leg during a motorcycle accident when he was 21.

In 2004, the tattooed prosthetic idea started when Horkey began fabrication training at a company that makes prostheses and braces. Within a week of training, he had fabricated his own personal prosthetic socket, and applied his first tattoo. Two years later, he tattooed his prosthetic again but with artwork that reflected his personality. “I put flames on my socket and the compliments from strangers made my self-esteem go through the roof,” Horkey said. “I wear it with pride, and I wanted that for others, to feel whole again.”

GTOPI offers state of the art, patent-pending methods such as airbrushing, fine art hand-brushing, pin-striped designs, and painting with automotive colors for prosthetics. Some of the methods also include custom painted automotive finishes and then airbrushing or hand-painting the design of choice. GTOPI uses materials that are safe for children and adults, durable, and of professional quality.

If you are interested in a prosthetic tattoo, the wounded Soldier or Veteran can contact GTOPI at (360) 895-1976, and they will get your order started. Currently, the services are a covered service at 100% with a qualified consult prescription when written by a Veteran Affairs (VA) physician or a VA Psychiatrist. For more information, visit http://www.gtopi.com.

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

Send organization referrals to usarmy.pentagon.medcom-wtc.mbx.communitysupportnetwork@mail.mil

Warrior Games Assessment and Selection Clinics Underway

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Warrior Care Month, Warrior Games, Warrior Transition Command by on November 8, 2012 at 4:59 pm {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom

U.S. Army SSG Charles Baird, currently assigned to the Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit, takes aim during the Army archery and sitting volleyball assessment and selection clinic for the 2013 Warrior Games.

The U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command Warrior Games assessment and selection clinics are currently being held throughout the United States to find the best athletes to represent the Army during the annual Warrior Games.

“The clinics are really good because it gives me a chance to get active and be a part of a team again,” said SGT Jeremy Bowser, currently assigned to B Company, Fort Drum Warrior Transition Unit. “I feel I’m getting involved and not just sitting around doing nothing. “

The first multi-sport clinic was held in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the last week of October and the second multi-sport clinic will take place November 4 – 9, 2012, at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Fort Belvoir clinic included specialized training in archery and sitting volleyball, and the Fort Bliss clinic will include cycling and swimming activities.

“Providing opportunities to compete and rebuild confidence in their abilities is the primary reason we’re holding these clinics, but we also want Soldiers and Veterans to try the different reconditioning activities.” said LTC Keith Williams, Adaptive Reconditioning Branch Chief, Warrior Transition Command. “This is the athletes chance to see if there’s another sport they would really enjoy doing.”

“Bringing awareness to the different types of activities available is the one of the reasons we host clinics and camps on military bases or highly populated military areas,” Williams added. “Our primary camps and clinics focus on holistically reconditioning our Soldiers in each of the six Comprehensive Transition Plan domains.”

Since 2010, nearly 200 wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers and Veterans competed annually at Warrior Games, a unique partnership between the Department of Defense and U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Program. Warrior Games’ athletes  compete in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, track and field, archery, and competitive shooting. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the athletes or team members who place first, second, or third  in their events respectively.

“It’ll be exciting if I make the team because I’ve never done a competition like this before,” said SSG Charles Baird, currently assigned to A Company, Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit. “This is a new experience, and it will be a great honor to take part in something like this which not everyone is able to do.”

Although Baird is competing for a position on the Army’s archery team, he decided to look into the other Warrior Games sports for a chance to secure a spot on the team.

“Participating in these clinics is very therapeutic and helps take my mind off of other things.” Baird said. “I’ve played wheelchair basketball before, but I will have to learn how to swim because if I don’t make the team this year I’ll have an extra advantage for next year’s team.”

Last year the Army dominated in several events, winning more than sixty medals, and 2013 Warrior Games looks to be no different.

“After watching the competitors during the clinic and the feedback I’m getting from the field, I have no doubt the Army’s team will be a reckoning force during the 2013 Warrior Games,” Williams said.

Duty with Fort Hood WTB – An Incredible Journey for Former Commander

Filed under General, Warrior Care Month, Warrior Transition Command by on November 5, 2012 at 5:13 pm {no comments}

U.S. Army MAJ Jason Good of the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade.

By Major Jason “Jay” Good, Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade
I am honored to recognize Warrior Care Month by sharing a snapshot of my experience as cadre in a Warrior Transition Unit. I had the distinct privilege of working for the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) since January of 2008 when I was first activated as an Army reservist.

What an amazing journey and life-changing trek! Since I started here, I commanded more than 700 Soldiers in transition, and served with numerous cadre and civilian staff members. It’s been both an honor and a privilege.

I knew within a month of arriving at this newly formed organization that this assignment was going to be special.

I began my journey here as a company commander. From there, I moved on to battalion executive officer, and later, to battalion commander. In 2011, I stood up our pilot remote care program, and here I am in 2012, the Brigade S3—the last duty assignment of my Army career.

I developed personal relationships with everyone, and truly became a life coach to those that I served. With that, I had to expose myself in a way that allowed others to see me as a human, a man behind the uniform with similar life challenges.

I shared my own stories of failures and accomplishments, mental and physical battles, and the internal desire to overcome and achieve on the path to recovery. Whatever medical or personal issue we faced, I had to be part of the treatment plan, which was a real commitment to the journey, not just in words, but in a partnership that could be visualized through action. Embracing this commitment allowed me to see my role in a different light.

During this five-year journey, I shed many tears of sorrow from the countless memorials of Soldiers lives taken too early. Whether it was terminal cancer, addiction, or sudden tragedy, the impact was the same. My heart ached for the staff, friends and Family left behind who worked diligently as a team to surround the Soldier with “care and compassion.”

I also shared in many personal moments of joy, watching Soldiers in transition accomplish something great through the belief that anything is possible on the way to healing. This journey allowed me to be a part of the inaugural Warrior Games, bike over 400 miles with Ride 2 Recovery, participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March, build a relationship with the USO, forge a partnership with our community adaptive sports, develop resiliency opportunities for cadre, and become a role model for my peers.

As I pack my bags and move on to retirement, I will be forever thankful that I was given the privilege to serve those in need who committed themselves to a greater cause.

As my military journey ends and I, too, transitioning, will have many memories of my time with the WTB. I gained lifelong friends in the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade by simply being myself and sharing in the human spirit.

AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell Calls on Employers to Break Down Preconceived ideas of TBI, PTSD, and Physical Disabilities

Filed under AW2, General, Warrior Transition Command by on October 5, 2012 at 11:15 am {no comments}

AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell continues to share his story publicly in order to inspire wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans and to gain support for the AW2 community.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
Recently I had the pleasure of connecting with AW2 Veteran, retired CPT Alvin Shell who spoke with his wife two weeks ago on a panel at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium. After the event, I was eager to follow up with CPT Shell and learn more about him and his outlook. I respect his bravery and wanted to know why he thinks it is important to share his story. Most of all, I wanted to know how CPT Shell feels when he speaks about his journey through transition and into recovery.

Alli: What did it mean to you to share your story at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium?

CPT Shell:  It meant a lot to share my story with the attendees at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium. When I saw some of the people wiping away tears, nodding their heads to affirm a point I was trying to make, and clapping their hands, it made me feel like my Family’s sacrifice was appreciated.

Alli: How have experiences like this symposium helped you throughout your recovery?

CPT Shell: Experiences like this have really helped me. I always get more from the experience than I give. Hearing other stories of triumphs, tenacity, and true American patriotism is what gets me out of bed. These other wounded warriors keep me humble and inspired. I can never complain about my burned limbs and joint pains when there are others without limbs and joints that work twice as hard as me.

Alli: What message can you give to other wounded, ill, and injured Veterans who have recently separated from the Army and are looking for jobs?

CPT Shell: Work hard. Don’t allow people to focus on your disabilities, allow them to focus on your abilities. There is no defined career track, promotion point system, or senior NCOs to guide you through your career. If you begin to feel like you deserve a promotion or a job without merit and stop relying on the tenacity that helped you fight through your recovery and through your military career, you will be left behind and miss opportunities in your organization.

Alli: What is the biggest lesson you learned through your injury and recovery?

CPT Shell: My Family is everything to me. My mother and father are my heroes. I draw strength from their wisdom and love. My three boys inspire me to work hard. They have taught me more than I have taught them. My wife has been everything a husband could ask for.

Alli: How can real people support wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans who are actively seeking employment?

CPT Shell: Break down the preconceived ideas of what TBI, PTSD, and physical disabilities are and talk to our wounded warriors. Their patriotism will inspire. Their work ethic will enhance your company. Their stories are the building blocks of this nation.

Thank you CPT Shell for taking the time to answer my questions and share with us your positive and supportive messages. Thank you for your commitment to your fellow Veterans and your strength in supporting those who have served our country. Thank you for inspiring us.

 

Commander’s Drumbeat: Visits to Warrior Transition Units Inspiring

Filed under Warrior Transition Command, WTC Commander by on September 12, 2012 at 11:00 am {no comments}

By BG David Bishop, Commander, Warrior Transition Command
After two months on the job as Commanding General of the Warrior Transition Command and Assistant Surgeon General for Warrior Care, I’m already deeply inspired by the indomitable spirit of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers recovering at our Warrior Transition Units (WTU), their Families and by the cadre who support them. As an armor officer I’ve seen firsthand the significance and results of your efforts and I recognize the dedication and talent of everyone who supports our WTU Soldiers and their Families – here in the National Capital Area and in the field.

Almost immediately after arriving here I began visiting WTUs – I’ve seen 12 in 60 days.  I’ve had the opportunity to talk with Senior Mission Commanders, Soldiers, Family members, cadre, and interdisciplinary team members.  I was able to examine a variety of issues with a primary focus on suicide prevention, sexual harassment and assault prevention, and the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), which directly impacts our WTU Soldiers.  I received invaluable input and feedback from leaders on supporting wounded, ill and injured Active Component and Reserve Component Soldiers and their Families. As a result of this great feedback, my staff is already working to address many of the challenges we encountered.

I toured barracks and saw for the first time virtual reality technology that helps our severely wounded adapt when they return home. At the U.S. Open in New York I met with wounded, ill and injured service members and U.S. Tennis Association representatives.  Physical fitness has always been important to me and this group helped me understand the special role adaptive reconditioning and sports can play in helping Soldiers heal. Our Warrior Games athlete, Army SPC Ryan McIntosh, was particularly impressive.  A positive, determined, and resilient below-the-knee amputee and Soldier, SPC McIntosh represented the Army well as a U.S. Open ball person and also during multiple national media interviews.  I expect to see him compete during the 2013 Warrior Games and very likely in the 2016 Paralympics.

As the WTC Commander and Assistant Surgeon General for Warrior Care, a significant part of my role is to educate, inform, and inspire the Warrior Care and Transition Program team.   Understand that you are all critical to ensuring that we honor our sacred obligation to continue to care for wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers as long as there is a need.

I am privileged to be a member of this team and look forward to serving you and keeping you up-to-date on what’s going on at WTC and throughout the Warrior Care and Transition Program.

Army Strong!

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