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What Would You Share?

Filed under Resources by on October 11, 2010 at 2:32 pm {one comment}

By Lee McMahon, Public Affairs Specialist, Defense Media Activity

If there’s one thing the Army taught me is that there are lessons to be learned in most situations. Having put together countless After Action Reports, I’ve felt the benefit of looking back and reflecting on experiences. The idea of lessons learned can be applied in everyday situations like every time I get lost in my car. Lesson learned: I need to accept the fact that given a choice of directions I will always choose wrong. Bring a map. There are probably other people out there who can relate to that one. When it comes to lessons learned in the military though, considering that less than 1% of the U.S. population serves, it’s a smaller group to share lessons learned. And those lessons are pretty unique. Just ask anyone who has deployed for the first time with the wrong gear. Or gone out on patrol with a Kevlar that didn’t quite fit (ouch).

When I think of important lessons learned in the military today, I think of wounded, ill and injured soldiers and their families. During my time working for AW2 I was amazed daily by the fortitude of wounded warriors and their families. Their ability to tackle the formidable obstacles put in their way and come out the other side with knowledge and expertise was impressive to say the least. I’ve met parents and spouses that I would have thought went to medical school based on their knowledge of their soldier’s condition. Wounded warriors who found ways to speed up recovery that left experts confounded. These are the lessons no one wants to have to learn. But I stand in awe of those who have.

This month, Defense Media Activity is looking at lessons learned from the recovery and reintegration of wounded warriors and their families and caregivers on the “In Their Own Words” blog. Capturing what folks know now that they wish they knew then; things that enabled personal success; what to avoid that can derail recovery progress. If you have lessons learned to share, please visit the Lessons Learned Blog.

For me, as an enlisted Soldier in the Army, I learned lessons at every rank. And most every lesson I learned came from those more experienced than I.

Through talking with AW2 Soldiers, Veterans and Families, I know the unique expertise you have gathered. Here’s a chance to share some of it with the soldiers who follow.

It’s About The People

Filed under General, Staff Story by on October 1, 2010 at 4:31 pm {no comments}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

Last night I felt a bit disloyal to the Army. I was wearing a black and gold outfit—in a seat of white dress uniforms. Admiral, Rear Admiral, Master Chief, Boatswain’s Mate, Master-at-Arms, Seabee, and many more unfamiliar ranks, terms and references swirled around. At times I felt like an imposter—that those around me could see I wasn’t a part of “their team.” 

But then the program started—the second annual Navy Safe Harbor Awards Ceremony which was honoring wounded warriors, their Families, and non-medical care managers.

Throughout the evening, 12 people who are part of Navy Safe Harbor were recognized. I stress people because I think that’s what we need to keep in mind. Officer/Enlisted. Navy/Coast Guard. Men/Women.  Wound/Ill/Injured. Active Duty/Veteran. Amputee/Burned. First and foremost, they are people—neighbors, friends, or co-workers with a demanding job that often puts them in harm’s way. To me, when we think of our military as a group (Navy, Army, artillery, sonar technician), we put them at arm’s length. 

Those recognized last night showed the best of people (who happened to serve in the Navy), including:

  • Mark, who stepped from behind cover in Iraq to protect his team resulting in a gun shot wound in his eye that exited behind his ear—retired now, he’s a Deputy Sheriff and SWAT team member.
  • Will, who was injured when the brow (a steel walkway connecting the ship to the pier) disconnected dropping him 30 feet onto concrete, an amputation of his leg followed—most recently he was the Navy team captain at the 2010 Warrior Games where he gave up his chance to win (and medal) to help another wounded warrior make it across the finish line
  • Henry, who was diagnosed with Stage 4, type B Lymphoma (Hodgkins)—during his treatment he fought to be re-assigned to the sonar repair and maintenance shop so that he could continue to work on his career even while he wasn’t on a submarine

By the end of the event, it was clear to me that it wasn’t about Navy or Army—it was about recognizing amazing people. People who wear the uniform. People who serve the country. People who give it all at work. People who are role models. People I was honored to meet.

Suicide: How Much Do You Care?

Filed under Behavioral Health, Resources by on September 30, 2010 at 5:29 pm {2 comments}

By Tim Poch, WTC STRATCOM

Approximately 450 Soldiers died between fiscal years 2006 and 2009, not at the hands of Al-Qaida or the Taliban, not as a result of a training exercise or traffic accidents, not from cancer or any other medical condition.

What has invaded our Army? Who is this unseen enemy? Who is taking the lives of our finest young men and women? The answer to those questions can be found in one word, a word that the Army states accounts for roughly 43 percent of non-combat Soldier deaths, suicide.

The above figures are from the 2010 Army Health Promotion Risk Reduction Suicide Prevention report. Even more alarming than these numbers is the fact that the rate doubled beginning with 82 suicides in 2006 and ending with 160 in 2009.

From January to June 2010, the Army had 145 active duty suicides which is more than occurred during the same time period last year, according to Tony Arcuri, Well-being Plans and Operations Division Chief, Headquarters Army Materiel Command, G-1, unfortunate proof that the suicide rate is not decreasing.

In a recent Atlanta Journal article, Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff, Army said, “these are not just statistics; they are our Soldiers and civilians.”

According to a recent article in an Army publication, reducing the incidence of suicide within the Army requires a holistic approach to improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of our Soldiers, Families and civilians. Focusing on the resiliency and positive life coping skills of our Army family will not only lower suicide rates, but will enhance the quality of life for our entire Army community.

One of the ways the Army is addressing this holistic approach is through The U.S. Army Public Health Commands behavioral health team which developed a program called “Ask, Care and Escort” or ACE. This new program provides Soldiers with the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to intervene with those at risk. Some aspects of the four-hour training program include awareness, warning signs, risk factors and intervention skills development.

The point of the program is simply this – get involved, ask the tough questions, observe behavior and get your battle buddy help by escorting them to a professional.  Ask, Care, Escort.  It’s something we all need to do.

At the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) we take suicide prevention seriously. To help strengthen the Army’s suicide prevention initiatives, WTC developed a more comprehensive risk assessment, strengthened Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) cadre training to include suicide prevention and safety, added more AW2 Advocates, and developed a 6-part transition process for wounded Soldiers. Together, along with the other Army programs aimed at combating suicide, the WTC is taking the right steps–steps that will help save lives.

This month is Suicide Prevention Month and as I take another look at the ACE program I faced a realization. Have you noticed the middle letter of the acronym? The middle word and the center of the program’s tag line is CARE.

Caring is the heartbeat of suicide prevention. Get involved. Caring for your battle buddy, family member or spouse should be our number one priority and it’s one that I take seriously and I hope you do too.

If  you or someone you know needs help, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate assistance.

Also please take a moment to read more about U.S. Army Suicide Prevention.

Continuation on Active Duty–Doing What the Army Needs Me to Do

Filed under Career and Education, COL Gadson, Soldier Story by on September 16, 2010 at 2:57 pm {3 comments}

By COL Greg Gadson, AW2 Director

When I was injured, I had my heart set on staying in the Army, even though I knew I would be found unfit.  I’m a Soldier—I’ve been a Soldier for 22 years, and my desire to serve didn’t disappear when an IED exploded under me, costing me my legs.  I knew I wouldn’t be a field artillery officer out on the gun line, but I could do something else.  I wasn’t on a gun line when I got injured; I was doing what the Army needed me to do.  And that’s what I’m doing now, as a COAD Soldier leading AW2—it’s what the Army needs me to do. 

For Soldiers who will be found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) is a great opportunity to continue our service.  Currently, any Soldier found unfit will not be denied the opportunity to apply for COAD/COAR, and that is a great development for today’s Army.

As I started the COAD process, I had a lot of questions.  Would I be “worthy” to stay in? Would I have something to contribute?  I didn’t want to just hang around and draw a paycheck; I wanted to continue to do something worthwhile. 

Other AW2 Soldiers considering COAD/COAR probably have similar questions.  Some of you came into the Army to do a certain job, fly planes or helicopters or something equally exciting.  But that doesn’t mean that’s all the Army has to offer you.  As you make this decision, I encourage you to:

  1. Keep an open mind as you consider different MOS’s—you might be surprised about the opportunities out there for you, and you have more skills than you realize. 
  2. Speak up for yourself.  Tell the Army what you want to do–and make the Army tell you “no.”  The Army wants to accommodate you and help you increase your skills and pursue opportunities.
  3. Use the resources available to you.  For example, my AW2 Advocate and PEBLO (Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer) were fantastic—they kept me up to date on my requirements, appointments, and documentation. 
  4. Talk to your mentors throughout the Army.  You’ll need their recommendations as you build your case, but you’ll also appreciate their encouragement and guidance as you make these tough decisions and continue your Army career.

To the wounded Soldiers in the Guard and Reserve—my message is exactly the same.  There are slight differences in the process, but you have the same opportunity to continue serving your country.  And I hope you give it serious consideration.

It’s important for both COAD/COAR Soldiers and their leaders to understand that COAD/COAR Soldiers are still Soldiers, just like every other person in the Army.  COAD/COAR Soldiers maintain the Army values and will still have all the Army requirements, within the limits of their physical profiles. 

The Army is an institution of support for you and your Family.  For me, COAD was the right choice, and I’m proud to serve in an Army that supports the people who make it strong.

Editor’s Note: Do you have a story about your personal COAD/COAR experience or advice for Soldiers considering the COAD/COAR process?  Leave a comment below.

The Call

Filed under Behavioral Health, Diana Hume, Soldier and Family Story, Soldier Story by on September 14, 2010 at 9:40 am {no comments}

By Diana Hume, AW2 Reserve Spouse

The call informing Diana Hume of her Soldier’s injury tested her strength and perseverance

Editor’s Note: Diana Hume is a feature blogger for AW2. She’ll be sharing her experiences as the wife of a severely wounded reservist. She hopes her blog will help other reservist spouses, as well as inspire and educate others about the unique challenges they face

The call. We all know what that means to us and the emotions the simple thought of it still carries. The call is delivered in many different ways, but the impact it has on us is similar. Mine was not the typical process, but it was still the call.

With that said, I am going to begin sharing more personal pieces of my journey as a reservist’s spouse. Some of these topics will be painful to share, but they are from my heart. More than anything I want to touch someone, another reserve spouse, in such a way that they understand they are unique, brave, and someone who can defy all odds. So, here is some more of my story.

My Soldier had left his Texas home for war. Up to this point, this was one of the most difficult periods we had to experience in our marriage. My new time alone soon became an understated challenge, but simultaneously an inner strength began to reveal itself. The new routine at home was beginning to find its place and adjustment began. Part of this routine was preparing the packages to send to our Soldier and anticipating the rare phone calls when we would hear his voice or e-mails to read and share our thoughts.  All of these events were ways we coped as a family while helping him feel connected and close to home.

After a few months, this new routine started to feel somewhat normal. My new inner strength told me I can do this, it will be ok. Nights were long and I found it hard to sleep with re-occurring thoughts about where he was and whether he was safe. Some nights those thoughts came with tears and emptiness. An ache sprinkled with fear. Eventually sleep arrived but the peace it brought was always too short.

As more time passed I sensed unfamiliar changes in my Soldier.  His calls home became infrequent and when they did occur, the discussions were strange and extremely unsettling. Instead of conversations about the kids, activities, and us, it changed to conversations about whether his life insurance was in order to take care of the kids and me.  Then emails from him began to slow down perpetuating the re-occurring theme of pushing home away–detaching. My new strength was being tested and my instinct told me something had happened. Something was wrong. 

Eventually, the feared call had made its way home. For me, it came in the form of a letter from my Soldier.  He told me that he was checking out of the life we had built together. He thought he was not coming home. This was the first of many of my personal 9–1–1’s. From his words in his letters to my internal fear, all of it became overpowering. My gut ached and my thoughts scrambled. Questions overwhelmed me. How can I help him? Why can’t anyone in Iraq see the pain I hear in his voice? At this point, I did not have a book or document that told me what to do, who to call, or what to expect. I had no protocol. So, I took my new, and still building, strength and found a way to be resourceful. I had no other option but to help my Soldier, my love, any way I could. 

I understood that there is a business side to military and to war, but there had to be a humanitarian side to supporting the Family as well. I was alone and lost, but realized that I had learned a boat load along the way. The Army is big and I, as a reservist’s spouse, was feeling helpless and ignorant. I wasn’t part of a Family Readiness Group and didn’t have names of anyone in the unit. I didn’t have a clue about what the rear detachment was or that it even existed.  All I had to rely on was my own intuition.

During this time I found myself digging deep trying to find a raft to climb onto. I was sinking and sinking fast.  The kids were trying to take care of me as I worked hard to take care of the Soldier I thought I had lost 6,000 miles away. With time, I remembered someone talking about the acronym FRG (Family Readiness Group). This was the fuel that kept me digging for help. To this day, I truly don’t know how I found our FRG volunteer’s number. I chalk it up to persistence and resourcefulness, attributes I believe are part of each reservist’s spouse.

With what felt like an eternity, the FRG volunteer shared with me the bits and pieces about where my Soldier was and informed me that he was indeed actually getting help. He was being sent to Germany for a medical evaluation. The doctors concluded several things were going on and that they had to send him to Walter Reed. Up to this point, I had yet to receive a phone call from anyone informing me of his status and that he was being med-evac’ed to the States. Even he wasn’t in contact with me. I felt the detachment again and again.

Finally, a true call was made. To my surprise, it was from my Soldier telling me he had already been at Walter Reed for a few days.  His words were unfamiliar and his voice was changed and distant. I was confused and broken. He was able-bodied, but he was wounded.  No missing arms or legs, no injuries from direct IEDs. It was assumed that he could take care of himself, when in reality he couldn’t. And to top it all, the Army had forgotten his Family–no one called.

I know that my story is familiar. When we, the spouse, receive the call that our Soldier is injured, we are tested again. Our emotions run high, but our new strength takes charge and carries us when we least suspect. We look back and wonder how did I get through the call?  I believe that as a reservist’s spouse, we somehow find our own way to meet the objectives of our mission by being steadfast and strong.  All calls are unique, personal, and undoubtedly full of emotion and unimaginable challenges. One thing in common is that they change us forever and in ways we can’t always explain.

Even if we do not have the answers, we have to find them. We cannot sit and wait, even if it is just a gut feeling we are operating from. Our voice is our friend, sometimes the only one we may have at certain points along the way. That is why we have to learn to use our voice. Dig deep and let’s find answers to build the network we need in order to support each other. 

I know that work is underway on improving how reserve Families receive information during their Soldiers’ deployments.  It is a start, but we must share our experiences so that more can be done. We have to let those working to help us know what’s working and what’s not. I am sure I am not alone when I say this, but I don’t want someone to go through the same experience I did.  That’s why I want our words to be heard. We are important and our stories and experiences will make a difference.

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AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families can submit a blog for AW2 by emailing WarriorCareCommunications [at] conus.army.mil.