- By SGM Jurgersen, AW2 Sergeant Major -

It has been quite awhile since I wrote something for the blog. I have to admit that I enjoy reading comments on the blog, as they are generally from the heart, uncensored and real. I have been meaning to write a blog myself, but I always tell our STRATCOM folks that I have to have the feeling, but more often it is actually taking the time to sit down and put your thoughts together. I encourage others to share their thoughts or comments on the blog site.

As many of you know, I do a lot of traveling. Quite often it is every other week, visiting our AW2 Advocates in the field, and meeting our AW2 Soldiers and their family members. It is without doubt what I enjoy the most about being with AW2, spending time with our AW2 Advocates and having the honor to meet our AW2 Soldiers and family members.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of conducting a site visit to the state of California, visiting Balboa Naval Medical Facility, Fort Irwin, West Los Angeles VAMC, Palo Alto Poly Trauma Center, and the Livermore VAMC.

On my trips I am always amazed by the amount of energy, passion, caring, and empathy that our Advocates present on a daily basis to our Soldiers and their families. I often leave these visits amazed by the complexity of some of their cases and how hard they work to resolve them. These cases require so much more than a monthly phone call to check in; these are complex, time consuming cases that require extensive knowledge of policies and programs, and accessing and utilizing the vast amount of resources available. Additionally, these cases often require extensive coordination, diplomacy, and determination. Recently one of our Advocates was working on a very difficult case and it had come to a point where it seemed like no one else would help the Soldier and his family; things were not looking good. But as I stated to the Advocate, “If we (AW2) do not help this Soldier, who else will.”

I am always humbled when given the opportunity to meet our AW2 Soldiers, and this trip was no different, as I met so many remarkable Soldiers and families.

One Soldier that sticks out in my mind was a remarkable young man. As we were talking, he was proudly showing me how he was able to maneuver his wheelchair. He talked anxiously about getting ready for the next phase of his life, leaving the VA facility after four years, interviewing and hiring a caregiver, and finding a place of his own. We talked about that for a while, and then the conversation went to Internet, email, etc… and he asked me if I wanted to see how he sends emails. I said of course and we went to his room where he showed me how he uses his computer and demonstrated in sending me an email. For some of you, you are probably thinking, what is the big deal? The big deal is that this young hero is a veteran who blows into a tube to maneuver his wheelchair, a veteran who uses a dot on his glasses to control the mouse for his computer, a veteran who is a quadriplegic from the neck down. I saved his email, and every once in a while I open it and think how fortunate I am to meet young men and women like this.

Another Soldier I met was a young and beautiful woman. I had traveled to her house and met with her and her parents on a beautiful California afternoon, overlooking the scenic countryside. We spent a couple of hours talking, about the journey life had taken this family on, the difficulties they experienced, and what was next for them. As we wrapped up the day, the mother asked her daughter if she would like to walk her guest to his car. She politely said yes, and off we went. We talked and joked along the way and she labored at times using her walker, but she made it. For many this is a simple task, but for this young hero, it was an accomplishment, a small victory for a person who has gone through so much, but come so far. I will always remember this young Soldier and her remarkable story and courage.

This week, I received an email from her saying that she was leaving the VA hospital for good, and finally going home to live with her parents in the next few days. I smiled as I read that email, and had to take a few moments to gather my thoughts. I was so proud of her. Her simple message made me take a few minutes and reflect on my many encounters/experiences while traveling. I am so proud of all of our AW2 Soldiers, their families, and our AW2 Advocates and supporting staff.

I am thankful for all those who allow me to be part of their life.

I am truly blessed to be the SGM of the US Army Wounded Warrior Program.