Memorial Day

Filed under Holiday by on May 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

On Memorial Day, Americans pause to remember the servicemembers throughout our history who have fallen in the line of duty. We also reflect on the true cost of freedom and the impact defending our freedom has on military Families.

On this important national holiday, I think about the wounded warriors and Family members I’ve gotten to know during my time at AW2. I’ve served in the U.S. Army for more than thirty years, most of my time in the Army Medical Department. From company grade time in Desert Storm to OIF tours as both a battalion and brigade commander, my units tried to ensure Soldiers were treated and evacuated timely and effectively. The response and treatment times for casualties have improved dramatically and have resulted in a significant reduction in combat deaths. The most severely wounded are moving forward post-injury, post-treatment to create new careers and achieve amazing goals due to their Families, great medical teams, and nationwide community support. Just two weeks ago, I was at inaugural Warrior Games watching 200 wounded servicemembers compete at the Olympic Training Center and watched as some realized for the first time that they were seconds away from qualifying to compete at the international Paralympic athlete level. It was powerful to see but only a small representation of the success ALL of our Wounded Warriors can achieve.

As we spend Memorial Day at barbecues and enjoying friends and Families, I’ll be thinking about those who struggle with this holiday due to the loss of a loved one. While the loss may lessen over the years, it’s always there. My hope is that those left behind can find some level of solace knowing how many around the world appreciate—every day—their loved one’s sacrifice serving our country.

First Graduation of AW2 Education Initiative Students

Filed under Advocate Story, Career and Education by on May 20, 2010 at 11:25 am {4 comments}

By Jim Merrill, AW2 Advocate

COL Jim Rice, Former KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Wes Fine, and Jim Merrill at the AW2 Education Initiative KU graduation.

(L-R) COL Jim Rice, Former KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Wes Fine, and Jim Merrill at the AW2 Education Initiative KU graduation.

The weekend of May 15-16, 2010, saw many college graduations and ceremonies across the country. Along with COL Rice, I had the pleasure of attending a special one; the master’s hooding ceremony at the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, for the first six graduates of the AW2 Education Initiative.

These new graduates, all wounded warriors, were the first selected to take part in an innovative cooperative program between the Department of the Army (DA) and KU. Soldiers that possessed bachelor’s degrees could attend KU as either COAD (Continuation on Active Duty) Soldiers or as paid DA civilians, with all fees paid, to obtain their master’s degree, and in return become an instructor at the Command and General Staff College (C&GS) at Fort Leavenworth, or in another capability with the Army.

Congratulations to the Soldiers who completed the AW2 Education Initiative Program this year. Their names, degrees, and next assignments are: 

  • CPT Gates Brown, Military History, Department of Military History, C&GS College, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT (Ret) Wes Fine, International Studies, Counterinsurgency Center, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT (Ret) Dave Holden, Military History, Department of Military History, C&GS College, Fort Leavenworth 
  • CPT Tim Hornik, Social Work, AMEDD (U.S. Army Medical Department) 
  • CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Political Science, Department of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Operations, Fort Leavenworth 
  • SGT (Ret) Rob Laurent, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Fort Lee, VA
AW2 Education Initiative KU Graduates are (L-R) Rob Laurent, CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Wes Fine, CPT Tim Hornik, and CPT Gates Brown.

AW2 Education Initiative KU Graduates are (L-R) Rob Laurent, CW3 Ari Jean-Baptiste, Wes Fine, CPT Tim Hornik, and CPT Gates Brown.

COL Rice and I attended both the hooding ceremony and a reception that followed. In a short speech by CPT Gates Brown, on behalf of the other students, CPT Brown thanked all those involved for giving these Soldiers this opportunity. The words struck me as ironic; they were true American heroes standing in front of us, thanking us. In my opinion, it should have definitely been the other way around. My life has changed by being exposed to Soldiers such as these. Speaking as a proud and patriotic American, thank you, gentlemen, for what you have done, your pain, suffering, and sacrifices for this country, and the continuing service you are providing.

Seek Help, Take Care of Yourselves

Filed under Behavioral Health, Resources by on May 6, 2010 at 10:47 am {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and was created to increase awareness about behavioral health and reduce stigma. As is true in the civilian sector, the Army also has a stigma associated with behavioral health. Stigma prevents many Soldiers, Veterans, and Families from seeking help. There are many resources to reach to for professional assistance, here are a few examples:

Families and caregivers need support as well to avoid compassion fatigue. In order to help others, take care of yourselves. For some helpful tips found on the Real Warriors website to help build resilience, see below:

  • Focus on the positive impact of what you are doing
  • Talk to your colleagues/Family for support
  • Set boundaries for yourself
  • Stay physically fit
  • Avoid comparing yourself with others
  • Be patient with yourself
  • Find tools for resilience

AW2 Annual Training—Changing Futures

Filed under Staff Story, Training by on April 24, 2010 at 1:55 am {one comment}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

We’ve had a great week at AW2 Annual Training with a focus on “Changing Futures.” Spending time with 200 members of the AW2 staff was powerful—these people have so much passion, so much empathy. They genuinely care about AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families, and they want to do everything they can to support wounded warriors’ transition to life post-injury.

As we moved through the trainings sessions, AW2 Advocates had lots of detailed questions. They’ve asked how to help their wounded warriors get the most benefits possible—they wanted to understand all the details about each program and topic. I’ve been moved by the excitement in their voices when they share success stories about individual Soldiers, and I’ve seen the frustrations in their faces when they talk about hitting roadblocks. It’s also been heartening to see them support each other—suggesting solutions, offering encouragement, and reminding each other how our mission impacts lives.

The AW2 training team assembled a productive schedule, including in-depth sessions very applicable to the staff. These topics will enhance the quality service AW2 staff provide to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families:

  • Tricare and Medicare
  • Social Security for Wounded Warriors
  • Finance Information
  • AW2 Eligibility Requirements
  • Continuing on Active Duty/Reserve (COAD/COAR)
  • Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
  • Social Media Engagement
  • Resiliency and Compassion Fatigue
  • Four in-depth sessions on Veterans Affairs benefits

To the AW2 staff, thank you for all you do to “change futures” for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families. You are making a difference, and I’m proud to serve with you.

It’s All About the People

Filed under Training by on April 20, 2010 at 5:47 pm {no comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

AW2 Advocate Kathreyn Harris and AW2 Operations Management Specialist Scott Burdsall at AW2 Annual Training.

AW2 Advocate Kathreyn Harris and AW2 Operations Management Specialist Scott Burdsall at AW2 Annual Training.

You can feel the energy. Well, probably a more accurate statement is that you can hear the energy. Literally.

Year round, 200 people work all hours of the day, any day of the week, on any number of issues. While their work varies, their commitment never waivers and their mission remains focused. They provide local support for severely wounded, injured, and ill Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. In local communities around the globe, these staff fulfill the Army’s promise of Warrior Care. Alone, they change lives. Combined, they are a force to be reckoned with—and this week, they’re all together in Dallas, Texas, for the Army Wounded Warrior Program’s Annual Training.

As I walk through the hotel, the staff’s passion is not only audible in the questions they ask and the lessons learned that they share, but it’s physical. You can see the joy when someone talks about their Soldier’s success or the agony over a Veteran’s set back. For these 200, it’s all personal. As it should be.

During this week, the entire AW2 staff will train together to ensure we’re the best we can be for our wounded warriors—they deserve nothing less.

As I talk to AW2 staff, I’m reminded of the power of people. How one peson can help an amputee continue on active duty. How one Veteran can inspire another. How one phone call can save a life. How one story can motivate a volunteer. How one company can provide a new career path.

Today during our general session, I looked at a room full of “ones” and was struck by the cumulative impact each “one” had on the lives of more than 6,000 wounded warriors. This group, AW2, is changing futures. Now that’s energizing.

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