Quality of care for wounded warriors remains a priority for Air Force leadership. The Air Force has and continues to honor the sacrifices of wounded Airmen, and their families and or caregivers by providing the best medical and non-medical professional support throughout their recovery process. Additionally, the Air Force works with each wounded Airman to provide a thorough analysis of opportunities and benefits that are available to medically retired and separated combat veterans.
Every month, the AF determines approximately 106 Airmen and Guardians are seriously wounded, ill or injured, and require personalized care and support through enrollment in the Wounded Warrior Program. Current total active case management enrollment is at more than 3,200 Airmen, with support provided to an additional 5,000 veterans as needed.
HOW IT IS ACHIEVED
The Warrior Care Division at AFPC is charged with providing non-medical care management and personalized support to AF Wounded Warrior. This support is provided through six annually-offered regional Warrior CARE Events integrating all support programs into one platform to strengthen mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being of enrolled Wounded Warriors and Caregivers. “CARE” represents four AFW2 support programs: Caregiver Support, Adaptive Sports and Ambassador Workshop, Recovering Airman Mentorship Program and Resiliency Programming, and Empowerment in Transition.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
This provides personalized support to caregivers who are caring for a wounded, ill or injured warriors. Caregiver focused support is integrated into the wounded warrior’s comprehensive recovery plans. Here, caregivers can expect to connect with other caregivers to form a support network where they can share their experiences, wisdom and skills. Attendees are armed with successful coping tools to assist with managing stress, communicate more effectively, take care of their own health and manage demanding situations.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS
A variety of Adaptive Sports are offered by certified coaches, and are all adapted to meet individual warrior’s abilities. During these events, warriors demonstrating competitive potential are identified and entered into the competitive track, where they receive distance coaching, nutrition counseling and may compete for positions on the Warrior Games Team during the annual AF Trials.
AMBASSADOR WORKSHOP
The Ambassador Workshop is designed to help Warriors and Caregivers tell their stories of recovery and resiliency.
RECOVERING AIRMAN MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (RAMP)
Trained RAMP Mentors are on-sight at CARE events to promote and encourage healing and growth. During a CARE event, mentors are paired with fellow warriors to offer comfort, support, guidance, and a listening ear. This added support is crucial, and has been proven to facilitate an atmosphere of trust, strength, and courage to AFW2 warriors throughout the week.
RESILIENCY PROGRAMMING
Resiliency programming is always a part of CARE event agendas and may include spiritual, art, music, yoga, journaling, photography and comedy sessions.
EMPOWERMENT TO EMPLOYMENT
The Empowerment in Transition Workshop hones employment skills in a small class setting with a personalized approach which works extremely well with this unique population.