JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Whether patrolling over no-fly zones in Iraq or guarding the perimeter of a stateside base, the Air Force mission can be dangerous even when taking all the necessary precautions. Many pay the ultimate sacrifice while others suffer battle scars seen and unseen.
Team members who make up the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program are dedicated to providing personalized help and support to Airmen who have experienced combat injuries, as well as those who have experienced a serious accident or illness.
“Our nonmedical care managers and other staff members are dedicated to providing individualized care throughout the recovery process and beyond,” said Tony Jasso, a program section lead. “We are committed to the wounded warriors’ recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. They deserve the best care we can give them.”
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, which is administered by the Air Force Personnel Center, has about 27 care managers and other professionals who work with wounded warriors, their families and care givers to help guide them through various challenges dealing with evaluations, entitlements, financial compensation, relocations, retention and a multitude of other matters.
The care managers coordinate with 42 recovery care coordinators strategically placed at bases throughout the Air Force. RCCs help wounded, ill, and injured service members, their caregivers and their families navigate the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration process.
“We’re dedicated to providing personalized service to everyone who comes into the program,” said Marsha Gonzales, Warrior Care Support Branch Chief. “When an unexpected injury or illness happens, it can be a tough adjustment because the person’s life changes so drastically. We’re here to help them in any way we can.”
While the goal of the program is to return the recovering service members to active duty, that is not always possible. In those cases where the member has to transition to veteran’s status, the program’s recovery team providers give a warm hand off to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Air Force has taken care of wounded Airmen through the PALACE HART (Helping Airmen Recover Together) program since 2005. In 2007, PALACE HART was renamed the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. In 2011, the Air Force opened the Air Force Warrior and Family Operations Center, renaming it Warrior Care Division in 2012. It’s a one-stop workplace that delivers a full spectrum of integrated services.
More than 6,300 wounded warriors are being supported by the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. The number continues to grow as more wounded warriors are identified.
In special recognition, November has been designated by the Department of Defense as Warrior Care Month, which highlights the resilience, contributions and sacrifices of wounded service members, their families and caregivers.
One of the ways the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program increases awareness and demonstrates support is by organizing and hosting six Warrior CARE events a year in six different geographical regions. The program also supports the Air Force Wounded Warrior Trials, Department of Defense Warrior Games and Invictus Games.
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“We can usually see the fruit of our efforts within the first couple of days of an event, especially when they are new,” Jasso said. “It is great to be able to see positive changes in their attitude and outlook as they immerse themselves into the team atmosphere and see that our caring support is real and genuine.”
The next Warrior CARE event is Nov. 13-18 at Joint Base Andrews, District of Washington. More than 120 wounded, ill or injured service members from around the country and overseas will train and compete in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, archery and many other events. It also includes a wheelchair rugby exhibition on Nov. 14.
Warrior CARE events also provide caregiver support training, recovering airman mentorship training, employment and career readiness guidance, as well as music and art therapy.
“When faced with adversity, being surrounded by supportive people is critical,” Gonzales said. “We want them to know that they are valued and that the Air Force has not forgotten about them.”
Visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil for more information about the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions.