JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Tex. -- Staying connected through virtual platforms has become an adopted lifestyle people have implemented in their everyday lives. With the ever-changing events taking place around us, the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program embraces the virtual bonds between wounded warriors, caregivers and their families. This connectedness is the foundation that drives the program’s mission forward, which is why AFW2 is gearing up to host its second Virtual CARE Week, November 16-20.
During a time where most in-person events have come to a halt, many warriors have longed for the holistic healing and social connections they get from attending a normal CARE Event. On the opening day of the first Virtual CARE Week, AFW2 staff members quickly learned just how much of a positive impact the virtual event had on many first-time attendees. It allowed Warriors and Caregivers to connect with one another again and persevere in their journey of recovery.
“One interesting thing we learned was some warriors felt they could connect easier in the Zoom conference rooms than if they were in a room full of people,” said Marsha Gonzales, AFW2 Warrior Care Support branch chief. “Many said they were able to be more open because they weren’t impacted by the anxiety they normally feel in crowded or new places.”
Throughout the Virtual CARE Week, Warriors and Caregivers will participate in a series of events and workshops all geared to promote resiliency and recovery. Special events will take place such as Healing Arts Day, where Warriors will get the opportunity to exhibit their artwork created through forms of self-healing and therapeutic expression. Furthermore, Team U.S. and Team Ukraine Invictus Games athletes will deliver two invigorating sport competitions as they gear up to compete at the 2021 Invictus Games.
“The Invictus Games competitions will allow us to highlight the team that will represent all of the services at the 2021 Invictus Games in The Hague, and showcase the relationship we’ve managed to build between the countries competing,” Marsha said. “We’re hoping that more countries will join, as this is a great platform to show off the training our athletes have been putting in.”
With November being Warrior Care Month, the Virtual CARE Week will centralize its theme on highlighting the programs and services that are offered to care for wounded, ill and injured service members, their caregivers and families. The focus will be to raise awareness of the warrior care resources that are currently available to ensure that our Warriors and Caregivers are never alone.
“Warrior Care Month will allow us to generate conversations, not only with wounded warriors, but with members of the public and key leaders who may not realize how we take care of their sons and daughters when they face their most difficult challenges,” Marsha said.
As AFW2 staff members prepare for another virtual event, many Warriors and Caregivers will participate for the first time with anticipation and curiosity for what to expect. One thing is for certain, the Virtual CARE Week has served as a saving grace for many of our warriors and caregivers and has re-ignited that spark of hope and connection.
“Coming from an in-person CARE Event last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect; however, it was much more engaging and connecting than I thought it would be,” said Senior Master Sgt. (ret) Cornelius Twohig, AFW2 Warrior. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I cannot say enough great things about this program. It is a lifesaver and a life changer.”
For more information and updates on the upcoming Virtual CARE Week, visit the AFW2 Facebook page. Also, tune in to the virtual events taking place on our page and come interact with warriors and staff members. To refer an Airman, or learn more about the AFW2 Program, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil for additional information and resources.