JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Every year, thousands of Airmen come at a crossroads in their military career as they face the realities of retirement, or separation, and anticipate the start of a new beginning. This phase of life is all too familiar for the 8,000 plus Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program veterans, currently placed in a permanent discharge status, that have made their transition to civilian life. With AFW2 veterans no longer being actively case managed, Airman For Life (A4L) bridges the gap, cultivating an environment of connectedness.
A4L is a Chief of Staff of the Air Force initiative aimed to honor and empower AFW2 veterans and their families through a social media platform. This platform is comprised of an A4L Facebook page that provides specialized assistance, support, and inspiration. Administered by the Director of Warrior Care Support, A4L is committed to making our wounded warriors do not feel left behind.
“A4L is about staying connected to the AFW2 family, bridging the gap and navigating through the Veteran’s Administration, providing ongoing support and inspiration, and keeping our members up-to-date and abreast on benefits, entitlements, and the programs available to our veterans,” said Ronald Johnson, Airman For Life program manager. “A4L is committed to the population we serve because you never stop being an Airman.”
For many of our veterans, A4L serves as a line of connection to AFW2 staff members and fellow warriors who are recovering from a wound, illness, or injury. The program provides a second chance for warriors who are seeking a community forum that they can reach out to and reconnect.
“A4L has given me a way to stay connected not only to the AFW2 staff, but to Air Force wounded warriors who may be suffering the same way I have and sometimes still do,” said retired Master Sgt. Hope Giger. “There is a community/family that we get used to when we wear the uniform and once our careers are cut short, that family is immediately cut off as well. There is a loneliness and a hole in our soul that aches for that community and A4L is our link to stay connected.”
From educational benefits, healthcare options, employment opportunities, events and programs available to veterans, and much more, the A4L staff prides itself in delivering vital information and providing timely and accurate answers to any questions posed. What differentiates A4L from other veteran programs is the ability to provide a platform where warriors, from all walks of recovery, can come together as Airmen and share their experiences, expertise, strengths, support, and resilience.
“Having a program full of other warriors who have been where you are, where you are going, and to provide a possible roadmap to help you in your recovery is what A4L is all about,” Hope said. “This is a program for every warrior regardless of their ability, their educational aspirations, career path, etc. It is all-inclusive and provides all warriors a platform of connectedness and a voice.”
With new beginnings comes change and with change comes uncertainty. Which is why the AFW2 Program continuously strives to solidify and maintain the connections amongst our active duty and veteran warrior population to ensure that no Airman ever feels alone or forgotten.
“A4L has positively impacted my life by adding to my recovery toolbox daily, by giving me a platform to express myself, and to reach out to other warriors just like me,” Hope said. “It reminds me that once an Air Force warrior, ALWAYS an Air Force warrior!”
To join A4L, you must be enrolled in the AFW2 Program, be permanently retired, and have completed a Facebook Closed Group Agreement to connect with AFW2 veterans and staff in the Airman For Life Facebook page. Visit the Airman For Life webpage for additional information about the program and veteran-based tools and resources.
Continue to stay connected with us and tune in to the AFW2 Facebook page to witness all the virtual social events taking place every week hosted by our warriors, caregivers, and staff members. To learn more about the AFW2 Program, or to refer an Airman, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil for additional information and resources.