What it means to Care Beyond Duty

  • Published
  • By Sarah Osborne
  • Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

Most every organization has a motto creating the driving force behind all they do. Motto’s summarize the purpose or beliefs of an organization and often creates the culture.  The Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program’s motto is to “Care Beyond Duty” and each staff member has their own way of incorporating that motto into what they do.

I believe one of the best things in life is to be able to work for an organization whose motto or mission is similar to your own personal motto. Having the opportunity to work here at AFW2 and serve our wounded, ill and injured, is complete bliss. Not only am I surrounded by coworkers who are passionate about what they do and taking care of our Airmen, but as the Non-governmental Organization program manager, I get to connect with non-profits and other outside organizations who share our passion and, without realizing it, embody our motto. But, what does it mean to Care Beyond Duty? It means to go above and beyond what is expected. To have compassion, patience and perseverance for serving others beyond obligation. For anyone who embodies the AFW2 motto, you can see their passion shine through them. We will be here to serve, to assist and to support no matter the time, no matter the day. There does come a time, when we as a staff or an organization do not have the resources or capabilities to provide the support needed for a wounded, ill or injured service member but instead of saying, “I am sorry, there is nothing we can do” we reach out and connect with outside organizations who can.

Over the course of the five years I have been with this program, I have seen countless expressions of Care Beyond Duty displayed from not only staff members, but coaches, volunteers, caregivers and even the Warriors themselves. I have seen Active Duty volunteers show up all day, every day to a CARE event, sometimes even showing up as early as 3a.m. and staying as late as 11 at night on their own personal time. I have watched as staff members have committed themselves to providing support to warriors in need whether the work clock is running or not. Spending countless hours providing whatever support is necessary, even if that means just being an ear to listen. I have seen coaches outside of scheduled work events, assisting, creating training plans and continuing active communication, motivation and support to warriors on their own time. I have seen warriors more developed or further along in their recovery turnaround and find ways to give back by mentoring fellow wounded warriors or even getting their coaching certifications in order to help others along their recovery journey.

Demonstrations of our motto, Care Beyond Duty, can be found in basically every aspect of the AFW2 program. It’s not something that can necessarily be measured or shown in a chart but it can be seen and felt by all those involved.