JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program hosted the South Central Warrior CARE Event at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas in January. Over 100 recovering service members (RSMs) and their caregivers attended the week-long event focused on introducing them to resources and skills they can use as part of their recovery. Col. Heath McKim, former Deputy Director of the Military and Family Care Directorate at the Air Force Personnel Center, took a few minutes to give us some leadership perspective on his experience at the CARE Event. This is the first of two Q/As with leaders who have a newfound understanding of what AFW2 offers.
Q: What are some specific things you learned, either about yourself or about your recovery during the event?
A: It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to be vulnerable. It’s ok to let loose and open yourself to new experiences. I also learned it’s ok to rely on someone else instead of everyone relying on me. I learned that you must push yourself beyond your comfort zone to start healing. I never realized how many resources are available to us in AFW2. I am new to the program and still working through recovery, but I’ve seen those on the backend of their recoveries and that gives me hope.
Q: From a leadership perspective, what were some things you took away from your experience?
A: I did not realize how many service members are struggling and how many of them did not know about this program. I heard many stories where Airmen’s leadership never mentioned AFW2. As a result, many Airmen suffered alone for a long time before entering the program.
Q: Leaders can be a huge advocate (or obstacle) for attendance to these events. What would you tell leaders who may be an unintentional obstacle to allowing their Airmen/Guardians from attending AFW2 CARE Events
A: I would tell them to learn as much as they can about the program before deciding. I admit, I was also naïve as a leader early in my career, but the more I learned about the program the more I became an advocate.
Q: Tell us a little about some of your favorite parts of the Resiliency Workshops and, if applicable, what are some you plan on using going forward?
A: The resiliency workshops were outstanding. At first, I was very hesitant to participate. After the first day, you start getting to know other people in your group which made it less awkward. The activities really have a way of breaking you out of your shell because they involved group think and games that help bond a team. My favorite part was doing Improv Comedy. It allowed me to be free, relax and laugh. It helps you to realize it’s ok to have some fun even though you’re still struggling.
Q: What sports did you participate in? Tell us a little about the experience, especially how difficult or easy the sports may have been.
A: The adaptive sports were an absolutely amazing experience. I participated in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, archery, cycling, and powerlifting. I did not think I could participate in any sport due to my conditions but the way these sports are played and instructed by the coaches, I was able to overcome my disbeliefs. This was the most satisfying result, knowing I can do more which gives me confidence to move forward.
Q: Tell us how the staff helped facilitate the event and your thoughts on how well it all ran.
A: The staff were very professional, knowledgeable, and open. They shared their stories with us, which helped to put everyone at ease. They genuinely cared about us and our well-being. I thought the event was run very efficiently; there was a good flow to the scheduling. They were also able to adapt on the fly when the schedule had to change.
Q: What would you tell wounded warriors who may be hesitant about coming out? How would you get them to sign up?
A: I would tell them to just try. Be willing to try something different. I saw warriors with some serious disabilities both external and internal and they were able to participate in almost all the events. I would try to educate them on what the program really is about, not just about sports. I would explain all the connections and resources that become available once you’re involved in the program.