Ginsberg discusses wounded warrior program Published Nov. 1, 2011 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Daniel B. Ginsberg, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, recently visited the Warrior and Family Operations Center here. During his visit, Ginsberg sat down for a question and answer session about the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Q: What have been the program's major successes? A: The Air Force has done a tremendous job of putting together a program that meets the individual needs of each of our wounded Airmen. I think we've listened to the Airmen and acted on what they need and want. Our wounded warriors are receiving unprecedented care and attention -- from the moment they are injured or become ill to when they come home and beyond. There are regional recovery care coordinators helping these Airmen get the medical attention they need and deserve as well as personal care managers helping the warriors and their families every step of the way. I am very proud of the outstanding work we are doing for our wounded warriors who deserve only the best service and support. Q: What can the Air Force do better for its wounded warriors? A: We can continue looking for ways to help as well improve on those processes and programs already in place. For example, we are continually working on speeding up the time it takes for processing disability claims. These brave men and women deserve the fastest response time possible. We are also looking at better ways of communicating with our wounded warriors and their families. Social media is an area where most of our men and women feel most comfortable communicating with us, so we need to take advantage of that. Q: Why are Air Force care managers so important to our wounded warriors? A: Our care managers provide the personalized one-on-one attention our Airmen need and deserve. Many times the paperwork alone can be daunting, especially for those Airmen with post-traumatic stress or those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Care managers provide benefit and entitlement advocacy so our warriors can focus on getting the medical attention they need for their recovery and rehabilitation. The care managers help them with financial and educational information, employment counseling, preparing for the Wounded Warrior Games - whatever the need, the care manager is there. Our loyal and committed warriors and their families who have given so much deserve nothing less than what we can give them now. Q: What does the future hold for our wounded warriors and the care and assistance they receive? A: The Air Force will continue to be there for support and care. For those Airmen willing and able to remain on active-duty, we will work to make that happen. Airmen wishing to retire or separate receive assistance from our Transition Assistance Program. We will continue to work with the various agencies involved for those interested in civil service positions. Also, these talented, loyal and resilient men and women are in high demand and our partnerships with civilian companies continue to grow to explore employment possibilities. We will also continue listening to these Airmen and their families, and adapt the care they are receiving to meet their ever-changing needs. Q: What are you proudest of when you think about the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program? A: I am proud of the men and women who answered our nation's call. I am proud of these Airmen and their dedication and sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their families. Our wounded warriors who were injured or became ill as a result of that dedication deserve the best care and support the Air Force and this nation can give them. We have the right people in place to serve our wounded warriors and that makes me proud. Q: November is Warrior Care Month. What message would you like to share with our Air Force Wounded Warriors? A: Thank you for your service, your loyalty, your dedication and for answering your nation's call. There is nothing that is asked of you that you don't deliver. You are the best Airmen in the world serving the best Air Force in the world, and I am humbled by your service and sacrifice. Q: What does the AFW2 motto, "Care Beyond Duty" mean to you? A: America owes its wounded warriors a huge debt of gratitude. Our wounded warriors deserve the best care we can give them, and that will not stop when the fighting ends. The Air Force will not forget their service, their commitment or their sacrifice. We will be there for them as long as necessary.