Media

Feb. 25, 2022
Seeing Past Tomorrow: Senior Airman Trent Smith’s Road to Recovery from Sexual Assault

Airman Smith will live on in the periphery of society for the rest of his life,” a doctor reported. At that time, SrA Trent Smith (Ret.) had been living with an invisible wound for many years. Even Smith disregarded his own trauma, which was later diagnosed as PTSD. But Smith’s ending was not what
May 7, 2021
Through Good Days & Bad: A Caregiver’s Account for Supporting His Wife’s Recovery from Invisible Wounds

There are many roles a person will play in a lifetime. For military families, these roles often cross the threshold of personal and professional life. As an active-duty security forces training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Technical Sgt. Justin Goad can list Airman, father, husband,
Feb. 4, 2021
Shift Back to Normal: How Master Sgt. Michael Myers Found Resilience through Humility and Helping Others

After fighting for a decade with his invisible wounds, Master Sergeant Michael Myers recognizes the need for Airmen to seek treatment at an early stage. Now, as a Superintendent for the Office of the Warrior Advocate (OWA) and an Ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program, Myers has
Dec. 14, 2020
How Resilience Training Changed a Life

After seeking treatment for alcohol dependence and devoting himself to resilience building, Technical Sergeant Joshua Williamson is a changed man, husband, father, and Airman.“The Air Force Resilience course is not just for our career, it’s a life course. It has helped me so much in both my career
Dec. 14, 2020
A Medic’s Experience Unpacking Treatment for Invisible Wounds

Seeking treatment can provide Airmen with the tools, coping methods, and support they need to address invisible wounds. Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Sharpe, an experienced medic, recognizes first-hand the importance of encouraging other Airmen to seek help for their invisible wounds.As a
June 26, 2020
Living with PTSD: You Are Not Alone

I was diagnosed in 1995, well before the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program’s inception. My leadership was helpful, but they also had expectations of performance. They looked at my behavior as they would anyone else and were quick to punish if I acted out of line. However, they were also aware that I
June 5, 2020
PTSD Awareness: Know When You Aren’t You

According to the National Center for PTSD, the disorder is a mental health problem that some develop after experiencing or witnessing a lift-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident or sexual assault. Some people experience an event, have a grieving period, and then return
May 18, 2020
Month of the Military Caregiver: Hidden Heroes

May is recognized as the Department of Defense’s Month of the Military Caregiver. This time is used to honor, commend, and show appreciation for those that care for wounded, ill and injured service members. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) has a Caregiver Support and Family Program to
April 20, 2020
How Leaders Helped Maj. Harmer Find the Support to Overcome His Invisible Wounds

In 2004, Maj Chris Harmer left an abusive childhood home and joined the Air Force to be part of something larger than himself. He quickly found a home in the AF Medical Community and flourished both at work and at home over the next decade. “All felt right in life,” recalls Harmer, along with his
Feb. 10, 2020
Fighting the demons: A "typical" Defender's story

If there is a “typical” security forces Airman, Master Sgt. Dwayne Pyle (ret) says he was it. He loved his job and felt he was good at it, even though he did get into a little trouble during his first assignment in Germany.