Maj. Bonnie Geneman, Warrior Transition Battalion surgeon, provides information during the question-and-answer portion of the Warrior Care Month Kickoff Luncheon at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center Nov. 1, 2017. The panel of experts also included representatives from Veterans Affairs and Operation TBI Freedom. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)
By Jeanine Mezei
U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson Public Affairs Office
The Soldier and Family Assistance Center at the Warrior Transition Battalion was wall to wall with attendees Nov. 1, 2017, to mark the beginning of Warrior Care Month, an awareness observance to support wounded, ill and injured service members and their Families.
Hosted by the WTB and Army Community Service, the Warrior Care Month Kickoff Luncheon featured key leaders and a panel of experts engaging with the audience to answer questions pertinent to warrior care.
Senior leaders came to amplify their support and express their admiration for the staff and Soldiers who make the warrior care mission a success here.
Maj. Jean-Luc Houlne, a physician assistant at Evans Army Community Hospital and part of the Warrior Transition Battalion, prepares to make a shot during a scrimmage wheelchair basketball scrimmage at Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center Nov. 2, 2017. Wheelchair basketball is hosted twice a week in November for WTB Soldiers to participate in physical activity while learning a new sport. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)
“For us, it’s all about coming together,” said Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. “We owe it to each other to keep this going at the WTB, taking care of our own, that’s what we do.”
George stressed making sure these efforts go on past November, to continue providing for warriors.
“We support this community, and all of the tenant units are supported in this process,” said WTB Command Sgt. Maj. W. James Wheeler. “Warrior Care Month is important because it is a priority for the entire population, to include local communities, to pull resources and share information that can benefit our Soldiers and Families.”
The military’s warrior care programs provide command, medical management and nonmedical assistance to wounded, ill and injured service members going through the recovery and rehabilitation phases of the military medical treatment system. The programs provide assistance to Soldiers from the point of injury or illness to return to military service or transition to civilian life.
Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, addresses Soldiers and attendees during the Warrior Care Month Kickoff Luncheon at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center Nov. 1, 2017. George encouraged everyone to continue their efforts throughout the year supporting warrior care. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)
Many of these resources include helping Soldiers gain internships, new career opportunities and support from an organization that puts Soldiers’ success first, whether they are healing to stay in the military or separate to become a civilian, said Capt. Susan Tucci, nurse case manager at the WTB and a Warrior Care Month event organizer.
“Show of Strength” is this year’s theme for Warrior Care Month and a multitude of events in November are planned to celebrate the spirit Soldiers display when faced with overcoming challenges.
The WTB is holding events throughout the month to build morale and educate leaders throughout Fort Carson about the resources available for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers. Events include a bone marrow donor drive Nov. 14-15, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Evans Army Community Hospital chapel, Thanksgiving dinner and a wheelchair basketball game offered to Soldiers and Families.
The luncheon marked the 10-year anniversary of the Warrior Care mission, said Kristen Kea, ACS social services specialist and event organizer.
“It was a great turnout, and it’s indicative about warrior care in general,” she said. “We have a lot of support at Carson and it represents a lot of people who want to assist Soldiers.”
Col. Patrick M. Garman, Evans Army Community Hospital commander, speaks to attendees during the Warrior Care Month Kickoff Luncheon at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center Nov. 1, 2017. Warrior Care Month aims to educate and provide resources for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers along with their Families. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)
The question-and-answer panel wrapped up the luncheon with informative speakers specializing in different aspects of warrior care. The panel of experts included representatives from Veterans Affairs, Operation TBI Freedom, Physical Evaluation Board and the WTB surgeon. Each panel member spoke about how warrior care is paramount to the mission at the WTB and the significance of ensuring each Soldier is supported throughout his experience.
“I have trust and faith in the WTB,” said Col. Patrick M. Garman, Evans Army Community Hospital commander. “(The cadre’s) duty is to take care of our nation’s most precious resource — our Soldiers.”
Sgt. Ryan McIntosh, a Paralympic liaison for the Fort Carson World Class Athlete Program, looks to make a pass during a wheelchair basketball scrimmage game at Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center Nov. 2, 2017. Wheelchair basketball is hosted twice a week in November for WTB Soldiers to participate in physical activity while learning a new sport. (Photo by Jeanine Mezei)