JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
In 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates designated November as Warrior Care Month as a way to inform U.S. Service members and their families about the programs and initiatives provided through the Warrior Care System.
The Fort Eustis Warrior Transition Unit participated in this year's WCM by hosting a number of events throughout the entire month. There were four points of focus for this year's WCM, teaching the members in transition how to "Show Your Strength" through recovery, recondition, reintegration and remaining strong.
"This year's theme, 'Show of Strength,' showcases wounded, ill, and injured Service members and their strengths as they reintegrate back to duty or transition into the civilian workforce," said U.S. Army Capt. Catherine Pearson, WTU commander. "For 2014, Joint Base Langley-Eustis WTU sponsored over 20 events in support of the months' weekly subordinate themes."
This year, the WTU kicked off the month with a focus on recovery through a visual arts performance, open mic and poetry reading. A health fair and a mentorship session were included in the event.
The following week began the next section, reconditioning, where the WTU members participated in multiple adaptive sporting events to include racquetball, bowling, wheelchair basketball and a few others.
As the WTU members stretched out their sore muscles from all of the sporting events, they found their way into the next section of the month, reintegration. During this week, members learned how to dress for success, how to be successful at a job fair and tips for job interviews.
During the final days of the month, the WTU members learned how to be strong. During this section Service members participated in training that was geared toward providing Soldiers the skills to perform to their peak potential.
"This training is a crucial portion of the soldiers' transition either back to duty or separating from the Army," said James Arp, Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Training Center manager. "It provides them the science and targeted skills behind the psychology of performance. In essence, for a large majority of soldiers, this training 'sharpens the tip of their mental spear' and allows the opportunity to perform to their peak potential."
The month was concluded with a pancake breakfast and final ceremony recognizing the importance of the transition program and care for warriors.
"The value and successes of the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program is deeply rooted in the support from service organizations nationwide," said Pearson. "The Soldiers and staff entrusted with the benefits from committed support are forever grateful for the renderings and endure to hold steadfast to the defense of our nation and way of life."