Warrior Care Month begins on Fort Leonard Wood By John Brooks, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. – The first of several competitive events scheduled during November, Warrior Care Month, provided bragging rights to one of four teams of Soldiers and staff assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit here Monday. The aim of WCM is to foster teamwork through morale-building and rehabilitative physical exercise events, according to team members of the event’s top seated volleyball team. “It was a morale booster, I think, for our guys who really can’t get into some of the other activities. They got out there and played hard,” said Staff Sgt. (promotable) James Robinson, a Soldier assigned to the WTU here. Seated volleyball was originally designed for amputees, said Mary Ball, occupational therapist assigned to the WTU. “Your bottom has to be on the ground and the rules are very similar to regular volleyball—it’s adapted so that people with injuries can play volleyball,” Ball said. “To me, it was more a showing of teamwork,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Hawkins. “Each player on our team had a different disability. This showed that it didn’t matter what disability you have, if you come together as a team, you can get to the bigger goal which is winning.” “It’s still volleyball,” said Ball. “The difference is that you’ve evened the playing field.” There are also educational events intended to educate Soldiers and the community about Army Warrior Transition Units and how they can help wounded injured and ill Soldiers heal. Healing is followed by a transition for each Soldier assigned to the WTU--either back to duty or to a successful as a veteran. This event followed a catered luncheon at the USO with installation, hospital and WTU leadership in attendance to officially kick off Warrior Care Month here. Other branches of service hold similar observances for wounded injured and ill service members as well. The U.S. Army honors wounded, ill and injured soldiers and their families each November during Warrior Care Month by highlighting their experiences in WTUs with a focus on their resilience and the contributions they make to the overall, ongoing readiness of the force. Events will be held at the national, regional and local levels, and each will align to one of the four sub-themes. This year’s overall theme is “Show of Strength.” Members of the media, the civilian community, and everyone else is invited to attend the events and participate. We encourage you to come meet and support the wounded, injured or ill Soldiers dedicated to preserving the freedom we enjoy every day. The remaining schedule of events at Fort Leonard Wood includes: • Nov. 5: Water polo: 1-4:30 p.m. at Davidson Fitness Center • Nov. 6: Career Education Readiness Expo: Noon to 3 p.m. at the WTU’s Soldier and Family Assistance Center in building 340 • Nov. 13: Community Resource Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the USO Club • Nov. 20: Guest Speaker, Strength through Recovery: 9:30-11:30 at the WWII Chapel • Nov. 21: Triathlon, 8 a.m. until complete -swim ¼ mile -bike 15 miles -5k run Please contact the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office for more information, and check the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital Facebook page at facebook/glwach, listen to the radio and read The Guidon for stories, video, photos, and recorded podcasts about these events and the Soldiers assigned to our WTU. (Editor’s note: John Brooks is the Marketing and Public Affairs Officer at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital)
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:30:07 +0000