How you can support wounded warriors

Retired Soldiers never lose the desire to carry on lives of service to their fellow Soldiers, the Army and the Nation, to continue to answer the Call to Duty and live up to the motto, “Retired — Still Serving”. More than a million retired Soldiers and spouses are a force multiplier, helping our Soldiers who have volunteered and answered the Nation’s Call to Duty.

Many of these brave Soldiers have returned home with serious, sometimes disabling wounds. Retired Soldiers can support these wounded warriors, especially those returning from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) in many ways, including: 1) providing job assistance, 2) serving as mentors, 3) organizing activities for them and their families, and 4) honoring their service.

1) Job assistance

Support for those wounded in OIF/OEF is an Army priority. The Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) program (formerly known as the Disabled Soldier Support System {DS3}) provides severely wounded Soldiers and their families with an advocacy system and follow-up personal support as they return to duty or civilian life. If you have employment opportunities for these Soldiers, call AW2 at 1-800-833-6622 or go to https://www.aw2.army.mil .

To provide employment assistance at the local level, contact your nearest installation or garrison commander if you have job opportunities that would assist transitioning wounded Soldiers. Local commanders can help make the connection between employment opportunities and eligible wounded Soldiers as they prepare to leave the service.

2) Mentorship opportunities

The Army has begun integrating a new mentorship strategy into its training, education, and culture. In July 2005, the Secretary of the Army, Chief of Staff, Army, and Sergeant Major of the Army launched the new Army mentorship strategy, “Leaving a Legacy Through Mentorship,” and the Army Knowledge Online (AKO) Mentorship Community. The mentor serves as an objective advisor with whom the mentee may discuss concerns related to career development and planning. The Army’s mentorship strategy involves all constituents (Active and Reserve Component Soldiers; retired Soldiers; cadets; wounded warriors; spouses; civilian employees; and contract employees authorized access to AKO).

Those considering mentoring can go to the Army G-1 Mentorship Resource Center (http://mentorship.army.mil ) which links to the AKO Mentorship Community. Online resources include reasons for becoming a mentor; the Army mentorship handbook; a sample individual development action plan and mentorship agreement; mentorship forums including a Wounded Warrior forum and a retiree forum; and a mentorship profile server that lets individuals search for mentors or mentees by a number of categories. Retired Soldiers can also pursue mentoring opportunities with wounded warriors through local installations.

3) Organizing activities for wounded Soldiers

In areas with a major military medical center(s), there are many wounded Soldiers and service members who need your support. National and local groups have assisted the wounded at these medical centers in a host of ways, including donating goods and services; spending time with patients and families; and organizing recreational activities such as tours, sports activities and outings.

Retired Soldiers can get involved in helping these wounded warriors by contacting the medical centers, or local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). You can also contact your nearest Army installation or garrison commander to find opportunities to participate in or organize activities for wounded warriors. Many Army installations have a medical hold unit or can direct you to regional Community Based Health Care Organizations (CBHCO) where wounded and injured Soldiers are assigned.

4) Recognizing those who have served

The Army started the Freedom Team Salute (FTS) program to strengthen the Army community by honoring veterans for their service and giving Soldiers the opportunity to recognize those who support them. Anyone can nominate a veteran for an FTS commendation at http://www.freedomteamsalute.army.mil .

FTS is reaching out to more veterans through its new Ambassador Program. FTS Ambassadors at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals raise program awareness within Army and veteran communities. To sign up as an FTS Ambassador, go to the FTS site or e-mail freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil .

Retired Soldiers can continue to answer the Call to Duty by supporting our wounded warriors.