Life After War…

1. Life After War… By Laura Gervais and Rae Hosler “To let the public know about the struggles and triumphs of the young men and women and their families who have sacrificed blood, sweat, tears and or limbs by any and all means available to us. To ensure that today’s warrior is the most successful, well- adjusted generation of warrior in the history of our great nation” ~ Maurice Jackson, WWP

2. The Issue… • There are not enough resources available to provide wounded service members and their families with the physical, mental, financial and educational needs they require to live a quality and productive life as a member of civilian society.

3. The war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in the injury or death of more than 42,000 United States service members since 2001. OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS * FATALITIES AS OF: April 15, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OIF U.S. Military Casualties Total Deaths Killed in Action (KIA) Non-Hostile Wounded in Action (WIA) WIA Not RTD ** By phase Return to duty (RTD) ** -Combat Operations - 19 Mar 03 thru 30 Apr 03 139 109 30 116 429 Post Combat Ops - 1 May thru Present 4,242 3,364 878 17,723 13,507 -OIF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties 13 9 4 Totals 4,394 3,482 912 17,839 13,936 OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS FATALITIES AS OF: April 15, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OEF U.S. Military Casualties Total Deaths Killed in Action (KIA) Non-Hostile Wounded in Action (WIA) WIA Not RTD ** Return to duty (RTD) ** In and Around Afghanistan*** 955 745 210 2,405 3,158 Other Locations**** 77 8 69 1 OEF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties 2 1 1 Worldwide Total 1,034 754 280 2,405 3,159 • OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM includes casualties that occurred on or after March 19, 2003 in the Arabian Sea, Bahrain, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Persian Gulf, Qatar, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Prior to March 19, 2003, casualties in these countries were considered OEF. ** These columns indicate the number of service members who were Wounded In Action (WIA) and Returned to Duty within 72 hours AND WIA and Not Returned to Duty within 72 hours. To determine the total WIA figure, add the columns "WIA RTD" and " WIA Not RTD" together. These figures are updated on Tuesday unless there is a preceding holiday. *** OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (In and Around Afghanistan), includes casualties that occurred in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. **** OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (Other Locations), includes casualties that occurred in Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Yemen. OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS FATALITIES AS OF: April 15, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT

4. More on the issue… • Advancements in medical technology have created a situation in which service members who might not have survived their injuries in previous wars are surviving and requiring, in some cases, an enormous amount of care. The government is not set up to accommodate these types of injuries and with the public fast losing interest, donations are dwindling. • Family members are putting their own lives on hold and their financial stability in jeopardy to care for their injured loved ones. Often, these families must go from a two income household in which both the service member and the spouse works to a single income or no income household. Parents of service members who are not married or whose spouse leaves them must also find a way to care for their children. Many of these parents are retirement age or living on a fixed income so finding the funds to travel, live and pay for medical supplies is a struggle.

5. The Perfect Example… “The Pentagon estimates that as many as one in five American soldiers are coming home from war zones with traumatic brain injuries, many of which require round-the-clock attention. Lost in the reports of these returning soldiers are the stories of family members who often sacrifice their entire livelihoods to care for them.” http://parentszone.org/tag/wounded-warriors/

6. What service men and women are offered… The Traumatic Service Member Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) is an insurance policy paid for by the service members throughout their careers. This insurance policy is meant to provide financial assistance to service members who are seriously injured while on active duty. It offers anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the injury. While this amount of money may sound substantial, it often only covers the minimum of expenses. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the covered losses designated by statute are: *Total and permanent loss of sight *Loss of a hand or foot by severance at or above the wrist or ankle *Total and permanent loss of speech *Total and permanent loss of hearing in both ears *Loss of thumb and index finger of the same hand by severance at or above themetacarpophalangeal joints *Quadriplegia, paraplegia, or hemiplegia *Burns greater than second degree, covering 30 percent of the body or 30 percent of the face*Coma or the inability to carry out their activities of daily living resulting from traumatic brain injury

7. What’s It All Worth? The Veterans Administration is authorized to make further compensation which includes, but is not limited, to the following : Total and permanent loss of hearing in one ear-$25,000 Loss of one foot at or above ankle-$50,000 Total and permanent loss of sight in one eye and total and permanent loss of hearing in one ear-$75,000 Total and permanent loss of hearing in one ear and loss of thumb and index finger of same hand-$75,000 Third degree or worse burns, covering 30% of the body or 30% of the face-$100,000

8. From One Who Has Been There… “On October 29, 2005, just after 7am, my vehicle, the 27th vehicle in a 69 vehicle convoy (HMMWV), was struck by an IED, consisting of 2, 155mm artillery shells and 50 gallons of propane. There were five soldiers in the vehicle when the IED went off. My driver was thrown from the vehicle and received minor injuries. My gunner was thrown 50 feet from the vehicle, shattering both legs and receiving 3rd degree burns to his lower back. I was in the front right seat. Captain Raymond D. Hill, who sat behind me was thrown from the vehicle and was killed instantly due to brain rupture from the percussion of the blast. Sergeant Shaker T. Guy, who sat behind the driver, was hit with the full force of the blast and was killed instantly. His body was burned beyond recognition. My injuries included 35 % total body surface burns, 100% 3rd degree burns to my face and scalp, loss of both ears and a good portion of my nose. I lost the complete pinky and thumb of the right hand, while the three remaining fingers on that hand were amputated down to the 1st joint. I also received partial amputation of all four finger tips on the left hand and two bullet wounds to the right leg. My breast plate caused damage and I lost 1/4 of my stomach and 1/3 of my small intestines. While at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), I underwent 44 surgical procedures, some of which were multi-procedures. I received my purple heart from President Bush on January 1st, 2006 while still an inpatient. I retired from the United States Army on June 29th, 2007. Since my retirement, I have had 6 additional surgeries to my nose, arms, and stomach. The treatment I received at the VA is pretty good but it can often take weeks or months to get an appointment. The clinic here in St. Augustine is close to my home but their resources are limited. For any specialty appointments, I need to travel to the VA in Gainesville. I can receive treatment with doctors who accept Medicare or Tri-care but there are sometimes large co-pays. Also, it seems that the doctors that do accept the insurance are not near my home and the ones that I researched, that are closer to my home, have received poor reviews. There are no safeguards in place to protect a service member from abuse from their care givers. I know several people who were abused and many who’s spouses took the TSGLI money and left. For Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder victims, there is little help. The physicians will log it in your records and the OIF/OEF case managers will ask how you are doing but little else can be done because of lack of trained medical personnel in those fields.” ~SSG E.J. Majetich, Retired, U.S. Army

9. Each branch of the service has their own program for service members who are injured in combat operations. These programs provide support and guidance for the service member as well as their immediate family. * • “Taking care of wounded warriors is an important part of the Army's mission. The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, for as long as it takes. AW2 provides individualized support to this unique population of Soldiers, who were injured or became ill during their service in Overseas Contingency Operations since 9/11.” • “The Wounded Warrior Regiment's mission is to provide and facilitate assistance to wounded/injured/ill Marines, Sailors attached to or in support of Marine units, and their family members throughout the phases of recovery.” • “The Air Force will take care of its Wounded Warriors. We will fully support the Office of the Secretary of Defense programs to keep highly skilled men and women on active duty. If this is not feasible, the Air Force will ensure Airmen receive enhanced assistance through the AFW2 program.” • “The Navy is committed to providing our Sailors and their families the medical care and non-medical care and support throughout their recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration and beyond worthy of their service and sacrifice.” • “The mission of the Wounded Warrior Pay Support Team is to provide accurate, real-time financial support to service members who are medically evacuated as a result of wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in a combat zone. Additionally, provide the critical human dimension of world class customer service to Wounded Warriors.” *The Department of Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is the organization that controls all financial operations for the Department of Defense.

10. Personal Statements… “The West Palm Beach VA supports adaptive sports programs through participation in various events such as Wounded Warriors, as well as the VA sponsored National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic held annually. VA staff members work with disabled veteran team members during the year and travel with them to the events. These VA employees are therapists, doctors, and others who dedicate their careers and many times volunteer their personal time so that these veterans can enjoy the opportunities provided at these events. Many times I have spoken with veterans after they have attended one of these events. I am always touched by how these activities give these men a sense that life has not ended because of their disability.” Cheryl Brandt Administrative Assistant VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida “As a Rehabilitation Therapist, I see first hand what happens to our wounded men and women are and the obstacles they need to overcome. I volunteer my time to join the families on retreats offered by the Wounded Warrior Project. This is a great program for both the wounded servicemen and women as well as their families. Funding for these programs has always been an issue and while the Wounded Warrior Project is receiving funds for retreats, other departments or programs sometimes suffer. Although my department is not eligible for such funds, I know it would make a world of difference for my patients if it were made possible.” Doug Tuttle Supervisory Rehabilitation Therapist Physical Medical and Rehabilitation VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida

11. A good rehabilitation center should focus on both mind and body by offering such services as: Physical rehabilitation Occupational therapy Nutritional care Pharmacy Psychiatry Psychotherapy Aquatics There are three government run state-of-the art rehabilitation centers in the United States: Walter Reed – 2003 Center for the Intrepid – 2005 San Diego Medical Center, Balboa - 2007 Rehabilitation At A Glance…

12. The Center for the Intrepid is a physical rehabilitation facility for wounded warriors located at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. This world-class state-of-the-art center provides a 60,000 square foot facility for the rehabilitation needs of the patients and those who care for them. • The Fisher House Program donates “comfort homes” to be built on the grounds of military medical centers. This provides the families of patients with a free place to stay while their loved ones are being cared for.Ninety-six cents of every dollar is put directly towards program costs. Example Facility

13. Wounded Warriors Project Their Mission… “The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. “ Their Purpose… “To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, To help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured servicemembers.”

14. I n t e r vi e w What is the primary goal of the WWP? “To honor and empower wounded warriors. To ensure the young men and women serving today are not forgotten and that they get a better quality of life and are able to make the transition from the military back to the civilian world.” What is your position? “Senior Benefits Liaison” Maurice Jackson How does WWP get their funding? Senior Benefits Liaison “the American public”Wounded Warriors Project Do WWP have enough funds to accomplish its goal? “At the present time we are very fiscally responsible for every dollar that we receive but we could always use more funds to help more warriors and their families and expand our services.” What would it take financially or otherwise for WWP to achieve its goal? “Financially and unlimited supply of money would be great but in reality we need the people who have been elected to ensure that the warriors of today and tomorrow will never be forgotten. WWP and the American public also have a responsibility to these veterans. WWP serves as an advocate and a presence in Washington, DC to ensure important issues are prioritized in Congress.” What do you think the problem is? “VA budget should be a top priority that should be expanded without question based on the raising healthcare cost and the cost of war. We need better case management, hire veterans to work to in the VA to serve veterans.” What do you think the solution is? “Work with the VA to make sure it has all the resources it needs to take care of the warriors today. The warriors should have comprehensive rehab facilities which could focus on not just healing the body but the mind, spirit and the family. All branches of service, the state and federal government should work together to make these facilities a reality. Good Hospital or VA Care should not be based on location or popularity but readily available to all no matter where they live are or when they served. This is not a new problem just larger one now as more warriors survive now than they did a long time ago.”

15. “The greatest casualty of war is being forgotten. The current war on terrorism is quickly becoming one of the longest wars in our nation’s history. Since the horrific events on 9/11, men and women wearing the uniform have put their lives at risk. Due to improvements in body armor and battle field medicine, warriors that would have not survived in past wars are now learning to live with the physical and mental scars of war. The current numbers of physically injured are now over 30,000. However, the estimated numbers of warriors dealing with the unseen scars of war are well over 300,000. The two signature injuries of this war are Post Traumatic Stress John RobertsDisorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. These injuries not only Executive Vice Presidentimpact the warriors and their “new normal”, but also greatly Mental Health and impact their family members. These two signature injuries impact Warrior Engagement every aspect of their lives. This means that educational and Wounded Warrior Project employment goals are often times modified, based on the severity of the disabilities. If a warrior has a missing limb, adaptive equipment can be utilized to assist with these specific areas, but very little can be done to adapt equipment for a warrior with memory loss or cognitive impairment. The federal government was not prepared for this extended war or the number of warriors that it would impact. Furthermore, they have never been prepared to provide assistance for the family members that often times are also suffering along with their warrior. This is a new era and a new war. We have been fighting a war on two fronts and it is now time for the care and resources that should be in place to catch up to the needs of this generation of wounded warriors. My greatest fear is that this war will end and those that are currently in need or will be in the future will be forgotten once this is out of the media’s attention and we will find this generation in the same situation as past generations of warriors and they will be forgotten.”

16. The Solution… Although this problem may appear complex or too big to solve, we believe that it can be resolved using a little ingenuity and a lot of common ground. Health Hire more personnel and redistribute the personnel already available. Cross-train people to fit in where needed. Centralizing rehabilitation centers so that there are major poly-trauma centers in every state. Create programs that allow government agencies and hospitals to share medical information such as the VA and Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Financial Pool the resources –every state has a state Veterans Administration office – benefits should be the same for every state. Pass legislation that allows for more money to be funneled through the Veterans Administration directly to the needs of our wounded service members. Create a seamless transition by implementing standards in which the service members receive full, entitled VA benefits upon discharge.

17. Solution Continued… Psychology Hire qualified professionals available to help the service members, as well as immediate family members, deal with illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression Make provisions for service members and their immediate family, who do not live near a military facility, to be evaluated and treated by a qualified, well-respected professional psychologist or psychiatrist. Implement a peer mentoring program for newly injured service members. Education Increase monthly stipend given to service members for vocationaland rehabilitation programs.  Hire college advisors specifically trained to help wounded warriors take the necessary steps to enter and complete their college education. Educate university professors and administration of the unique needs and issues wounded warriors  face in a college situation.

18. A Good Start… On April 2, 2009, Senator Daniel Akaka introduced in Senate the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (S.801). As early as April 21, 2010, this legislation, now known as S.1963, could be put into effect. If this bill is passed, it will offer much needed support to the families of our wounded warriors.

19. Call to action To the American Public – It is time to reach out and hold accountable the elected officials responsible for ensuring that this generation of wounded warriors is not lost or pushed aside, as past generations of warriors have been. We need to urge them to support the changes in law necessary to get the proper funding for the service men and women coming home injured.

20. “The Greatest Casualty is Being Forgotten” “There are those who speak about you who say, ‘he lost an arm, he lost a leg, she lost her sight.’ I object. You gave your arm; you gave your leg; you gave your sight as gifts to your nation, that we might live in freedom. Thank you. And to your families, families of the fallen, and families of the wounded, you sacrificed in ways that those of us who have not walked in your shoes can only imagine. “ -General Peter M. Pace KIA 10-29-2005 Sergeant Shaker T. Guy, 23, 1st BN, 184th INF REG, 40th Infantry Division U.S. Army National Guard, Pomona, CA, Hostile fire - IED attack, Baghdad, Iraq KIA 10-29-2005 Captain Raymond D. Hill, 39, 1st BN, 184th INF REG, 40th Infantry Div., U.S. Army National Guard, Turlock, CA, Hostile fire - IED attack, Baghdad , Iraq

21. Annotated Bibliography… Icasualties.org Iraq Coalition Casualty Count. (2009). Retrieved from http://icasualties.org/ This website offers information on the injured and casualty count of those service men and women who serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan. These charts offer information going back as far as 2001 and account for other countries as well as our own. Gardner, Brian. (2008). Parents zone. Retrieved from http://parentszone.org/tag/wounded-warriors/ The Parents Zone is a website that offers support and a blog for those who have family members serving in the military. Many family members find comfort in sharing their stories of family members serving or lost in service. Servicemembers' & Veterans' Group Life Insurance. (2010, April 19). Retrieved fromhttps://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm Service members and veterans group life insurance is coverage for those serving in the military. Coverage is for service men and women who incur severe loss as a result of traumatic injury. This website offers information on what the life insurance covers as well as access to accounts and coverage information. Majetich, Ellis J. Personal INTERVIEW. 04 April 2006. Army wounded warrior program. (2010, March 23). Retrieved from http://www.aw2.army.mil/ The Army Wounded Warrior Program assists and advocates for wounded or ill soldiers, veterans and family. This website offers information on exactly what the program offers as well as benefits and family information.

22. Annotated Bibliography Continued… United States Marine Corps wounded warrior regiment. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/ The United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment offers assistance to wounded Marines. They assist will all phases of recovery and offer support to family members as well. On the website you will find information on Marine and family support, resources, and events. Air Force Wounded Warrior. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/ The Air Force Wounded Warrior program works towards supporting the wounded by helping to keep highly skilled men and women in active duty. If this is not feasible this program ensures the wounded warrior receives assistance through their program. This site offers many links and information that will help in the rehabilitation process as well as daily life. Wounded Warrior Care Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.navy.mil/navydata/woundedwarrior.html Wounded Warrior Care Resources offers information for about the Navy’s efforts in warrior care. This website offers information on rehabilitation services as well as informative videos. Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (2010, April 14). Retrieved from http://www.dfas.mil/ The Defense Finance and Accounting Service provides financial support to services members who have been wounded or incur injury or disease while serving in a combat zone. This service funds all divisions of the military while ensuring that the resources that are provided are accurately accounted for. This website gives the reader all types of information about the services and offers links to all divisions of the military that it services.

23. Annotated Bibliography Continued… Brandt, Cheryl. Personal INTERVIEW, 10 April 2001. Veterans Administration, West Palm Beach, Florida Tuttle, Doug. Personal INTERVIEW. 02 April 2006. Veterans Administration, West Palm Beach, Florida Intrepid fallen hero’s fund. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/About IFHF/Fund-History/The-Center-for-the-Intrepid.aspx The Center for the Intrepid is a $55 million world-class state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation center constructed to rehabilitate those services members who have been disabled in operations and normal performance of their duty. This website offers information such as what the Center offers as well as information on how to donate, fundraising, and family resources. Fisher house - helping military families. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttp://www.fisherhouse.org/ The Fisher House Program was set up to provide “comfort homes” for family members so they can be close to loved ones in their time of need. These homes were established and have providing such services since 1990. The Fisher House Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises money for construction of these homes. The Fisher House website offers much information on the history of the Fisher House Program as well as information on who the homes are set up for and where they are offered, how to donate, important news even and tax returns.

24. Annotated Bibliography Continued… Wounded Warrior Project. (2010). Retrieved fromhttp://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ The Wounded Warrior Project “is to honor and empower wounded warriors”. They help to raise awareness for the needs of wounded service members. This website offers information on programs and services for severely injured service men and women. Jackson, Maurice. Personal INTERVIEW. 06 April 2006. Wounded Warrior Project, Jacksonville, Florida Roberts, John. Personal INTERVIEW. 10 April 2006. Wounded Warrior Project, San Antonio, Texas