I sure wish the AW2 program had been around when I was wounded. You're right, it isn't about the money but the pride and honor a Soldier takes. I asked to be promoted before I was retired and got told where I could get off. Even though I had been doing a 1st Sgt. job in Iraq and was promised a promotion when we got home.
I am glad the system works now and hope Soldiers are being treated better than we were when we came home.

The only way to make a lasting difference is one Soldier, one person, one day at a time. Big efforts like this one facilitate change, but it's the actions of the individuals who care and are concerned about their brothers and sisters in arms, not as acronyms or statistics but as people, who have earned more than can ever be paid that will make provide hope and comfort.
  Please thank your staff and volunteers for all they do. I learned early on that no one will take care of us if we do not first take care of each other.
  Hooah!

All I can say is "Amen to that." This story goes straight to the heart. To encourage all the SFMS keep pressing forward in your daily duties of making differences in all our Soldiers and families lives. Thanks for all you do.

I appreciate everything that the Wounded Warrior Program did for me and my family. From the beginning the one thing that stood out to me was that they contacted my wife and spoke to her about the AW2 Program, about my situation and how I was doing. Believe it or not, but you can understand the effects and issues better from someone on the outside looking in, and I felt that was what made the difference between AW2 and other programs.
  My AW2 advisor is Mr. Gerry Fountain; he's doing an outstanding job keeping me and my family informed. Another thing that stands out with him is that he keeps in touch with me, and when I call or stop by his office without notice he remembers my name without pulling up my records.
  Thank you for having this program, I still believe that there are many Soldiers out there who don't know about AW2, but I make sure the ones I come in contact with know about this program, a true Soldier / veteran program. Thank you.

I concur; AW2 is what the Army needed. I experienced overwhelming help from the staff members and I feel personally that AW2 sincerely cares about all the troops’ wellbeing. This is what I feel the Army is all about; taking care of all our soldiers. It is sincerely appreciated and I personally look forward to see how it grows in the future. Thanks

This hits home with me because while I was on transproc I was allowed to go to the board two days after a back operation to go get my E-6 and it was not just a walk in the park board here at BAMC as I was told it was going to be. I am an 11B and went to the E-5 board downrange and that was a walk in the park compared to the 6 one here at garrison.
It wasn't about the money because I won't see it in my pay or ever receive the E-6 pay. It was about going out with something I rightfully earned as a patient who made time to be a squad leader and at times PSG back before this program and WTU's existed. I can't thank the Soldiers who helped in making my retirement as good as it could be, especially considering I only have five years in and wanted to do 20+ if God would bless me to make it that long. It is great to hear about stories like this one about the SFC who earned and sacrificed so much for our country and our way of life. HOOAH! May these actions continue and all who understand the sacrifices made downrange keep up the good work and go that extra 8 hours of work to make an impact on one SM at a time. God bless us all! SSG Bito (RET)