Officially, I have recovered, according to the experts, that is. I know and have come to grips with the fact that I may never be 100 percent again, at least not physically. But I’m here, still in the Army and still serving Soldiers. The last thing I wanted to hear coming off of life support, from a drug-induced coma, is someone explaining the medical board process and retirement. Any attempt at professional tact through rational thought quickly developed into an immediate and abrasive animosity to those who were telling me I had to “get out.”

The Soldier Family Management Specialist from the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (formerly DS3 in 2004) was there to help me and my family. Being fairly independent as I worked on my recovery, I purposely kept myself at a comfortable distance, even from my SFMS. I felt that “staying under the radar” was the best course of action.

It became a bit more difficult remaining “under the radar” after be reassigned from Combat Arms to Career Advisor at Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va. I could no longer maintain a “low heat signature” after I met Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgersen of the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program. At the conclusion of one of his briefings he reopened a door to AW2 for me which I had long since closed.

I have worked extremely hard to recover from my injuries; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Over 30 surgeries later I have recovered to the point to where there’s no chance of being medically retired. I am still quite independent but have now reconnected with my SFMS. It’s reassuring knowing that I have a group of people to support me and no longer need to do it all by myself.

Most importantly, as an advocate for severely wounded Soldiers, AW2 has given me a voice. I’m honored to represent any Soldier who has gone through what I have, and I try to do whatever I can for any wounded Soldier I meet. It’s important that every Soldier understand that is exactly what AW2 does as well.

In closing, I urge all those who have been wounded to seek assistance from AW2 regardless of their situation and injuries. Do not “stay under the radar.” AW2 is there to help you and your families overcome obstacles and reach your goals by providing the necessary care, support and respect that you deserve.

—Sgt. 1st Class Jarrett Jongema

Note from Ayandria Barry, SFMS, Northeast Team:

A few months ago I received a note on my desk from SGM Jurgersen-AW2 SGM, stating that I needed to contact this Soldier and take care of him. I got in touch with SFC Jongema and the first thing he told me was “I want to stay in the military and serve my country.”  I totally understood where he was coming from in “staying under the radar”.  Before AW2 was established on 30 April 04, many severely wounded Soldiers chose to “stay under the radar” for fear or ending their military careers. Now we have reconnected with numerous Soldiers, such as SFC Jongema, who were under the radar, and assisted them in their future endeavors.