By Tiffany Martin, AW2 Symposium Delegate
My entire family is spending the week in Indianapolis, participating in the AW2 Symposium. My husband, Michael, is an AW2 Soldier who suffers from traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as back injuries. Michael and I are serving as delegates for the Symposium, participating in focus groups in the career issue area. I am really enjoying being part of the Symposium process and contributing my ideas and thoughts on Soldier care. I feel like I am being heard and like that my experiences, as the spouse of a severely wounded Soldier, are helping others. It is a great feeling.
My three children (girls ages 10 and 7 and 6-month old boy) are also having positive experiences this week. The two girls are both participating in the National Military Family Association's (NMFA) Operation Purple Camp and they are having a blast! My oldest girl, Lexie, is normally shy and reserved, especially among groups of her peers. But after the second day of camp, Lexie came back to the hotel after participating in the high ropes course and had a new confidence that I had never seen before, as well as many new friends.
Michael and I love hearing about our girls' adventures of the day and we had a new adventure as a family this week. We attended our first baseball game on Tuesday night, a minor league game in Indianapolis, with the rest of the Symposium participants. One of our AW2 Soldiers threw out the first pitch of the game and we joined the rest of our group in cheering loudly for him.
Participating in the Symposium is just one way that the AW2 Program has impacted our family. Our AW2 Advocate, Gerry Fountain, has made a significant difference in our lives. He has been a constant for my husband and our family, looking out for us and helping us with whatever we need. Michael has a special bond with his AW2 Advocate. I look at Mr. Fountain talking to my husband and it looks like a father talking to his son. There is nothing that Michael wouldn't tell him, no issues he wouldn't feel comfortable discussing. I am so grateful for him and the AW2 Program and honored to participate in the Symposium this week. Thank you AW2!
Photo: Tiffany and Michael Martin participating in the 2008 AW2 Symposium
Photo: Michael Martin with his son, Isiah, at the AW2 Symposium
Photo: Colonel Jim Rice and Isiah Martin at the AW2 Symposium
