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By MAJ Deb Cisney, AW2 Operations During the 2008 AW2 Symposium the delegates discussed more than 80 issues that were previously submitted by AW2 Soldiers, Family members, prospective employers and others involved in wounded warrior care and transition. During four days of focus group sessions, the delegates worked with facilitators and subject matter experts to combine similar issues and determine which were the most important. At the conclusion of the Symposium, each focus group briefed their top prioritized issues to LTG Rochelle and other Army leadership. The delegates than voted on the top five overall issues of the 2008 AW2 Symposium, which were relayed to you in Part 1 of this blog series. Now, to quote Paul Harvey, “the rest of the story.” In order of presentation, the rest of the focus group prioritized issues briefed to LTG Rochelle were: -Career Counseling For Wounded Warriors: Assign each wounded warrior an individual Career Counselor to identify their skills and experiences and assist them with developing and posting their resumes and require Career Counselors to follow-up with wounded warriors 90 days after separation. -Over Medication of Service Members and Veterans: Provide continuing education to service members and veterans about high risk medications and alternatives to prevent overdose and addiction and require the development and implementation of a lifespan injury pain management plan for service members and veterans. -Non-Dependent Caregivers Eligibility for Support Services: Authorize Soldier-elected, non-dependent caregivers to receive established support services as deemed necessary by case manager. -Mental Health Treatment and Confidentiality: Combine mental health and primary care services in the same facility. -Continuity of Care and Services during Transitions: Develop a new standardized policy for the seamless transition of a wounded warrior and Family and assign a representative to seriously wounded warriors at the time of injury and throughout the life time of the wounded warrior continuum of care. -Local Community Support of Wounded Warriors: Ensure AW2 Strategic Communication programs reach all local communities with wounded warriors and hometown news releases are distributed for returning wounded warriors. -Consistent Medical Care from Active Duty to the Veterans Affairs System: Require the transitional case manager to contact the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) to ensure continuous medical treatment and ensure the service member is concurrently registered in the Patient Administration Division (PAD) and reenrolled in TRICARE at the nearest MTF upon return to their place of residence. -Timely Medical Appointments for All Veterans: Schedule appointments within 30 days of the original request and provide local treatment at the government’s expense if VHA personnel are unavailable. The delegates’ work is done (whew!) and now it is up to AW2 to ensure that the issues are addressed. Rest assured that all 13 issues (the 8 listed above plus the top 5 prioritized issues) have been incorporated into the AW2 Symposium Active Issues. You can check the AW2 website and this blog for updates on all of your issues.
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By MAJ Deb Cisney, AW2 Operations They did it! The 2008 AW2 Symposium delegates used their personal experiences to tell the Army how to improve care for Soldiers and Families. Two and a half weeks ago, 74 AW2 Soldiers and Family members rolled up their sleeves and put their hearts, minds and souls together. This dedicated group spent a week in six different focus group rooms, working through the issues that were submitted to this year’s AW2 Symposium. After much gnashing of teeth and shedding of blood (figuratively), sweat and tears (literally)…the final issues were presented to LTG Rochelle, and other senior Army leaders. It was a job well done! I am MAJ Deb Cisney and as a member of the AW2 Operations Staff my primary focus is to ensure that the final Symposium issues are addressed by senior leaders throughout our Army, the Department of Defense, and Congress. I am truly honored to serve all of you in this manner. The top five prioritized 2008 AW2 Symposium Issues are (drum roll, please!): 1.) Alternative Treatment Options for Wounded Warriors--Authorize and fund alternative treatment options for Wounded Warriors. 2.) Support Groups and Counseling for Wounded Warrior Families--Establish an inspectable Wounded Warrior Family Counseling Program including support groups facilitated by clinically trained behavioral health professionals. 3.) Continuation on Active Duty (COAD) and Continuation of Active Reserve (COAR) Process--Authorize Soldiers 90 days instead of 10 days to finalize their COAD/COAR decision and provide mandatory COAD/COAR counseling during the PEB process by someone other than the PEB Liaison Officer. 4.) Treatment of Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) Soldiers by the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB)--Exclude all communication of COAD/COAR preference from the PEB Liaison Officer until completion of PEB process and remove block 16 on DA Form 3947. 5.) Eligibility Criteria for Warrior Transition Units (WTU)--Implement stringent eligibility criteria for entrance into and retention within the Warrior Transition Units that are standard across the Army and establish a dedicated independent admissions board comprised of health care professionals to monitor eligibility and retention of Warriors in Transition in order to provide checks and balances. While these issues were prioritized by the Delegate body as a whole, LTG Rochelle was also briefed on an additional 8 issues to which he paid close attention. Watch for Part 2 of the 2008 AW2 Symposium Issues blog to see where else you told him to go!
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By Jeanne Keffer, Outgoing Inventory Director, Sew Much Comfort Our non-profit organization, Sew Much Comfort, was thrilled when COL Rice invited us to attend the AW2 Symposium this year, which was the first AW2 Symposium to include an exhibit hall. We were proud to be there and in the company of other non-profits, veteran service organizations, and Army programs, all sharing a mission of helping the most severely wounded Soldiers and their Families. The event was a wonderful opportunity for us to personally connect with the Soldiers, their Family members, AW2 staff and Army leadership. Our goal was to get the word out about the adaptive clothes our dedicated seamstresses make for the wounded to use during their recuperation. Currently, our organization has an ambassador that visits Walter Reed to meet with soldiers and replenish their lockers with clothing. At Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), hospital staff and AW2 advocates make sure Sew Much Comfort clothes are available, as well. However, we wanted all Army locations, VA hospitals, and individual service members to know about us and feel comfortable contacting us about requests to provide them with our shorts, shirts, pants, boxers, and accessories. From the first evening of the symposium when the delegates came through the exhibit area, we knew our decision to come was a good one. The week was full of memorable experiences for us. We met a soldier and his wife who shared their story with us about using our clothing while at BAMC, and how much it helped them. We received orders for clothes from other delegates who are in need. An Army General came to our booth and got our information to give to his wife, who is interested in volunteering as a seamstress. We also had the pleasure of presenting one of our quilts to a special delegate who will be working with us on perfecting some of our patterns. The opportunity to be a part of this very important process has given us new insight into the Army Wounded Warrior Program. We were able to witness the interactions of delegates and staff, to share meals and breaks with the attendees, to watch Operation Purple do its magic with the children, and to learn about and from the other exhibitors. We feel honored to have spent the week with this incredible group of people and returned with a feeling of gratitude for being a small part in their transition. The theme of the Symposium that we heard over and over again throughout the week is "I am AW2" and we felt that this also applied to us. Thanks for welcoming Sew Much Comfort as a part of the Symposium and a part of AW2- we will continue to make you proud.
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By Emily Oehler, AW2 Strategic Communications For several days, I have been immersed in the logistics of the AW2 Symposium ... helping with media briefing, editing newsletters, getting photographs, creating PowerPoint slides, answering questions as a subject matter expert. Nose to the grindstone. Occasionally looking up to really see, I mean really see, what was around me. Tonight, it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Throughout the week, I have interacted with the kids in Operation Purple. The first day a young six-year old girl who was clinging to my leg, reluctant to join a group of strangers clinging a bit to my leg. Two days later, chaperoning several kids to a local minor league baseball game - their first. The next day, riding in the elevator listening to a group of teenagers talk about needing a picture of their group for their Facebook page they were creating and then collecting email addresses. Tonight, well tonight was the grand finale. Thirty-eight 5-17 year olds shared with their parents some of their experiences from the week during a closing ceremony. As I listened to the camp counselors talk about the week, and their admiration for the kids and then listened to the kids share some of the personal stories, I was overwhelmed - and the tears hit. They spoke of feeling awkward when people stared at their parents (who are severely wounded), they shared how great it was to hang out with other kids who understood and they didn't even have to say a word, and they smiled about all the fun they had had during the week. Then, each child gave their parent a dog tag with a moon... a moon because where ever you are, the moon is there - bright in the night, a constant, a touchstone. These kids shared that, for them, their parents were their moon. The next dog tag featured a bear - to represent the strength of each soldier and parent. These kids were able to share with their heroes, their parents, their pride in all they had accomplished and everything they worked hard to overcome. To see children honor their parents - to give them support, love and encouragement was amazing... and shows that they have the warrior spirit of their parents. With each presentation my emotions ran from heartache to laugher to pride to awe and back again. I saw, I mean really saw, the importance of this program, this event, this camp, this focus on families, and this work to improve the system.
To the children here - you have opened my eyes and my heart, and I wish for you the moon.
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By Jeffrey M. Cox, LICSW, BCD
US Army Wounded Warrior Advocate
I am pleased that I was invited to provide support to the 2008 AW2 Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. We met at the Sheraton Hotel overlooking the Civil War Monument reminding us that our work of remembering those who fought and wounded did not start four years ago when this program started.
I had a simple responsibility: Hall Monitor. I was responsible for assisting the logistical flow of the work and support delegates with numerous small issues. This involved helping pick up a forgotten prescription to driving a van to a baseball game. Small things—yet important.
The power of the Symposium is found in the connection and community of the week. People from various parts of the country who live separate and have various abilities come together to speak as a whole to the Army about how the wounded, injured, and ill can be remembered. I suspect that the work accomplished here will provide an incremental change to policies and procedures. This is OK—the Civil War monument was not built in one day nor will an everlasting policy that supports those who served and are wounded, injured, or ill.
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By Amanda Pringle, 17-year old daughter of AW2 Soldier BLAMJJAUGS. This stands for: Brittany, Lexie, Amanda, Mark, Joen, Josh, Alexis, Vivian, George and Sadaruis. We just met 6 days ago at the AW2 Symposium. And now, we all see ourselves as a Family. We are a group of kids who share something in common, something that brought us all together as one. As a Family. We finally have others who understand our emotions towards Iraq and what it has done to our Families. Operation Purple helped us during this week, talking about trusting without judgment, leadership, also expressing our feelings. The activity that touched the BLAMJJAUGS the most was the trust fall. We had to trust that our group would catch us, when we fall into each others arms. This activity brought us together and we started to call ourselves the Operation Purple Teen Family. This camp is an experience that all of us will never forget. We have made lifelong friends here and we know we will stay in touch. We are even going to start a MySpace page for AW2 kids. I would like to thank anyone and everyone who made this camp possible and brough us togehter. Now the hard part is saying goodbye. Note: Last night, the 37 children in attendance at the AW2 Symposium participated in a farewell ceremony. The children, who spent the week with National Military Family Association's Operation Purple camp, introduced their counselors, spoke about their experiences and presented special dog tags to their wounded Soldier parent. The ceremony concluded with a slideshow of the week's activities.
Photo: BLAMJJAUGS 
Photo: AW2 Soldier, CPT Elmer Rivera and his three children at the AW2 Symposium 
Photo: AW2 Soldier, MAJ Kristi Hilton, receiving special dog tags from her son 
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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 
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By Gregg and Donna Lee, parents of AW2 Soldier, Cpl. Quentin A. Lee Everything changed when we received that dreaded phone call on August 22, 2007. That was when we were informed that our son, Cpl. Quentin A. Lee, had been severely injured in combat. That was the worst day of our lives. Our son's injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a bilateral tympanic membrane rupture from the blast, which have left him with severe hearing loss. We had the opportunity to watch him receive the Purple Heart award for his courageous service. Immediately after being injured, Quentin was evacuated to BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) in San Antonio. We moved to Texas for two months to be with our son, as we knew he needed his family by his side, and we needed him as well. Although Quentin wasn't able to communicate very well at the time, when we told him we were coming to Texas, his response was "That lights up my world." That is when we knew that our son would be okay. While in Texas, we were among some of the most amazing men and women we have ever met. Many of the wounded Soldiers did not have Family members who could be there, so we treated them like our own sons and daughters. It was truly the best and worst time of our lives. It was so hard to say goodbye to everyone at BAMC when we took Quentin home with us in November. Quentin is currently receiving care at MAMC (Madigan Army Medical Center) and continues to make progress in his recovery, despite occasional setbacks. This week, we are both attending the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium as delegates. At the Symposium we are working with other Family members, as well as wounded Soldiers, caregivers, and subject matter experts to advance the most important Soldier care issues. This Symposium is our time to give back and we are honored to do our small part to help our wounded warriors. Quentin was not able to make the long trip to come with us, but he is so happy that we are here to help make a difference for other wounded Soldiers. In his recovery, Quentin has demonstrated the same bravery and selflessness that he showed on the battlefield. We are so proud of Quentin and his service to our country. Our son is our hero. And, now, it is our turn to serve him. Photo: Donna and Gregg Lee, 2008 AW2 Symposium delegates 
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By Roberta Berry, AW2 Career Coordinator and Rose Marie Tinker, AW2 Career Coordinator
At the 2008 AW2 Symposium this week, we successfully kicked-off our first annual Career Forum. AW2 is a holistic program and one of the services that we offer is assistance to Soldiers and their Families in pursuing career goals. The Symposium career forum includes career experts who are available to assist Symposium delegates with resume and interview tips, networking and job opportunities, vocational and rehabilitation benefits and general career counseling.
Also, companies who are looking to hire AW2 Soldiers and their Families (both corporate and non-profit) are on-site to discuss their career opportunities.
The career forum is taking place everyday from 4-5:30. So far, more than 30 AW2 Soldiers and Family members have requested and received assistance from the career forum, and it's only Tuesday! We are hopeful that this forum will result in successful career and employment opportunities for AW2 Soldiers and Family members.
A message to AW2 Symposium participants from AW2 Advocate, Regina Webb: You are encouraged to provide feedback to the AW2 Advocates at the Symposium. The AW2 Advocates will take care of any issues or concerns you feel requires immediate attention. Also, the Advocate will provide feedback on any issues or concerns identified at the conclusion of the Symposium.
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There is an abundance of energy, youthful grins, and pattering feet in the hallways of the Indianapolis Sheraton this week. This year, for the first time, the AW2 Symposium has included children in the event. The AW2 Program recognizes that the entire family is paramount to a Soldier’s recovery and that these are trying times for the children of wounded Soldiers, our youngest heroes. Eight months ago, while planning the Symposium, we vowed to include children, and, through a collaboration with the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple® Summer Camp program, we made it happen. More than 30 children of severely wounded, injured and ill Soldiers travelled to Indianapolis with their parents and are participating in AW2’s Operation Purple Indy Ultimate Urban Adventure Camp. The Operation Purple program includes activities such as rock climbing, arts and crafts, and horseback riding, as well as trips to local state parks and museums. Also, each day the children discuss their feelings with trained professionals in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Last night while I was waiting for the hotel elevator after a long day, I noticed a family with two boys in backpacks (larger than them) waiting to go to their room. I asked if the boys were having fun at the camp. Both of them had these adorable grins on their faces as they talked about their fun the park and the bowls they painted during “paint your own pottery” activity. Only after leaving that family did I truly understand the importance of this week for both the Soldiers and their children.
Be sure to check back here, during the week, to read what children think of the camp experience and see pictures of them interacting and enjoying themselves. Also, many thanks to the awesome AW2 and Operation Purple team for providing this experience for the children! By, Francine Moore, AW2 Program
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This is a big week for the AW2 Program! AW2 has brought together more than 70 severely wounded Soldiers, Family members and caregivers from around the country for the fourth annual AW2 Symposium in Indianapolis. Based on their personal experiences, wounded Soldiers and Family members will engage in a week of intensive focus group discussions and select the top five issues in soldier care, to be presented to Army leadership. You can learn more about the Symposium process through daily updates on the AW2 Blog. Below is a welcome letter given to all AW2 Symposium participants.
Welcome to the fourth Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Symposium—“I AM AW2.” On behalf of the Army Wounded Warrior Program, I would like to thank you for being here and for sharing our commitment to improving the care of wounded, injured and ill Soldiers and their Families. Your personal insights, experiences and feedback are viral in the Symposium process and are helping us to make a real difference for Soldiers and Families. Your personal insights, experiences and feedback are vital in the Symposium process and are helping us to make a real difference for Soldiers and Families. The AW2 Program hosts symposiums as part of the Army’s mission to improve care for wounded Soldiers, based on the needs and input wounded Soldiers and Families, Issues and recommendations from previous AW2 Symposiums have contributed to positive change, such as the creation and design of the Army’s new Warrior Transition Units (WTU) and Soldier Family Assistance Centers (SFAC). Additionally, AW2 Symposium recommendations contributed to legislation changing the maximum amount of the VA housing accommodations to benefit wounded Soldiers. Each of you has a unique and valuable perspective that will contribute to future advances in wounded warrior care. I encourage you to freely share your thoughts and ideas during this Symposium. Your voice is important to us and I assure you that every single idea will receive full consideration. You are AW2! Welcome to Indianapolis and I look forward to meeting you during the next several days. Respectfully, JIM RICE Colonel, U.S. Army Director, U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program
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By SGT. Clay Rankin, AW2 Soldier
I injured my lower back in Iraq in 2003 during combat operations; I also suffer from PTSD from my war experiences. My disabilities significantly limited my ability to live independently; I became more and more dependant upon my wife and children to live day to day. I began looking for ways to regain my independence and was referred to Patriot Paws in August 2006, to explore the possibility of having a service dog to assist me in doing day to day activities.
My service dog, Archie, actually picked me and our relationship is a partnership. We take care of each other. Archie does everything from pulling a grocery cart, carrying shopping bags from the car, opening bedroom drawers, and picking up my fallen cane. He even opens the refrigerator and retrieves requested items from the bottom shelf. Although Archie was trained as a physically handicap assistance dog, specific to my needs, the added unintended benefit was that Archie also senses and responds to my PTSD symptoms to assist me to remain grounded in reality.
Any soldier who deals with PTSD or a serious physical injury knows the fear of the unknown, the what if’s, that cause us not to go out into public alone because were not sure what we will do if we fall down and can’t get up on our own, or what we will do if we have a flash back or if someone does something that causes us to perceive something to be a threat even though in reality it may not be. Archie has allowed me to regain the confidence to go out into public again without having to wait until my wife or son can go with me. Archie will not only help me with various physical needs that I have, he also senses my increased anxiety, flashback episodes and stressors. Archie alerts to changes in my chemistry and alerts me by rubbing up against me, punching me with his nose or even pawing at me until I snap out of it and pay attention to him. If someone unknowingly approaches me from the rear Archie will place himself between me and the person, alerting me to their presence and causing the person to stop or slow their approach.
The physical and mental pain persists. But with Archie, the going isn't as rough.
For more information about the Patriot Paws, call 972-772-3282 or go to www.patriotpaws.org
Here is a photo of me and Archie:
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By Guest Columnist Michael J. Astrue Commissioner of Social Security With Memorial Day approaching, I think it’s important to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We at Social Security honor the heroism and courage of our military service members and mourn for those who have given their lives in defense of freedom. It is also important to recognize those service members who are still with us, especially those who have recently been wounded. That’s why I’d like to take this opportunity to remind readers that military service members receive expedited processing of their disability applications from Social Security. In fact, under an agreement initiated by Social Security, the Department of Defense now transmits information to us that allows us to quickly identify military personnel injured in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The expedited process is available for any military service members who become disabled during active duty on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel also may be able to receive benefits, including dependent children and spouses. If you, or someone you know, were wounded while on active duty in the military, find out more about what Social Security can do for you by visiting our website designed specifically for you: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. There, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Please pay special attention to the fact sheets available on that website titled Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors and Expediting Disability Applications for Wounded Warriors. You’ll also find links to useful VA websites, such as the “Seamless Transition Home” link, and the “Veterans Online Application” website. This Memorial Day, join me as I honor those who gave their lives for our nation, and salute those who served as well as those who continue to serve. To learn more about what Social Security is doing to serve wounded warriors, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. For the families of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Social Security survivors benefits may be payable. To learn more about eligibility for survivors benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/survivorplan.
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By MAJ Marc Hoffmeister, AW2 Soldier I’ve always loved the outdoors. I used to spend all of my free time climbing in the back country or dreaming about climbing the big peaks. I stopped dreaming the day the enemy got lucky and I earned a purple heart. Until I realized that only the circumstances have changed and I can adapt. Next year, I intend to climb 20,320 foot Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, in the company of likeminded wounded warriors. It wouldn’t be an easy task if our bodies were fully intact, so I’m anticipating this climb to have a few challenges in wait for us. A year ago, while operating in Al Hillah, Iraq embedded with the Iraqi Army, a roadside bomb ripped through my HMMWV. The explosively formed penetrator tore through all of us in the truck. We survived because the rest of my men did everything right, but I lost effective use of my left arm and hand. Despite our survival, life has changed for us all, in both mind and body. We became casualties of war. I bear this title proudly. I have no regrets and I have no anger at the enemy or frustration with the war. I know we’ve made a difference and I accept my sacrifices. But I will not accept my wounds as a reason to forego my dreams. My arm may no longer perform as it once did, but my spirit will overcome that obstacle. I had promised my wife many years ago that we would find a way to climb Denali. This wasn’t quite the method I had intended, but perhaps someone up there had a plan all along. It’s been a tough year but now it’s time to turn misfortune into opportunity, and not just for me. I will be joined by three other Wounded Warriors who have faced and overcome the limitations of there injuries. This mission is not for anyone. You need to be physically adapted, trained and mentally prepared to meet the rigors of the mountain. This will also require a team effort. Together we will reach the summit. Please go to our website for more details on the expedition: http://www.theveteranscoalition.org/operation_denali
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Last week, AW2 Advocates from around the country came together for a week of intensive education and collaboration, at the AW2 Advocate Annual Training. Here is more about the training from two AW2 Advocates, Ayandria Barry and Regina Webb: By Ayandria Barry Northeast Region AW2 Advocate The AW2 Advocate training last week was awesome and made me realize how far our program has come in just four years! I was one of the first four AW2 staff members and being here from the beginning, I’ve seen how much this program has grown and continues to grow to work for the wounded Soldiers and their Families. From our humble beginnings to now, our staff has grown from four to over 100 and we are still growing!
The AW2 Advocate Training is just one way that leadership provides us with the knowledge and tools we need to navigate through the red tape and get the job done for our Soldiers and their Families. During my time at AW2 I have seen our resources evolve to include a complex database, a Strategic Communication division that sends out wonderful literature and newsletters to both the staff and the Soldiers, and a Human Resources cell that provides us with support, feedback and solutions. This is all a testament to AW2’s continued progress. To the new evolving AW2 Trainings… Keep up the good work!!!! Hooha! By Regina Webb
Northeast Team Advocate "I am AW2"
On behalf of the Northeast Team at Headquarters, I would like to say thanks to everyone for their valuable contributions at our recent annual training, held in Alexandria, VA. I very much appreciated all the information and knowledge shared during our breakout session with the Region Teams. The information gained during these sessions will serve as additional tools to continue the support we provide to our AW2 Soldier's and Family members. I trust that you enjoyed your time at the training and I certainly look forward to working with each of you as we continue to give our very best to our population.
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