Warrior Care Month is an important annual effort to increase awareness of the programs and resources available to wounded, ill and injured service members, as well as their families, caregivers and those who support them.
“Each military department and Special Operations Command have dedicated Warrior Care Programs that provide nonmedical assistance to wounded, ill and injured service members navigating the recovery and rehabilitation phases of the military’s medical treatment system,” said James Rodriguez, deputy assistant secretary of defense, Office of Warrior Care Policy. “Our job at Warrior Care Policy is to deliver uniform care coordination policy and standards that guide and support wounded, ill and injured service members through their recovery, rehabilitation and transition or reintegration back to duty.”
The Department of Defense established WCP in fiscal year 2008 to provide oversight and uniform care standards for warrior care, which encompasses the full spectrum of support through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration back to duty or transition into the community. In addition to its oversight and policy role, WCP manages programs designed to enhance rehabilitation and transition, including the Education and Employment Initiative, the Operation Warfighter Federal Internship Program and the Military Adaptive Sports Program.
“DoD has made a concerted effort to guarantee wounded, ill and injured service members have access to specialized support that helps ensure each has a successful transition,” Rodriguez said. “Warrior Care Month is a time for everyone to familiarize themselves with the programs and resources available to wounded, ill and injured service members and their caregivers.”
The theme of this year’s Warrior Care Month observance is “Show of Strength.” Throughout November, DoD and the military departments will sponsor events and activities to increase awareness of the significant achievements and milestones that often occur during the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration or transition process.
“We have made substantial strides toward institutionalizing warrior care policies and programs across the DoD,” said Rodriguez. “However, Warrior Care Month serves as an important reminder of the enduring resilience and perseverance of our service members, qualities I see in wounded, ill and injured service members who are striving each day to recover successfully.”
For more information on Warrior Care Month, visit www.health.mil/WarriorCareMonth.
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Mr. James D. Rodriguez, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Warrior Care Policy, speaks with a wounded, ill, or injured Service member.