From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By Becky Bechtel, Indiana

On November 5, 2008, former Secretary of Defense Robert F. Gates established November as Warrior Care Month. The purpose of this Department of Defense proclamation is to bring awareness of programs and resources that are available to our wounded, ill, and injured service members. Secretary Gates wanted to make it easier for our troops and their families to take advantage of all the assistance available.

Wounded warrior care includes services that provide service members with recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration back to duty or into the communities where they live. The Department of Defense continuously evaluates the needs of various warrior care programs to make sure a high level of care is provided to the current and future wounded soldiers, their families and caregivers.

PEER Forums are held in-person at 62 military installations throughout the United States, along with virtual forums held each month for those who cannot attend in person. The military realizes caregiving puts a tremendous physical and mental strain on these families. Access to primary care and nurse managers, as well as recovery care coordinators help with the stressors associated with being a caregiver.

Events to bring awareness for resources can be found at bases all over the country. As an example, there are several Wounded Warrior 5Ks along with family socials and cooking classes.

For additional information on Warrior Care Month and warrior care programs and resources,  visit https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Access-Cost-Quality-and-Safety/Warrior-Care.