OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Nebraska --
Team Offutt will host a Warrior CARE event, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, for more than 120 seriously wounded, ill or injured Total Force service members, their caregivers and familiesseriously or very seriously wounded, ill or injured Total Force service members, their caregivers and families, Sept. 19 - 22.
CARE is an acronym derived from the various components of the event that will provide a holistic approach to healing including: Caregiver Support; Adaptive & Rehabilitative Sports; Recovering Airman Mentorship Program; and Employment & Career Readiness.
“Offutt and the entire local community are honored to not only host this event, but have the opportunity to show our support for our brothers and sisters who have answered their nation’s call,” Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander said. “One of the things that distinguishes the profession of arms from others is that we have each made a vow to never leave a member behind and this event is a concrete example of that promise. Team Offutt is looking forward to the Warriors arrival.”
The opening ceremony will be held inside the Offutt Field House at 8 a.m.
The planning and coordination required for an event of this importance and scope has been underway for several months by a dedicated team of Offutt Airmen led by Maj. Michael Shick, 55th Wing North Central Warrior CARE Event lead planner.
“My team and I are excited about this opportunity to give back to those who have given so much of themselves,” Major Shick said. “Master Sgt. Robert Connelly, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant, and I believe this is a great way for the Air Force and community to give back to these men and women, and their families. Myself, MSgt Connelly, and the rest of Offutt’s Air Force Wounded Warrior support team are honored to be a part of this humbling event.”
Caregiver Support
While attending the Warrior CARE Event, caregivers – usually, but not always a spouse – will learn skills to help positively affect their environment. Caregivers will learn about enlisting the help of family and friends, how to enjoy personal time without guilt and learn about other resources and assistance available.
Adaptive & Rehabilitative Sports
The adaptive & rehabilitative sports component is the most physically demanding portion of a Warrior CARE event and often what most have come to associate with Wounded Warrior program. Participants will be offered an introduction and training in Paralympic-style sports events including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, archery, air rifle and pistol and track & field events. All of the sports, and the equipment used, is adapted to meet the needs of any visible or invisible condition to meet the rehabilitation and recovery needs of the participants.
Recovering Airman Mentorship Program
The Recovering Airman Mentorship Program will include peer-to-peer, group and sport mentorship. Mentorship training is provided prior to the start of the actual event and then mentors are embedded within each group and at each sport venue. The goal is to connect recovering Airmen with mentors to promote and encourage healing throughout the continuum of their recovery process.
Employment & Career Readiness
The AFW2 Employment Readiness team will offer participants a personalized, hands-on Employment Skills Boot Camp. The boot camp is designed to equip the recovering service members with tools necessary to obtain a position that is the right fit at the right time to minimize employment gaps. This portion of the program includes a self-assessment, career matching, personal branding, networking, interviewing skills with mock interviews, and one-on-one resume reviews.
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, administered by the Air Force Personnel Center, provides personalized support and advocacy to recovering service members, their families and caregivers. For more information about AFW2 visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/.