Annual breakfast honors Warrior Care Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Caitlin Russell
  • 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The annual Warrior Care breakfast and information fair was held in honor of Military Appreciation and Warrior Care Month, Nov. 22, 2019.
These special observances showcase the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration tools available to assist wounded service members and veterans as they transition to civilian life or return to duty.
“This event is important to us [Air Force Wounded Warrior program] because it sheds a light on the fact that everyone wearing a uniform is a warrior,” said Johnny Hernandez, Air Force Alaskan region recovery care coordinator. “I wanted to have a breakfast to bring everyone together and show them what the AFW2 program is doing for them.”
Beyond the breakfast, the event is held to connect service members with resources and programs available, while also allowing service members and leadership to address issues they may face regarding care.
Warrior care encompasses a full spectrum of support for every step; recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. The program offers care for members suffering from not only physical wounds and illnesses, but also invisible wounds like post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hernandez mentioned that support assets like these can help restore a member’s sense of purpose, way of life and level of self-care.
“When I was in [the Air Force] these programs were not available, and so I thought that it was important to have events like this to let people know they exist,” Hernandez said.
Although the event is still new, approximately 70 people attend; including leadership from the 673d Air Base Wing, 3rd Wing and more.
“Last year the event was cut short because of the earthquake,” Hernandez said. “This year went much better. We’re hoping that next year we’ll have even more participation, especially from caregivers – they sacrifice a lot to be help their warrior. We’re also looking at seeing if we can host it at a bigger venue to allow for more participants.”
Members who attended the event expressed their appreciation for not only the breakfast served, but for the knowledge gained about resources available.
“As a supervisor and service member, any event you can attend that expands your knowledge of helping agencies and support programs is time well spent,” U.S. Air Force MSgt. Steven James, 673d ABW chaplain operations flight chief. “I gained a greater perspective and appreciation for the people and services available within the Wounded Warrior program at JBER. It is proof that the military community cares about those in its ranks.”