As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue, unprecedented numbers of soldiers are returning to the United States with catastrophic physical and emotional injuries. According to the USA Today, the number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder increased by nearly 20,000 — almost 70% — in the 12 months ending June 30, according to Veterans Administration records. 

Other veterans are returning with such life changing injuries as loss of sight, partial or total paralysis, brain or spinal-cord damage, traumatic brain injury, severe burns, disfigurement, and multiple gunshot wounds, according to the AW2.

One way in which the military is addressing the needs of these soldiers is with a relatively new program serving combat veterans injured since 9/11.  In April of 2004, the Department of the Army introduced its Disabled Soldiers Support System (DS3).  Later in November 2005, the program was re-branded by the Secretary of the Army to be called the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).  The Mission of the AW2 program is to ensure that severely injured soldiers and their families receive the best possible care, support and assistance as they try to recuperate from these life changing injuries.

The program takes a multidisciplinary approach as it connects injured soldiers with a broad continuum of care.  AW2 can support and advise those undergoing medical treatment, rehabilitation and transition back into the Army or a civilian community.  The program also assists the soldier and his family to navigate the labyrinth of federal, state and private benefit systems.  In addition, AW2 links participants with selected financial, educational, employment, legal and medical resources.

One way AW2 helps participants navigate this labyrinth is by assigning them a "soldier family management specialist (SFMS)".  Every AW2 participant has an assigned SFMS, and it's that specialist's task to help the Soldier and family through the program to connect with these services.  The specialist conducts outreach, provides counseling and connects the soldier and family with appropriate social services.  The specialist can also provide employment assistance and coordinates services with the Veterans Administration.

As of the end of fiscal year 2006, the AW2 program assisted over 60 severely wounded soldiers to return to active duty.  In addition, the AW2 program has served over 908 soldiers in the same period, according to AW2 records. 

The Aw2 program also hopes to serve as an advocate and change agent, to adjust policy and increase the responsiveness and effectiveness of the medical and benefit systems serving veterans.  To this end, AW2 has held several symposiums to discuss and strategize for the improvement of services, and to develop best practices for the program.  Participants in the symposium include wounded veterans and there families, AW2 participants, the Veterans Administration, rehabilitation professionals, and benefit experts.  The series of symposiums will assist in prioritizing the important program issues and lead to recommendations for change.  Those recommendations will be forwarded to the Army's senior administration.  By including input from all these stake holders, the program and the Army itself will benefit and be better equipped to serve severely wounded veterans.

AW2 Information Line: 1-800-237-1336