Supporting our troops deployed overseas and at home is as importantnow as ever. When our soldiers return home with injuries,they need the extra support of the military and their familymembers, to get them rehabilitated, re–socialized and re–adjustedback into their community.
The military has great programs for their wounded that providefor all of their needs, from medical treatment to enhanced outreachprograms and services, which make the transition as smoothas possible. While they doan exceptional job of gettingthe injured soldiersback into their community,the family is often leftto deal with the processof acclimation on theirown. In San Antonio, Joniand Friends, a non–profitChristian organization,partnered with the Chaplaincyat Brooke ArmyMedical Center (BAMC)to develop a weekend retreatprogram that wouldfocus on strengtheningspiritual and family relationsof soldiers in rehabilitation.
The “Warrior Getaway,”which took place inApril, brought 20 soldiers along withtheir families to Tapatio Springs Resortin Boerne. There they spent theweekend with other families goingthrough the same experience, enjoyingfun outdoor activities and engaging inmeaningful discussions.
Among the 20 families was a mixtureof those who were living at FisherHouse and families who have alreadytransitioned into homes or apartmentsin the San Antonio area.
Joni and Friends’ initial outreachwas to concentrate on single, young(19–24 year olds) warriors and theirfamily members. But to their surprise,this was not the majority of those whoattended. During their recruitment, many warriors intransition had children of their own. Many were Reservists (25–50years old) serving on their third or fourth tour of duty.
Together they spent time reveling in rock climbing, horsebackriding, fishing, swimming, golfing and shopping and just to name afew. The warriors and their spouses listened to inspiring speechesfrom speakers Joni and Ken Tada, Nick Vujicic of Life WithoutLimbs and Jonathan Spinks, kick–boxing champion. Spinks’ testimoney reminded them that keeping their focus on Jesus is what willencourage them to get through their difficult circumstances.
Over the weekend, Chaplains Tony Ciomperlik and Luis Lopezpresented issues concerning the active duty warriors and brokedown into smaller groups to share. Joni and Ken spoke with thewives and caregivers about their marriage and the part that disabilityplays in their lives. The families involved were able to sharewhat the weekend had meant to them. One man told of the hateand hopelessness he hadfelt and how the weekendhad given him hopefor the future, and for hisfamily.
Brian Field, whowas injured on June 1,2007, after stepping onhomemade explosive inthe courtyard of an Iraqihouse, recounts, “I lostboth of my legs belowthe knee and 70 percentof my hearing. I now usehearing aids and prostheticsto walk. I have hadseveral setbacks and wasnot up to walking untilabout March of this year,”says Field. Field broughthis wife Danielle, his sonAustin, 12, and his daughter Jenna, 11,to the Getaway. “It was great to spendtime with my family, there was no pressure,just fun activities with people withlike disabilities,” says Field. “It greatlyhelped my spouse talk to other spousesgoing through the same situations.”
The activities and emotional discussionsprovided an outlet for the families.
Another soldier shared that this wasthe first event they had attended wherepeople actually shared their lives withthem, listened to their pain and lovedand encouraged them as a family. Manyothers shared how grateful they were fora safe place to rest and relax away fromthe stresses of rehabilitation.
There are many organizations and people who give their lovingsupport to the wounded soldiers in our community. The “WarriorGetaway” is one that gives the soldiers’ whole families the encouragementand loving support with a fun weekend getaway. “I lovedspending time with others, talking and leaning on each other forsupport and I really enjoyed being able to golf with my son,” saysField.
