2014 Warrior Care Month

Caring for our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members; their families; and their military caregivers will never lose importance, and remains a national priority – particularly during the month of November.

Warrior Care Month, established in 2008, is an annual observance that recognizes the strength – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – and resilience of our wounded, ill, and injured service members. They demonstrate this strength and resilience every day, and more than 300 wounded, ill, and injured service members were able to showcase the results of their will to overcome during this year’s Invictus Games in London and Warrior Games in Colorado Springs.

During Warrior Care Month, we also strive for a greater awareness of the programs and resources available to the wounded, ill, and injured; their families; and others who care for them. The Office of Warrior Care Policy plays an integral role in overseeing some of these crucial programs guiding service members through recovery and reintegration or transition to civilian life – programs that, for example:

• Evaluate a service member’s ability to continue in the military
• Facilitate opportunities for service members to expand their education, rehabilitate themselves through sports and reconditioning activities, and acquire necessary job-related skills
• Offer caregivers the tools they need to take care of themselves, and their service members

We commend the strength and tenacity of all wounded, ill, and injured service members. In recognition of Warrior Care Month’s 2014 theme “Show of Strength,” we encourage you – as a community member, employer, or engaged citizen – to show how strong your support is:

• Participate in volunteer service at a local military, veteran, or non-governmental organization.
• Engage in a veteran hiring initiative.
• Start a meaningful dialogue to educate yourself and others about the issues and triumphs of our wounded, ill, and injured service members, families, and military caregivers.

Help us celebrate and spread the word to help elevate warrior care in November and well beyond.

James Rodriguez is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Warrior Care Policy.