Fort Hood WTU honors spouses, caregivers for invaluable sacrifices helping Soldiers heal

By Ms. Gloria Montgomery (Army Medicine)December 22, 2014

Fort Hood WTU honors spouses, caregivers for invaluable sacrifices helping Soldiers heal
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – : Spc. Daniel Booth credits his wife, Stephanie, with helping in his healing process. Stephanie is a full-time caregiver to her husband and was recently recognized for her sacrifices and contributions during the WTU's spouse, caregiver recognition ce... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Hood WTU honors spouses, caregivers for invaluable sacrifices helping Soldiers heal
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Hood WTU honors spouses, caregivers for invaluable sacrifices helping Soldiers heal
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Hood Warrior Transition Unit recently paid a special tribute to the support system behind a Soldier's transitioning and healing: the unit's spouses and caregivers.

The recognition ceremony, held Nov. 26 at the Soldier Family Assistance Center (SFAC), closed out Warrior Care Month, an annual celebration recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the nation's wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and their Families.

During the event, WTU commander, Col. Douglas Woodall, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Moser presented appreciation certificates to spouses and caregivers, who were nominated by their spouse.

Representing WTU Intake Co. was Debrah Waters. The spouses and caregivers from Company A were Kaitlin Francis, Arlin Leon, Stephanie Booth, Michaela Cron and Maria Narvaez.

Cynthia Woodby, Lori Garcia, Sara Tetreault, Brenda Villapando, Bradley Maisha and Ginger Sizemore were nominated to represent Company B. WTU's Community Care Unit spouses and caregivers recognized were Chrissty Cordray, Marianne Visnieski, Allison Carey and Roberta Laster.

"Day after day, you're so focused on your significant others that sometimes you lose sight of taking care of yourself and just need a break," said the WTU commander, who reminded the Soldiers that transitioning is psychologically challenging in itself.

Woodall, who credits his wife with his career success, said Soldiers need a robust support system and Family participation and encouragement.

"It's all about the Family. You just can't be successful without that enabling spouse," he said, adding that his primary focus is recognizing the unit's spouses and caregivers who have "sacrificed so much in caring for their loved ones."

The event was especially emotional for Spc. Daniel Booth Soldier, whose wife, Stephanie, was recognized.

"I wouldn't be here without her," he said, adding how grateful he is to the WTU for recognizing his wife's contributions and sacrifices. "Caregivers need to really understand how much of a difference they make in a Soldier's life."

Booth, who is confined to his wheelchair most of the time, said it was hard to ask for help in doing a lot of the things he once could do.

"It was pride," the Company A Soldier said, adding that there are still times he should ask for help but doesn't.

Caring for an injured, wounded or ill Soldier can be taxing both physically and demanding, according to Booth's wife, Stephanie. Still she said, she wouldn't have it any other way.

"My primary focus is caring for my husband, which means a lot of things go by the wayside," she said, adding that she felt she didn't deserve a public 'thank-you' but it still meant a lot to her. "It feels really good to know I have a support system behind me and people who understand and encourage me."

Stephanie also said she is blessed her two oldest children often assist her, which allows her to occasionally get out to ward off the most dangerous element of caregiving: isolation and loneliness.

"It's hard," she said, crediting WTU's senior spouse with initiating activities and events to bond the spouses and caregivers. "Paulette Woodall has really extended herself to get the spouses and caregivers together because it is so easy to slip into isolation."

Arlin Leon, whose husband is Private 1st Class Aaron Leon, said it felt really good to be recognized.

"It's very stressful," she said, adding she goes to all of her husband appointments and no longer works full time. "It helps a lot to see how I can help him more because before, I didn't know how to help."

Arlin, whose husband calls her his "angel," credits SFAC's resources and programs for helping her.

One of those programs SFAC offers is the Caregiver Peer-to-Peer Support Group that provides health and wellness tools and caregiving tips for the military Family

"The Peer-to-Peer support group is also devoted to helping military Families and/or caregivers who have service members battling with military related issues, such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and other Warrior Transition issues," said Mary Fitzgibbon, SFAC's outreach coordinator.

Michaela Cron, whose husband is Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Cron of Company A, said SFAC resources and the WTU support groups are invaluable.

"You realize, most importantly, that you're not alone," she said.