SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The Warrior Transition Battalion demonstrated what Soldiers can expect when transitioning to the WTB during the event "A Day in the Life of a Soldier in Transition," part of Warrior Care Month, Nov. 24.
Members of the WTB walked military leadership and distinguished visitors through their in-processing and transitioning procedures to give them a better understanding of what the WTB does to ensure that Soldiers recovering from injuries, illnesses and ailments are taken care of.
Lt. Col. Brian Peterson, WTB commander, explained what the battalion's goal is when it comes to helping the military's wounded.
"Here at the WTB, we have some access to care priorities that exceed the capability of other medical units out there, which makes us a tremendous asset for Soldiers and their families as they go through the transition and healing process," Peterson said. "Ultimately, … we want to facilitate a successful transition from the uniform to … veteran status. Our job is to make sure that transition goes smoothly."
The WTB showcased that smooth transition by allowing guests to go through the process themselves during simulated in-processing appointments.
"We're trying to explain the process of what a Soldier goes through once they come to us," said Staff Sgt. Luis Burgos, WTB squad leader. "We take them to the HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company) to in-process, and we gather all the information that we need from the Soldier. From there, we take the Soldier to meet the people that are going to be working closely with them, such as the social workers, the nurse case managers, the occupational therapists, the transition coordinator, and we also give them the opportunity to meet the chain of command."
Burgos added that getting to know the transitioning Soldier is a major part of finding out how to better support them.
"We also get an opportunity to talk to the Soldier to find out not only what their physical needs are but also their personal emotions, so we can have a better understanding of what we need to do to better take care of that Soldier," Burgos said.
He also feels a personal fulfillment when helping Soldiers during WTB events like this.
"The best part of it is the satisfaction that you get that you made a difference in the Soldier's life and that you know they are going to be successful once they move on either to the fighting force or civilian life," Burgos said. "Here the focus is that they are taken care of."
The WTB continues its effort to provide mission command, primary care and case management for recovering Soldiers as the Army's premier capability to set the conditions for healing and promote the timely return to the force or transition to civilian life.
"A Day in the Life of a Soldier in Transition" was one way the WTB provided information on the services and assistance they are able to provide.
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