WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 8, 2009) -- Wounded warriors have a second chance to serve their country thanks to an Army educational partnership formed last year.
The Wounded Warrior Education Initiative allows wounded Soldiers, on active duty or medically retired, to pursue their master's degrees at no cost from the University of Kansas.
The partnership was formed in February of 2008 and announced then during a ceremony with Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway. Seven wounded warriors are currently working towards graduate degrees.
"These individuals were serving their country, went through the trauma of being wounded on the battlefield but still wanted to serve their country in some capacity," said Lt. Col. Warren Dewey, Wounded Warrior Education Initiative program manager. "This program gives them an opportunity to get their graduate degree and continue to serve."
Wounded warriors are enrolled in courses fulltime, and those on active duty are assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. After graduation, participants serve the Army in either active-duty or civilian status. Six of the current participants are slated to serve as instructors at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. In the future, graduates will serve in a variety of Training and Doctrine Command positions throughout the Army.
"These wounded warriors bring their talent, life experience, and knowledge to the great learning environment at KU," said Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. "They enrich classroom discussions while pursuing the higher education that will help them provide even more value to the Army."
"The people of Kansas are great neighbors with the U.S. Army, and I'm grateful for the strong support of the KU administration and faculty," said Geren.
Dawn Tallchief, a university administrator, said the relationship has been mutually beneficial.
"All of the participants have done well and it's been a success so far," said Tallchief. "I'm glad we have this partnership with the military."
All seven of the participants have grade point averages above 3.0 while two have perfect 4.0 GPAs. They are majoring in subject areas such as history, international studies and political science.
One of the participants, Capt. Tim Hornik, is pursuing his master's degree in social work. He was wounded in November 2004, losing some of his eyesight. He remained on active duty serving in a variety of administrative jobs.
"I was at that point where I needed to do something different and my personal goals involved pursuing higher education," said Hornik.
Hornik said his experience has added a unique perspective because most classmates have limited experience with military issues.
One of his goals is to use his education to work with Soldiers who have experienced traumatic injuries.
"I've always wanted to help Soldiers and their families," said Hornik. "I'd like to counsel in the future and help others who have been wounded."
Educational advancement and the opportunity to serve also motivated Jason Gladney to apply for the program.
"Education transcends military careers and stays with you for life," said Gladney, a former first lieutenant. "I feel blessed to stay on the Army team and also continue my education."
Gladney is partially deaf as a result of an improvised explosive device explosion. He will serve as a military history instructor after receiving his graduate degree.
The CGSC has identified 13 degree programs for future participants, including military history.
"One of the advantages of this program is we identify candidates' preferences and goals early on and tailor their education to the needs of the Command and General Staff College," said Dewey.
Next year's participants include five medically discharged wounded warriors who will arrive at Fort Leavenworth this summer. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and have been wounded in combat to be eligible for the program. They also must be a part of the Army's Wounded Warrior program.
"Having a disability does not mean your career is over," said Hornik. "The Army is flexible with wounded and disabled Soldiers and higher education can put you in a good position to advance your career."
Dewey concludes, "[roviding wounded warriors the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree helps us retain their talent, combat experience, and capitalize on their newly acquired graduate credentials. This program demonstrates our commitment to never leave a fallen comrade."
For more information on the Wounded Warrior Education Initiative, please contact Scott Cox, Career Coordinator with the Army Wounded Warrior Program, at scott.cox4@conus.army.mil or 703-325-6925.
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