Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veteran Rico Rawls never thought after two tours in Iraq, one in Albania, a tour in Macedonia and one in Kosovo that he would be sitting in a wheelchair in front of a crowd at the World's Toughest Rodeo in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But that's where he found himself on February 8, 2014.
Although he may no longer wear the uniform, Rawls said his biggest reward is telling his story and sharing his experiences with other wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans. "At first I was a little skeptical about the recognition at the rodeo because I was just doing my job when I was in the military," said Rawls. "I'm always amazed when I am recognized for doing my job and doing the right thing."
Eventually Rawls' medical issues caught up with him. In addition to problems with his hip, he ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) for two weeks following a brain tumor diagnosis.
He remains thankful to his fiancée, his AW2 Advocate, nonprofit organizations and several individuals from his time at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) and credits part of his recovery to their support.
"I specifically want to thank 1st Sgt. Larry Perrine, Sgt. 1st Class Nick Bright and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Ertl who were my original first sergeant, platoon sergeant and mentor," he said. "The Cadre at my WTU were amazing."
"Additionally, my fiancée helped tremendously throughout my recovery," he added. She was at the hospital when I was in the ICU."
"Katrina (Hood) is now recognized by the VA as a Caregiver, which means her job is to strictly help me," Rawls said about his fiancée who VA recognizes as a Family Caregiver under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.
His journey has not been easy but Rawls continues to receive assistance from AW2, the VA and several nonprofit organizations. All three were instrumental in Rawls receiving a house.
"Rico is a very humble and extremely appreciative person," said Bill Duerr, his AW2 Advocate. "I am very happy for him and his Family because they deserve it."
�"Helping him getting his new home was hard work, but part of my job as an Advocate is to support and assist Soldiers and Veterans as I can," Duerr added. �"I am very happy for him and his Family because they deserve it."
Although he may no longer wear the uniform, Rawls said his biggest reward is telling his story and sharing his experiences with other wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans.
�"My mom constantly reminds me to embrace the people who are willing to help," said Rawls. �"If I can be an ambassador and spark something in these Soldiers and Veterans letting them know there is still hope out there, it is worth it."
"It is important to listen and take the time to fill out any required paperwork. It may seem tedious, but it pays off," he said. "These organizations are not out here as charity but providing the tools we need and care about us."
The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). For more information about WTUs or AW2 visit www.WTC.army.mil.
Related Links:
Official Twitter page, Warrior Transition Command
Official Blog, Warrior Transition Command
Official Facebook page, Warrior Transition Command
Official Flickr Page, Warrior Transition Command
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