FORT JACKSON, S.C. (May 22, 2014) -- The Fort Jackson Warrior Transition Unit cased its colors in a ceremony Tuesday after almost seven years on the installation.
"Today, one of the leading Army units in warrior transition excellence cased its colors as the Army moves forward in its mission to optimize the care available for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers," said Col. Mark Higdon, commander of Moncrief Army Community Hospital.
The WTU was activated June 15, 2007 to provide support to Soldiers who required at least six months of rehabilitative care. The unit was originally designed to accommodate 90 Soldiers, but had as many as 140 Soldiers in its care at one time. Overall, more than 600 Soldiers were assigned to the Fort Jackson WTU over the last seven years.
With the war in Iraq over and the war in Afghanistan winding down, the Army announced the closure of five of its 29 installation WTUs, including Fort Jackson's, and all nine community-based WTUs in January. As of then, the number of Soldiers in the Fort Jackson WTU had dropped to 36. The Soldiers most recently under the care of the unit either transitioned to civilian life or were assigned to other WTUs.
"The Fort Jackson WTU has long been recognized as demonstrating transition excellence," Higdon said. "The command team of Maj. Yanity and 1st Sgt. (Johnny) Seawright, as well as their amazing, excellent support cast has done a superb job in ensuring that every assigned Soldier and his or her family were properly cared for as part of the transition back to duty or to civilian life."
The WTU commander, Maj. Lisa Yanity, thanked Moncrief Army Community Hospital, the Fort Jackson community and the greater Columbia community for their support in caring for the unit's Soldiers.
"I hope that I have let each and every one of you know how important you have been to this mission and how important you have been to me - because you have. I have learned from you all, and I'm going to take those lessons to my next assignment," Yanity said. "It has been an honor to serve with you all, and it is now time to go home."
The WTU was supported by 14 civilian employees and nine military cadre, who will be reassigned.
Social Sharing