SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Over the past month, Warrior Transition Battalion-Hawaii has hosted numerous events and functions in support of Warrior Care Month.
Sports played a significant role. Soldiers showed their strength through a multitude of sporting events during the week.
Most sports here at WTB-H are part of the Adaptive Reconditioning Program (ARP). These sports are adapted to allow those with physical injuries to participate.
WTB-H hosted an inter-battalion seated volleyball tournament on Nov. 10. Teams of WTB-H Soldiers, cadre and staff battled against each other during the friendly competition.
Later that week, WTB-H followed up with a water polo tournament against the Marines in transition team. This was a great event that fostered inter-service relations and a healthy competition between Team Army (WTB-H) and Team Marines.
"It's a great experience interacting with our sister service, the Marines," remarked Bravo Company executive officer 1st Lt. Ryan Sutherland. "We've been practicing for the past few weeks, and everyone is really excited for the tournament."
Army swept the Marines, winning all three games, though the Marines put up a valiant fight, almost upsetting Army in the last match. Both teams enjoyed the competition so much that Team Army will travel to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, next quarter for another competition.
Crafting initiative
Nov. 9, WTB-H hosted its bimonthly craft group sponsored by Help Hospitalized Veterans. During the event, Soldiers were able to select crafts to complete and display their creative abilities.
"I look forward to this event," said 1st Lt. Aaron Unpingco, a Soldier in transition. "It is a great way to decompress. I have something I made as a result."
The craft group works in conjunction with the Occupational Therapy department, here at WTB-H, focusing on an additional means of reconditioning.
Spiritual component
WTB-H kicked off week three by focusing on spiritual strength. The battalion chaplain, Capt. Ryan McKinnon, spoke on strength, focusing on Psalm 91, while retired chaplain Leo Jamais, a Military Family Life counselor, spoke on not forsaking duty and reminding Soldiers to weary not.
Soldiers and cadre then enjoyed breakfast together.
The rest of the week, Soldiers showed their strength through reintegration. WTB-H hosted a resume writing class and a Transition Expo, where colleges, including Central Texas, Hawaii Pacific, Weyland Baptist, Central Michigan, Argosy and Chaminade, in addition to numerous agencies such as Operation Warfighter, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Vocational Rehabilitation, to name a few, provided Soldiers with information and resources for transition.
Soldiers were also presented with cards from a local troop, American Heritage Troop Hawaii #0001, in support of Veterans Day. The Soldiers were excited to receive the cards from the girls during their visit to WTB-H.
"It was sweet that they thought about us (the Soldiers)," remarked Staff Sgt. Diana Norris, a Soldier in transition in Alpha Company. "It was a nice surprise for them to come and present them to us."
WTB-H wrapped up its Warrior Care Month activities on Nov. 24 with its "Day in the Life of a WTB Soldier" interactive open house, where guests participated in an abbreviated day of a new WTB Soldier.
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