Welcome to the AFA edition of Health21 magazine, brought to you through a partnership with AMSUS, the Society of Federal Health Professionals. As AFA President, I am proud to provide our members with this new member benefit.
Health21 is an educational communications and boots-on-the ground advocacy initiative whose mission is to support a new vision of wellness and health care for the 21st Century. Supported by past and present Surgeons General; other federal decision-makers; academic, private industry and non-profit partners like AFA, the program contributes to thought leadership, encourages civilian/military interoperability and works to shape the future direction of health for the betterment of all.
The cornerstone of the Health21 initiative is Health21 magazine, www.health21magazine.com. As Vice Adm. (Ret.) Michael Cowan, 34th Navy Surgeon General, noted in his introduction to the AMSUS edition of Health21 magazine, “. . . true health is a state of wellbeing.” As such, Health21 will include discussions on topics like military and veteran health, environment and health, integrative medicine, mental health, TBI, opioid addiction and obesity, along with research and developments in therapeutics and diagnostics. This comprehensive view of health is vital to the overall wellbeing of our Airmen and the nation. I think you will find the articles to be both educational and inspiring.
Speaking of inspiration, one of AFA’s programs that I am most passionate about is our Wounded Airman Program (WAP), which includes support to wounded, ill and injured Airmen who have given and sacrificed so much to our Air Force and our nation. AFA formalized WAP as a nonprofit partner with the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) office in 2013, and we’ve been helping Airmen and their families ever since. To date, we’ve provided more than $300,000 in direct support to Airmen in need.
AFW2 staff actively assists wounded Airmen and their caregivers through the recovery process. However, there are often unmet needs that are identified for these heroes, such as emergency financial assistance, adaptive sports equipment for rehabilitation, training for new service dogs or caregiver support. When these needs are identified, AFA’s WAP steps in to help. The type of support provided to our wounded Airmen varies on a case by case basis.
As an example, Veteran Flory was medically retired after having multiple cancer surgeries, including reconstruction of his chest and rib cage, which made it difficult to do any physical activities or exercise. When he participated in an AFW2 camp that AFA supports, he was introduced to recumbent tricycles, which are much easier on the upper body than conventional bicycles. WAP was able to provide a tricycle to Flory that he rides daily without fear of injury to his upper body. According to Flory, it was an amazing workout and a lot of fun. “I am so grateful to WAP for providing such a wonderful product, empowering me to recover from treatment, stay physically fit and have a blast doing it,” Flory said.
AFA recognizes that health and wellness is so much more than just physical health. AFA’s WAP frequently steps in to help Wounded Airmen who are struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) overcome financial situations that could further complicate PTSD. For one such airman, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs processing request took longer than anticipated and, as a result, the Airman was behind two months on his mortgage. So AFA stepped in to bridge the gap and mitigate the stress.
We also have increased our support of Wounded Veterans who are no longer authorized appropriated funds to attend AF Trials and Department of Defense Warrior Games. Being able to connect mentally and physically with like-minded Wounded Airmen is really a large part of the recovery process, so we are doing everything we can to keep our veteran Wounded Airmen stay connected.
Ashley, an Air Force Wounded Warrior, once said something about our Wounded Airman Program that will stick with me for the rest of my life. She said, “This program saves people’s lives, repairs families and mends broken bodies. Thank you for allowing my soul to breathe blue for one more camp and one more day.”
The health of every Airman should always be the number one priority. These individuals are the reason we have the greatest and most dominant Air Force in the world. Having served for more than 40 years myself, I have seen first-hand the effects that stress, PTSD, injuries and other ailments can have on the body and mind of an Airman. AFA is here to ensure that the voice of our Airmen is heard loudly by key decision makers on Capitol Hill, so they and their families receive the best possible care they deserve.
It’s Airmen like Ashley, and all of those who we support, who inspire us to serve our Airmen daily. The importance of the health of our troops is unparalleled. Without it, our Air Force would not be what it is today, and it will not be all it can be for the future.
At AFA, we believe that we are all Airmen for Life. Whether you served for four or 40 years, wear the blue suit or work as a civilian on our team, we are here for you.
We hope you enjoy the first issue of the AFA edition of Health21 magazine!
