Exploiting Wounded Warrior Benefits
I recently was alerted to a situation of a “wounded warrior” .. now this shouldn’t really surprised you because of my work with HASMO. I was a little ticked off because of all the soldiers I see who fight for higher disability ratings, services, etc.
This situation definitely had NOTHING to do with combat related injuries much less even being in the Army. This soldier was listed under the Warrior Transition Brigade by the Army. I’m not sure why but I’m assuming that the Army didn’t know how to classify him.
I can’t go into the various specifics for several reasons, including privacy reasons… but this soldier was diagnosed with a disease during Individual Entry Training (Basic/AIT) . It had nothing to do with anything that he did or was asked to do during that time. The Army paid for all his medical care and treatment in order for him to get better, so that he could serve.
I understand the reasons why the Army placed him in the WTB unit but should the Army have to pay disability for this soldier? We hear stories of so many warriors with combat related injuries who don’t get what they need. They deserve to have what they are asking for. They went to war and fought for their country.. they did what the country asked them to do.
Why are we giving special benefits,etc to soldiers that don’t have combat or mission related injuries. I have read or heard some many stories of soldiers who are dealing with the effects of PTSD and other issues and can’t get what they need.
This particular soldier, let’s call him Jason… is getting out of the Army and got a job that was specially created for “wounded warriors”. How is this fair? He’s not a wounded warrior… he doesn’t have a physical or mental disability. He was given a clean bill of health and can get almost any job he wants. He is using these particular benefits of the Army’s Wounded Warrior program to his advantage because I’m guessing he feels the Army owes him something.
The kicker is that this soldier didn’t get sick because of anything that the Army or his country asked him to do. While I feel bad for him and his specific situation, but I don’t think its fair or the right thing to do.
I think its a load of horse hockey. I feel that the benefits of being in WTB and the wounded warrior job program should be available to those that are just that… WOUNDED warriors. (mentally and physically)
What do you think?
Tammy Munson is an Army Wife whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan. She is also mom to 2 daughters, blogger, social media geek and lover of techie stuff. You can read more about her at her blog, ArmyHousehold6.com
Jim
October 26th, 2009 at 11:34 amAs an active-duty service member, I’m offended that you think only those who go to war deserve disability. I have not been to war, but this isn’t by choice. I’m in the Navy, and while we have many Sailors on the ground, it’s much harder for us to get there. I’ve asked twice, and been denied both times, each justified with a crap answer. What I’m getting at is, even though I haven’t been to war, it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t go. I signed up with the agreement that the military would provide me certain benefits, and in return, I would offer my life if needed. Whether I get the opportunity or not is another matter. It’s sad that we have Wounded Warriors who are struggling, but that isn’t to say those who get benefits for having served, even those never in a war zone, are any less deserving of the benefits they are entitled.