Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Denver Post
May 10, 2007
By Erin Emery, Denver Post Staff Writer
Fort Carson - Soldiers who return from Iraq with mental health problems or physical injuries will be taken out of their regular units and placed in "warrior transition units" to help them heal faster.
Fort Carson received a "warning order" from the Army last week, notifying them that the "Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade," activated last month at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, would be coming to Fort Carson in the coming months.
"These are soldiers that are injured, that are nondeployable, that are undergoing a medical evaluation board," said Col. John Cho, commander of Fort Carson's Evans Army Community Hospital. "Each platoon will have up to 36 soldiers. There will be a company commander, a first sergeant, and the whole idea is to take those soldiers that have traditionally been in the units and slide them over to this warrior transition brigade ... so that the soldier's only responsibility is to get better."
Brig. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, deputy commanding general for Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, visited Fort Carson this week to assess how it cares for wounded soldiers.
Veterans for America, a veterans advocacy group, has said that Fort Carson has failed to provide proper treatment for some soldiers.
At least nine senators or their representatives plan to visit Fort Carson next week to conduct their own review of mental health treatment on post. Tucker, in a news conference Wednesday, said he welcomed the visit by the senators and is convinced leadership at Fort Carson is committed to helping each and every soldier.
"I would say that I appreciate them coming out here to see a great example of what right looks like, and we appreciate congressional support," Tucker said.
Tucker, who is part of an Army team trying to ensure that soldiers receive quality care in an expedient manner, said Fort Carson has employed some "best practices" that he believes should be incorporated throughout the Army.
Tucker said the Army should:
*Do a better job of recording events that cause traumatic brain injuries, such as types of bombs and vehicle accidents. He said soldiers should be screened before they deploy and when they return for brain injuries.
*Do a better job educating leaders about post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Fort Carson launched a program in January to educate soldiers about the stigma of PTSD.
*Develop methodology so commanders are notified if soldiers have been diagnosed and treated for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
*Before soldiers are administratively discharged or separated from the Army, a records check should be completed. Soldier should be re-evaluated for any medical conditions that would make them eligible for a medical board.
May 10, 2007
By Erin Emery, Denver Post Staff Writer
Fort Carson - Soldiers who return from Iraq with mental health problems or physical injuries will be taken out of their regular units and placed in "warrior transition units" to help them heal faster.
Fort Carson received a "warning order" from the Army last week, notifying them that the "Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade," activated last month at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, would be coming to Fort Carson in the coming months.
"These are soldiers that are injured, that are nondeployable, that are undergoing a medical evaluation board," said Col. John Cho, commander of Fort Carson's Evans Army Community Hospital. "Each platoon will have up to 36 soldiers. There will be a company commander, a first sergeant, and the whole idea is to take those soldiers that have traditionally been in the units and slide them over to this warrior transition brigade ... so that the soldier's only responsibility is to get better."
Brig. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, deputy commanding general for Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, visited Fort Carson this week to assess how it cares for wounded soldiers.
Veterans for America, a veterans advocacy group, has said that Fort Carson has failed to provide proper treatment for some soldiers.
At least nine senators or their representatives plan to visit Fort Carson next week to conduct their own review of mental health treatment on post. Tucker, in a news conference Wednesday, said he welcomed the visit by the senators and is convinced leadership at Fort Carson is committed to helping each and every soldier.
"I would say that I appreciate them coming out here to see a great example of what right looks like, and we appreciate congressional support," Tucker said.
Tucker, who is part of an Army team trying to ensure that soldiers receive quality care in an expedient manner, said Fort Carson has employed some "best practices" that he believes should be incorporated throughout the Army.
Tucker said the Army should:
*Do a better job of recording events that cause traumatic brain injuries, such as types of bombs and vehicle accidents. He said soldiers should be screened before they deploy and when they return for brain injuries.
*Do a better job educating leaders about post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Fort Carson launched a program in January to educate soldiers about the stigma of PTSD.
*Develop methodology so commanders are notified if soldiers have been diagnosed and treated for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
*Before soldiers are administratively discharged or separated from the Army, a records check should be completed. Soldier should be re-evaluated for any medical conditions that would make them eligible for a medical board.