Army Hosts National Conference to Get Wounded Warrior's Recommendations on Improving Services

Alexandria, VA―The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is hosting its seventh annual symposium on July 18-22 in Orlando, Fla., to identify the most important care and transition issues facing the Army's wounded, ill and injured. More than 90 wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans and family members will serve as delegates in a week of intensive focus group discussions based on their personal experiences to identify the top five issues in soldier care, which will be presented to Army leadership for resolution.

The AW2 Symposium is part of the Army's overall mission to continue improving care for wounded soldiers and their families. Issues raised at previous symposiums have subsequently resulted in improvements such as expanded facilities to treat traumatic brain injuries and the creation of a benefit package for non-dependent primary caregivers of severely wounded soldiers.

The Symposium will also focus on supporting wounded warrior families. Delegates' children will participate in Operation Purple®, an urban adventure camp hosted by the National Military Family Association. Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage with 24 community-based organizations, which are part of the AW2 Community Support Network.

WHEN:	Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.
WHAT:	Press Conference on 2011 Army Wounded Warrior Program Symposium -Interview opportunities -Community Support Exhibit Hall -Broadcast quality B-roll footage
WHO:	-Col. Gregory Gadson, director, Army Wounded Warrior Program -Mrs. Sarah Gannaway, spouse of soldier with amputations and children in Operation Purple® -Retired Sgt. Maj. Taylor Njagu, severely wounded veteran with post traumatic stress disorder
WHERE:	Rosen Centre Hotel, Salon 24, 9840 International Drive

AW2 assists and advocates for the most severely wounded soldiers, veterans and their families, wherever they are located, regardless of their military status, for as long as it takes. AW2 is part of the Warrior Transition Command (WTC)—a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM). WTC's mission is to develop, coordinate and integrate the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program for wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans and their families. For more information, visit the WTC website, www.WTC.army.mil, follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/armyWTC or join Facebook at http://facebook.com/armyAW2.