Warrior Transition Unit Support Group Launched by Chase Cooper at Joint Base Lewis McCord

Purpose-

To provide a safe environment for soldiers to willingly open up about their personal situations and trust they can tell it in confidence.

Mission-

The outcome of this mission is HOPE! I would like to facilitate the group along with one Cadre member and one social worker. The reason behind myself being the facilitator is that soldiers are more prone to open and really talk about their worries, fears, and concerns they may currently have or predict having in the future with someone who’s been there and who is going through the same process. It is much easier for us to relate to one another rather than someone who has never experienced the traumatic experiences that we have endured.
The first week will be an introduction meeting for the soldiers to get to know each other and come up with topics that they would like to talk about in the upcoming sessions. As we all decide on a topic I will prepare a syllabus for the following week so that we are able to stay on track with the outcome of the support group mission. Most importantly this will be an open forum but to an extent. Certain rules will be set in place about topics and subjects so that other soldiers don’t get offended or triggered by a specific situation they may have been through.

Goal-

My goal for this is group is to provide techniques and strategies on how to become a better soldier, have better work ethic which will lead to a bright future for the soldier and bring them HOPE!
The main reason I chose HOPE as the target goal is because without it we cannot succeed from the situations that we’ve been placed in. The dictionary definition for hope is ” the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” This word is key for wounded soldiers recovery and morale. My vision is to see soldiers exceed above and beyond the call of duty whether it be RTD or transition to civilian life, and I believe that this group cannot only provide that goal but change soldiers lives in the meantime.

Rules-

The first meeting is the time to discuss our action plan and where we see this group going for the participants. The number one rule is what is talked about at the group stays at the group. HIPPA forms will need to be signed in order to participate. I want the soldiers to feel safe and able to talk about anything they want regarding the Army, life in the barracks, being away from family, or their home life. This a great way that they can open up like they never have before and feel safe doing it. We are an Army of one and I believe we should show the care and concern for all Warrior Transition Unit’s no matter the events that brought them to where they are today.

Closing

In closing I would like to say that I am not just doing this for other soldiers but for myself as well. I love nothing more than listening and helping others no matter the situation. Not one of us has all the answers but together we can find them. For no reason am I doing this to glorify myself because I come with a humble heart and compassion for others. With everybody’s help we can make this a successful mission for years to come. This is an amazing opportunity for the WTU soldiers and also for me as well. I would like to reach out to the community to donate funds so that we can have an extra incentive on getting people through the door. I don’t expect that everyone will jump right on this but I do believe that we can get it to that level with the right formula and strategies of us putting our heads together.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Hebrews 10:23