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Wounded Warrior spouses work to improve future
Posted: May 10, 2011 12:01 PM by Stacy Neumann
The last few months have brought many happy homecomings in our community as thousands of military servicemembers returned from iraq and afghanistan. However, when a wounded warrior returns, those homecomings also bring a lot of uncertainty and worry about the future.
After three deployments and exposure to more than 30 roadside bombs, Shawn Rinder was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. His wife Gina knew a career change was coming.
"Realizing you have to get out...we're not ready...I just kept thinking...we're not ready. Neither one of us had our college degrees or any immediate career plans and that was crazy because you know it's coming," said Gina.
Shawn added, "With my injuries, I'm not really sure how well I'm going to do transitioning to a civilian job."
The Rinders aren't alone. Department of Defense numbers show more than 30,000 servicemembers have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of those are unable to return to duty leaving spouses like Shelly Paszkowski worried.
Shelly said, "Because we really do start to feel lost. Like, what are we going to do now? How are we going to get through this?"
These two woman want people to know help is available. They got full scholarships under the Wounded Warrior Spouse Scholarship Program. Gina earned her Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and is working on an advanced degree in hopes of becoming a victim's advocate.
Gina explained, "I ended up doing so much advocacy for him that I thought this is something I might be good at."
Shelly is working on a degree so she can work in criminal forensics. Both women say the circumstances for their return to the work force haven't been ideal but they say they are proud of their husbands' service and what they have accomplished for their families.
"It's been hard but you know what choice do you have when you have to keep going?" stated Gina.
Fort Carson estimates more than 1,400 soldiers have gone through their Warrior Transition Battalion after receiving wounds from Iraq or Afghanistan. About 67% are discharged from the military due to medical reasons. Officials have provided us with a list of organizations that help spouses and families make that transition.
Pampering Mother's at the Elkhorn Lodge
Glen Eyrie retreat for Warriors and spouses
ACS and AER programs with monthly newsletters, updates and news
Denver Options/ CTAT training and support for families
You can also visit Fort Carson's Soldier Family Assistance Center for more information.
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