Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

"I've learned to lighten up." Marine Sgt Josh Behling didn't think it would be possible, but through laughter, music and building connections with others, he's learned to change his outlook after his cancer diagnosis. He attended his first event with AFW2 as we partnered with the Wounded Warrior Regiment for the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials at Nellis Air Force Base in March of 2022. Behling participated in the Empowerment to Employment track at that time and admits he was hesitant, angry and not in the mindset to be surrounded by strangers. Since then, he's participated in the Resiliency track that includes improv comedy training, music, art, journaling, photography and yoga. "I tell everyone to come in with open-mindedness," he said. "See what can happen. It got me out of my head and connecting with others in a non-threatening environment. I still keep in touch with others from my groups and the instructors. I am a firm believer that laughter heals." Behling participated in the Northwest C.A.R.E Event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord last week. #healingjourney #laughterheals #resiliency #StrongerTogether #JBLM

“Show of Strength” Registration is now open for our November Northeast C.A.R.E. Event at jointbaseandrews! Join us for a special Warrior Care Month celebration featuring support workshops, adaptive sports, and a day of healing with music, comedy, and art. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and thrive with fellow recovering service members. 💙 Check your email for the link and you can go to https://lnkd.in/gyeK8fex for information on eligibility! #AFW2 #carebeyondduty #warriorcaremonth #JBA #healingjourney

Learning she would have to leave the Air Force unexpectedly due to illness, SrA Christie Gustavo knew she had to prepare for this new future. While she didn't know what to expect in the Empowerment to Employment track of the Northwest C.A.R.E Event, she said her expectations were exceeded by the end of the week. "This has given me insight on I want to do with my career and how to market myself and my skills," Gustave said. "It makes me feel more prepared for my future." AFW2 provides a multitude of resources and programs that support our recovering service members adapt to their current status. Gustave said she will work to share what AFW2 offers to her colleagues and leaders. "Honestly, I didn't know about the program or that I would even qualify once (AFW2) reached out to me," she said. "I've been so glad to get all these resources, but it's also great to feel a part of something bigger again. To be of service again. I want to be able to reach back, share this information and help someone else know this is possible." Learn about the program and how you can refer someone you care about through our website https://lnkd.in/dQ4NQYZw #NextSteps #AFW2 #airmen #guardians #carebeyondduty

The AFW2 Northwest C.A.R.E Event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord came to a close yesterday with the amazing talents of our recovering service members showcased in adaptive sports and music. Together with Rock to Recovery, our participants created heart-felt lyrics and music that told their story. Their performances moved the audience and left a lasting impression. Our next C.A.R.E Event will be at Joint Base Andrews in November. #JBLM #resiliency #adaptivesports #caregiver #empowermenttoemployment #StrongerTogether #musicheals

Thank you Joint Base Lewis-McChord for supporting us this week. Through Ambassador briefings, volunteers who showed up everyday, the First Sergeants & Chiefs group who provided lunch to our recovering service members - your support means everything to us! Thank you Col Sokora, his team and his son Austin for taking the time to participate in a friendly wheelchair basketball scrimmage to end out the week! #AFW2 #StrongerTogether #adaptivesports #JBLM #resiliency #carebeyondduty

Throughout the week, recovering service members embraced the power of laughter and art in our Resiliency workshop. Through comedy and creative expression, they're finding strength and joy on their journey to recovery. #AFW2 #Resiliency #StrongerTogether #JBLM #ArtHeals

Participants at the Northwest C.A.R.E Event took time to meet with AFW2 program leaders, staff, coaches and socialize during the evening's mini CARE Fair. AFW2 offers programming in Caregiver, Adaptive Sports, Resiliency and Empowerment to Employment tracks. We encourage participants to explore all programs and resources available to help along the healing journey. #caregiver #resiliency #adaptivesports #empowermenttoemployment #JBLM #airforce #spaceforce #carebeyondduty

Our incredible recovering service members stepped out of their comfort zones this week and embraced new challenges. On the final day of trying out the various adaptive sports AFW2 offers they conquered fears, discovered new strengths and showed off their unstoppable spirits! 💙 #AFW2 #adaptivesports #StrongerTogether #JBLM #resiliency #carebeyondduty

What a great week it's been at Joint Base Lewis-McChord! From new adventures in adaptive sports to building lasting connections, this week has been a testament to the strength and resilience of our recovering service members. Smiles all around as we come together, support one another, and forge new paths forward. 💪 ✨ U.S. Army Recovery Care Program #AFW2 #AdaptiveSports #StrongerTogether #JBLM

Caregivers work hard every day to support their Airmen and Guardians as they walk beside them on their journey to recovery. When they are not in workshops during our C.A.R.E. Events learning how to strengthen their family resiliency or getting connected to community resources, they take time for themselves to reenergize and fill their own cups! “Everytime I come to these events it’s a different experience and energy. I love the people I get to meet and seeing them smile and try new things really uplifts me.” - AFW2 Caregiver, Jamaal Brown #AFW2 #carebeyondduty #StrongerTogether #afw2caregiver #JBLM #resiliency #healingjourney