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U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), participate in a ruck march in which they were required to carry a minimum of 40 pounds though an 18-mile course. The participants were allowed 4.5 hours to complete the course which brought them through the Boeblingen Local Training Area in Boeblingen, Germany, April 17, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Jason Johnston/Released)
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Warrior Care Toolkit

The Department of Defense, Military Services, and collaborating organizations mark Warrior Care Month in November by highlighting the strength and resilience – physically, mentally, and spiritually – of our wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families and caregivers. The effort is aimed at raising awareness of the recovery coordination resources and programs available today and inspiring year-round discussions regarding today’s warrior care priorities.

Key Messages

Expand to see messages for communicators.
  • The Department of Defense has no higher priority than caring for the wounded, ill, and injured service members who have sacrificed so much.
  • The courage, strength, resilience, and commitment shown by DOD wounded warriors and the loved ones who support them is unmatched and inspiring.
  • Warrior care encompasses a full spectrum of support through recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration back to duty or transition into the community.
  • Warrior Care Month is a time for everyone to familiarize themselves with the programs and resources available to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their caregivers.
  • Wounded warrior support programs seek to build connections within the community to lessen the sense of isolation often felt by those members. 
  • It is important for wounded warriors to know that they are not alone; there is a community that supports them in their challenges and recognizes their success.
  • Building connections, sharing resources, and finding strength together helps wounded warriors understand that they aren’t alone.
  • The DOD Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program and military services’ Wounded Warrior Programs provide comprehensive resources to assist recovering service members and support military families and caregivers to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
  • Adaptive sports and reconditioning activities help wound warriors develop and enhance their skills in multiple domains of wellness, which can transfer to the job market and lead to success in other areas of life.
  • The wounded, ill, and injured population is broad, and includes not just the visibly wounded or injured. Many of the service members going through recovery are suffering through a serious illness or dealing with post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury.

There are more than 40 million caregivers across the country who sacrifice to improve the quality of life for their loved ones. National Family Caregivers Month is dedicated to celebrating the family caregivers across the country including parents with special needs children, families and friends of wounded soldiers, and others who care for loved ones with chronic conditions and disabilities.

  • Military family members are vital in supporting our armed forces and contributing to their mission. While our military men and women are serving at home or overseas, it is our duty to provide their families with the resources they need to thrive in our communities.
  • The Department’s obligation to our military men and women does not end after their time in uniform. We remain committed to fostering a national community of support for these brave heroes and their families.
  • As with wounded warriors, caregiver support programs exist so that caregivers understand they are not alone and have support networks that can help them.
  • Military families serve alongside their military member, and it is important to empower families with access to support programs and services when they need them.
  • Caregiver support programs exist locally at each military installation through the Exceptional Family Member Program. Other support programs include mental health counseling, non-medical counseling, health and wellness coaching, financial guidance, peer forums, and more.  

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Last Updated: October 24, 2023
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