FAQ

-- All seriously or very seriously wounded, ill or injured Airman as identified on a casualty report or recommended by the medical community
-- On a case-by-case basis, Airmen with highly complex medical conditions as provided by a Medical Authority or medical diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
-- Air Reserve Components (ARC) who returned for more than 6 months on Title 10 medical orders (Serious/Severe Conditions), or returned to Title 10 orders for deployment related condition(s) (Serious/Severe Conditions).

Several civilian organizations proudly assist our Wounded Warriors. The following is not a comprehensive list, nor is there any endorsement implied by the Department of Defense.

-- Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home.,br /> -- Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) non profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel severely injured in the war on terror. Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members as well as engaging the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families.

-- The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force incorporated in 1942 as a non-profit organization whose mission is to help relieve financial distress of Air Force members and their families and to assist them in financing their higher education goals. The AFAS has always relied on individual donations to fund its activities. Air Force people have generously contributed to the Society throughout its 73-year history.

-- The Air Force Association (AFA) is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA publishes Air Force Magazine, conducts national symposia and disseminates information through outreach programs.

Those interested in providing employment to Wounded Warriors should contact an Air Force Wounded Warrior program consultant at (800) 581-9437.

The 2016 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games is a Paralympic-type event for approximately 250 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force, Special Operations Command and British Armed Forces. The athletes compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in archery, cycling, field, shooting, swimming, sitting volleyball, track and wheelchair basketball. The United States Army will serve as the host Service for the 2016 DoD Warrior Games, which will take place June 15-21, 2016, at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.

Adaptive sports and reconditioning activities provide wounded, ill and injured with physical and cognitive activities, inspiring physical fitness and encouraging new opportunities for growth and achievement. The DoD Warrior Games represent the culmination of wounded, ill and injured service member’s participation in structured adaptive sports and reconditioning activities throughout their recovery and transition. Competitions like Warrior Games aid in holistic healing of wounded, ill and injured service members throughout their recovery and rehabilitation process: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically and socially. The outcomes of physical activity as part of the rehabilitation process includehigher self-esteem, lower stress levels, lower secondary medical conditions and the pursuit of higher education and higher levels of employment.

Each of the participating branches and commands conducted trials throughout the winter and spring of 2016. Service members and veterans were able to qualify for the 2016 DoD Warrior Games through services trials as well as participation in adaptive sports camps, clinics and other sanctioned competitions.

Prince Harry and members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces participated in the 2012 and 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., and again in 2015 DoD Warrior Games in Quantico, Va. The United Kingdom Armed Forces accepted the DoD invitation to participate again this year.

The DoD took the lead role for organizing the Warrior Games in 2015 to better align the event with the Games’ core mission of playing a vital role in recovery for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. As the Warrior Games moves into its 2016 round of competition, DoD has expanded athlete eligibility, refocused family participation and added greater involvement from the services and their communities.

Families and caregivers will always be an important part of the DoD Warrior Games, as they are an essential element in the athletes’ recovery and rehabilitation. Families and caregivers are themselves key members of the recovery team and provide support, encouragement and motivation to the athletes. In turn, the athletes can become motivators to their families, caregivers and team members and inspire communities.

Spectators who wish to use forms of identification (e.g., a driver’s license, passport, etc.) to enter West Point are highly encouraged to skip the long wait at West Point Visitor’s Center by pre-requesting access. Please fill out and email the USMA Local Area Credential Form (best viewed using Firefox) to Mark Garber as soon as possible.