El Paso,
Jun 18, 2011 -
Fort Bliss’ Warrior Transition Battalion Complex officially opened with a June 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony here.
The WTB is a $57 million construction effort awarded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program in 2009. This project was the first ARRA project awarded by the Army.
The 140,000-square-foot, three-story facility will house as many as 232 wounded Soldiers. The complex is configured in a campus-style environment to promote unity and healing. It was built with the focus to create a holistic healing environment for mind, body and spirit.
William Beaumont Army Medical Center Commander Col. Dennis D. Doyle, who hosted the ribbon-cutting, said the opening of the WTB marked a special occasion for Team Bliss and WBAMC.
“We are demonstrating today the Army’s commitment to providing the best possible care and support to our warriors in transition,” he said.
Doyle explained that warriors in transition are Soldiers who have become wounded, injured or ill during mobilization, pre-deployment, post-deployment or during separation from their units. While Soldiers are assigned to the WTU, their mission is to heal as they transition back to duty or continue serving the nation as veterans in their community.
Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, recognized that the facility was designed to accommodate the unique needs of warriors in transition. However, he reminded WTs that their prime focus is to heal and move forward.
“It will be very comfortable, but we need to remember that it’s a transition,” said Pittard. “Transition and move on.”
Each warrior in transition works within a “triad of care” consisting of a primary care manager, a nurse case manager and a squad leader. A comprehensive plan is developed with personalized goals to enable Soldiers and their families to move forward in healing.
Soldiers present for the opening of the complex said they were impressed with the thought and hard work that went into creating such a facility.
“This is amazing,” said Pvt. Alan Raggio, warrior in transition. “I know they didn’t have these kinds of facilities back in the day, so this is really impressive.”
Raggio was shot in the hip while serving in Afghanistan and has been confined to a wheelchair until he fully heals.
“I just want to get out of this thing and go run again,” said Raggio. “A lot of people don’t realize there are a lot of guys in wheelchairs, so the fact they have done this to help us out is really awesome.”
Spc. Philip Casanova, also a warrior in transition, said he too was impressed with the new facility. He said it will help Soldiers on their road to recovery.
“Wounded warriors, we form an unofficial team and bond,” said Casanova. “This facility will help us all heal and get back to where we need to be.”
Doyle thanked Soldiers and their families for everything they have sacrificed.
“You have paid a high price for our nation’s freedom and security,” said Doyle. “Our William Beaumont Team will provide you with the best medical care and support during your transition.
“Enjoy your new home and this superb healing campus.”