Returning Warrior Workshop Comes to Boise

By Lt. Cmdr. John Lewis

April 19, 2010 - BOISE (NNS) -- Forty-two returning warriors back from overseas contingency operations attended a 2-day transitional workshop at the Doubletree Hotel Boise-Riverside, April 17-18. In attendance were also 35 guests invited by the service members.

The workshop is a support program initiated by the Navy Reserve Force to assist Sailors and their family members with reintegration and reunion. Both Reservists and active duty members attended the event.

"It's fabulous," said Ms. Cynthia Miller the Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command (RCC) warrior—family support program specialist. "For Reservists to get together with people who have the same experience and to share how they feel after they return," is one of the big reasons to attend the event continued Miller. "It's also reassuring for family and loved ones to see others who have returned may be experiencing similar situations."

Maj. Gen. Charles Luckey United States Army Reserve participated in the day's events and delivered the "Thank You to Our Heroes" address during Saturday's banquet. "To the Navy---you stepped up! You took on the burden that normally goes to the Army. You've become borrowed military manpower for the Army."

Topics during the event included warrior transitions, telling your story, the warrior's spirituality, couples reconnecting and combat and operational stress. Attendees are given information about resources available to assist with their transition back from deployment. For those wishing to speak about issues in a private environment, confidential sessions with counselors were available.

"Yes, it's worth it, and I would recommend it to others," said Logistics Support 2nd Class Gustavo Calero who spent 9 months in Kuwait. "You get to bring your significant other to a nice hotel and you get information about benefits, and assistance." Gustavo's significant other Kristine Dahl said, "Hearing from other members, I see he is not alone."

The Returning Warrior Workshop (RWW) is a weekend for the Navy to take care of military personnel who have been deployed in support of combat or combat support operations. Taking care of our people is one of the Chief of Navy Operation's top three priorities.

RWW is held at different locations across the country throughout the year to welcome returning warriors and help them integrate back into civilian life. For information about upcoming RWW's in Navy region Northwest contact Ms. Cynthia Miller at (425) 304-4820 or at cynthia.d.miller@navy.mil.