Returning Warrior Workshop Comes to Portland

By Lt. Cmdr. John Lewis, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs

PORTLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- A two day transitional workshop was set up at the Doubletree Hotel Portland, welcoming 83 returning service members from overseas deployments, March 12-13.

The Returning Warrior Workshop (RWW) 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.

"What you've done is appreciated by your Navy and our country. You don't think of yourselves as heroes, I know you don't think of yourselves as heroes, but I want you to think about the world and what it would be like if you didn't do what you do, as the heroes that you are," said keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Mike Shatynski, vice commander, Naval Surface Forces,

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

"Fantastic, it was really, really good for integration back into the real world. Communicate, making sure we communicate that was the best part," said Marjorie Cooper, wife of Senior Chief Yeoman (AW/SW) Augustine Cooper, who both participated in the RWW.

The 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.

The RWW's have evolved over time because attendees are encouraged to provide feedback. "We are better at it, therefore we now offer them an even better quality workshop, we've changed some of the events and they get more out of it," said Cynthia Miller, Navy Region Northwest's warrior/family support program specialist.

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 Miller at (425) 304-4820 or at cynthia.d.miller@navy.mil.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrf/.