OPERATION WARD 57

One of the main goals of Operation Ward 57 has been to provide continued support to our Heroes recovering in the hospital as well as continue that support once they leave and go home for as long as they and their families need us. We also want to continue to give our Heroes a “sense of purpose” and “we still need you” mentality. Our role has been to provide additional support through advocacy, education and promotion of their circumstances.

In order for us to be able to meet this need more effectively we have formed a team of volunteer wounded Heroes to serve as caseworkers/mentors to offer much needed support, compassion and motivation to those who are currently struggling with their injuries both seen and unseen. These wounded Heroes have healed from their own difficult injuries and have learned to cope with issues like PTSD, TBI, medical issues and more and can provide peer support and guidance to those who need it.

Goals for this program are:
. Wounded Hero Mentors & Case Management
. Wounded Hero Motivational Speakers
. Youth Motivational Speakers
. Advocacy & Education

Operation Ward 57 arranges excursions to events, concerts and sporting events in the local area as well as around the country. These events feature a meet-n-greet with the artist and a special seating area. Recent events include 3 Doors Down, Alice in Chains, Collective Soul rock concerts, Rodney Atkins country music concert and Mixed Martial Arts competitions. If a wounded warrior wants to attend a show anywhere in the country, we will arrange entrance for them (subject to availability).

Holidays can be particularly difficult for patients who are unable to leave the wards. Operation Ward 57 creates morale and spirit boosting events and gifts for patients and staff. With your support, we were able to provide live music with rock band, Cinder Road directly in the Ward for the first time in Walter Reed’s recent history. Flowers, bagels, pizza, hot catered meals, gift bags and more are provided throughout the year.

Active duty service members who work on the ward, have volunteered, or served as a combat medic and then deploy, are not forgotten. Substantial care packages are sent not only for that staff, but also for them to give to others, allowing them to continue to personally provide moral and spirit boosting help for their fellow soldiers. In addition we provide homecoming and deployment parties and activities to help ease their transitions.