Q: What can be done for Families who PCS [permanent change of station] or travel with pets?

A: Unfortunately, housing on Walter Reed does not accommodate pets. Warriors who PCS to Walter Reed have the option of choosing housing that allows for pets. Warriors who reside in the Mologne House, contracted hotels, or barracks must make arrangements for their pet off the installation. For more information on pet services or referrals, please contact the Fort Meade Vet Services at (301) 677-1300.

Q: There seems to be a disparity with the availability of appointments for non-Global War on Terrorism personnel. How can non- GWOT Warriors be seen in a timely manner.

A: Walter Reed and the Warrior Transition Brigade do not differentiate appointments between GWOT and non-GWOT. All appointments are made on a need basis. Each Warrior is assigned a nurse case manager with the mission of scheduling all appointments in the hospital. All Warriors are required to use their case manager for making appointments. Warriors who are not getting appointments in a timely manner through their case manager can notify their chain of command to resolve the situation.

Q: Can the Education Center offer General Technical (GT) improvement classes?

A: Yes, the Walter Reed Education Center is in the process of establishing additional programs, and GT Improvement classes will be made available in the near future. Fort Meade offers GT improvement classes and Warriors who are interested in GT improvement classes through Fort Meade can stop by the Education Center for more information.

Q: The Soldier Family Assistance Center is an outstanding organization; KUDOS, especially to Sgt. 1st Class Fowl for taking care of us. Can you provide more information on Hero miles?

A: The SFAC does not control Hero miles; they are managed by the nonprofit Fisher House Foundation. As such, the Fisher Foundation has guidelines they follow before issuing tickets under Hero Miles. The foundation reviews every request to ensure funds are being used appropriately. One of their stipulations is that they will only issue tickets for Family and Friends of Warriors attached to the Warrior Transition Brigade. Again, ticket eligibility is determined by the Fisher House Foundation.

Family or Friends who need travel tickets can stop by the SFAC to make arrangements with other organizations that offer similar services. All organizations we work with, however, have stipulations, and so there is no guaranteeing that a ticket will be issued. The Army Wounded Warrior program also has resources available to fund tickets. For more information or assistance, please see your squad leader or chain of command.

Q: The Forest Glen Post Exchange is nice, but very small. Can we get transportation to a larger PX, such as Fort Meade, Md.?

A: Yes, shuttle service is already available to Fort Meade and runs throughout the day. There is also a shuttle bus that runs to Bethesda and the Naval Exchange. The schedules for all shuttle services are posted throughout the brigade area and the hospital. For more information on shuttle services, please visit the following Internet link: http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/visitors/visitservice/visitwramc/transportation/pages/default.aspx.

Q: Why is Community Based Health Care Organization program pushed so much?

A: Walter Reed is a tertiary care facility. For certain Warriors, when they reach a point in their care and do not require specialty care found a Walter Reed, CBCHO is a viable option. CBCHO provides optimal care, places Warriors near their home, and opens up available space for incoming Warriors who require specialty care. The WTB coordinates every transfer to ensure movement is made in the best interest of the Warrior and supports comprehensive healing.

Q: Can Warriors get an identification card, so they can move to the front of the line for their appointments?

A: The Warrior Transition Brigade will take a hard look making identification cards available. Right now, Warriors receive priority for appointments throughout the hospital. Walter Reed Health Care System provides services for more than 150,000, other service members, family members and retirees in the National Capital Area; so unfortunately, there may be times when Warriors and their Family members are required to wait in line. Please be patient and realize that Walter Reed and the entire Health Care System are in place to support you.