Photos by Bernard S. Little Warrior in Transition Pfc. David Knapp signs the Warrior Healthcare Covenant Monday alongside Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commanding general of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and his mother Janet Knapp.

Led by Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commanding general, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and WRAMC, Walter Reed leadership, Warrior in Transition Pfc. David Knapp and his mother, Janet Knapp, signed the Army Warrior Healthcare Covenant during the ceremony. The covenant commits the Army to provide ìWarriors and their Families the quality of care and service that are commensurate with the sacrifices they provide [the] Nation; the assistance needed by Warriors and their Families during the healing process; and an environment conducive to healing by focusing on body, mind, heart and spirit.î

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, who presented two combat veterans with Purple Hearts and another with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, said, ìWe give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy because of the courage and the sacrifices of our veterans. So itís fitting that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates identified November as Warrior Care Month throughout the Department of Defense to reaffirm our commitment to those who have given so much in service to our nation.î

ìDuring November, Americans traditionally reflect on the service of our veterans, past and present,î he added. ìToday in the civilian world, much of medicine has become all about business,î Geren said. ìIn the Army, Army medicine is all about service.î

Geren said although improvements have been made in the delivery of health care in the Army, there are still challenges.î

Approximately 70 percent of troops injured in battle survived their wounds during World War I. Today, more than 90 percent of troops injured in battle survive their wounds.

ìArmy medicine is the best in the world,î Geren said. He listed advancements in amputee care, development of prosthesis, delivery of trauma and emergency care, and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and ìother invisible wounds.î

Geren also praised Warrior Transition Units in seeing that wounded warriors are provided more comprehensive care; the Army Wounded Warrior project; DoDís ìclose work dailyî with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a ìseamlessî transition of care; and the help of volunteer support organizations.

ìDo we have it exactly right and are we where we want to be? Weíll never be able to say, ëYes,íî Geren said. ìBut everyday we work to improve. Itís a work in progress and it always will be, but not a day goes by that we wonít be committed to improving that care, continuing to push the envelope and set the standard for health care in this country.î

Hawley-Bowland said during the near century Walter Reed has been opened, it has ìexpanded and adapted to meet the needs of warriors wounded in battle.î She added that Walter Reed staff has treated more than 10,000 Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veterans since 2002. ìWe call Walter Reed the Home of Warrior Care for good reason,î she added.

ìWeíve added many new services to help each wounded or injured Soldier, his or her family, and to help them understand the complex processes for rehabilitation, medical and physical evaluation, and subsequent return to duty, or return to productive civilian life,î she said.

Army Surgeon General Eric B. Schoomaker also took questions during the town hall. Although the majority of the wounded warriors did not ask the surgeon general any questions, a few expressed concern regarding administrative challenges, Soldier/patient-specific issues, physical evaluation board procedures, care of National Guards and Reservists and DoD-VA coordination of care.

Schoomaker agreed there have been challenges in Warrior Care because ìevery Family, Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airmen has his or her unique needs,î but work continues each day throughout DoD to meet those needs.

True Heroes

Geren awarded Purple Hearts to Sgts. Justin Smith, Kelly Keck and Gabriel Green. Smith also was awarded the Bronze Star.

The Purple Heart is the U.S. military oldest and one of its most distinguished decoration. It is awarded to servicemembers wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.

Smith was awarded the Bronze Star for ìexceptional meritorious serviceî in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). The Bronze Star is ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

Smith, a team leader assigned to 1st Platoon Bravo Company, 70th Engineer Company, Fort Riley, Kan., was injured June 6, 2007, by an improvised explosive device while conducting route clearance operations in Pakitka Province, Afghanistan.

Keck, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Support Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, was injured Sept. 13, by a landmine while on a mounted combat patrol near Forward Operations Base, Lone Star in Afghanistan.

Green, a team leader assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy, was injured July 2 by a mortar attack while manning an observation post in Kunar Province Afghanistan.