Photo By MaryTherese Griffin | (Photo by MaryTherese Griffin) Stephen Kammerdiener and James Coleman, both Transition...... read more read more
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FALLS CHURCH, Va.- Taking care of Soldiers is serious business. For dozens of Transition Coordinators (TC), their annual training at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord was a meeting of the minds, an opportunity to learn the latest policies and best practices for helping Soldiers transition out of the Army. "It gives us a chance to speak over new policies and see how to implement them," said James Coleman, an eight-year Transition Coordinator from the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit(SRU).
Coleman, who served in the Marine Corps, says his work with Soldiers in the SRU is the most incredible privilege he doesn't take lightly. "As a prior service member, I understand how it feels to suffer in silence, and that's a bad feeling, and to not have anybody you can relate to. So, I know what they are going through—I don't need to share my story; I need to hear theirs, and then I can help them."
Coleman's counterpart at Fort Campbell's SRU, Stephen Kammerdiener, brings his military background to the table as a connection with Soldiers. "I was a Soldier for 30 years, my son was a Soldier for eight years, and my wife was a Soldier for eight years," said Kammerdiener, who has worked as a TC for 16 years.
Both Coleman and Kammerdiener explain the importance of what they do to offer Soldiers an opportunity at a successful future once the medically retire from the Army. It's about building a relationship with the Soldier.
"To do this effectively, you must know each Soldier, their issues, their struggles, and where they want to go next. That's the only way you can guide them," said Kammerdiener.
Soldiers can experience palpable trepidation when a life-changing circumstance lands them in an SRU, let alone learning they could be medically retired. Connecting with the SRU's Transition Coordinator care team is an invitation to find the path to their successful future.
From job skills training, career fairs, to educational opportunities, and more, these options are made available for Soldiers by these dedicated professionals who make it clear they have every Soldier's back. "I give the Soldiers everything I have. They are my heart, and they deserve it all. They made a lot of sacrifices. To me, it's a great sacrifice to depart from their families and friends and place their lives on the line," said Coleman.
Spending time with a Transition Coordinator might be the best move a Soldier facing medical retirement could make. "We have their best interests at heart. They come to us on guard already because something is going on that has stopped them in their tracks. It's important to build that trust so you can help," said Kammerdiener.
Coleman called this year's training insightful and is proud of the mission he and his fellow TCs dedicate themselves to for Soldiers' sake.
"Where else can you wake up every day and spend time with professionals like this? We all enjoy each other, and we know that as TCs, we have a sense of purpose and that we do make a difference."
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2024 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 476801 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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