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R 021952Z NOV 16
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
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CMC WASHINGTON DC
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MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/NOV//

SUBJ/WARRIOR CARE MONTH//

RMKS/1.  Providing assistance to seriously wounded, ill, and injured Service 
Members and their families is a top Department of the Navy (DON) priority.  
We take care of our own - including active duty, reserve and veteran Sailors 
and Marines - through programs such as Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor; 
the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment; the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 
Care Management; and the Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Initiative.  To 
salute our wounded warriors and their families - while also raising awareness 
of support programs - I have designated November 2016 as the DONs Warrior 
Care Month.

2.  Warrior Care Month is a Navy and Marine Corps-wide effort to host events 
and share information about wounded warrior support programs among Service 
Members and their families, as well as government and non-government partners 
and the American public.  It is a time to spotlight the many achievements and 
contributions of wounded warriors, and to recognize the support provided by 
their families and other caregivers.

3.  This year's theme is "a show of strength," and it recognizes the 
fortitude that seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Marines 
exhibit during their journey towards recovery.  Each day, wounded warriors 
demonstrate strength in ways large and small - from pushing themselves during 
a grueling physical therapy session, to attending a class to acquire new 
skills, to asking for help when they need emotional support. Strength is 
represented in their relentless efforts to improve their physical, mental, 
and spiritual well-being.

4.  The families and caregivers of wounded warriors exhibit strength by 
providing tireless support during their loved ones' recovery and 
reintegration - often at great personal expense.  The Navy connects families 
and caregivers with critical resources, including Families Overcoming Under 
Stress, Navy child and youth programs, Military OneSource, the Joint Forces 
peer-to-peer program, and more.  Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor also will 
host a Wounded Warrior Family Symposium at Naval Support Activity Bethesda 
(NSAB) USO Bethesda Warrior & Family Center on 8 November 2016 to shed light 
on the difficulties caregivers face each day.

5.  Adaptive sports and reconditioning activities promote health and 
wellness, and are critical to the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration 
of wounded warriors.  This month, select wounded warriors will compete in a 
Joint-Service seated volleyball competition at the Pentagon Athletic Center 
on 17 November 2016, providing an opportunity to get active and make valuable 
connections with other wounded warriors.  In addition, a Healing Through Art 
event will be held on 16 November 2016 at The Westin National Harbor, 171 
Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD from 1800-2100.  This healing arts 
event will demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of art on overall well-being.

6.  Warrior Care Month is a time for reflection, and an opportunity to honor 
those who have become seriously wounded, ill, and injured while serving our 
country.  The term "wounded warrior" does not just refer to combat-wounded 
Service Members, but also includes those suffering from serious illnesses and 
injuries.  Throughout the month, Navy and Marine Corps commands and programs 
are encouraged to find ways to commemorate the sacrifices of our wounded 
warriors and raise awareness of the resources available to them.  From 
executing local events to sharing good news stories, there are numerous 
opportunities to highlight and help these heroes.

7.  The DON has made an abiding commitment to seriously wounded, ill, and 
injured Sailors and Marines, as well as their families and caregivers.  I 
encourage all DON personnel to take an opportunity during Warrior Care Month 
to join me in expressing heartfelt gratitude and support.

8.  For more information about Warrior Care Month activities or about wounded 
warrior programs contact:  Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor toll-free via 
1-855-NAVY WWP (628-9997) or at safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil; Marine Corps 
Wounded Warrior Regiment toll-free via the Sergeant Merlin German Wounded 
Warrior Call Center at 1-877-487-6299 or at woundedwarriorregiment.org; the 
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Care Management at 703-681-9114.

9.  Released by Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy.//

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