CSM reaches out to wounded warriors

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Story by Spc. April York

Date: 06.29.2011
Posted: 07.04.2011 11:31
News ID: 73208
Awarding coin

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa, command sergeant major of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, visited soldiers at the Wounded Warrior Unit, at Kandahar Airfield June 29, to see how their recovery was going.

“With every soldier [who] gets injured we appreciate everything they do,” Delosa said.

While visiting the WWU, Delosa shook hands and said thank you and presented Warhorse coins to many of the soldiers for their dedicated service.

“They are not lost or forgotten, and no matter what they do they are still part of the team even if they do go back to the states,” he said.

Delosa’s visit was twofold. He went to learn more about the facility and to see how the soldiers were holding-up.

The WWU is a place where soldiers recover from battle or non-battle injuries sustained in Afghanistan.

“The purpose of the WWU is to provide a safe environment where
soldiers can recover quickly and return to the fight,” said Staff
Sgt. Jose Carlos, non-commissioned officer in charge of the WWU, who is a combat medic with Company C, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

"Soldiers who are evacuated to the WWU normally follow up with the Role III providers who initially treated their injuries," Carlos said. "Part of our job is to make sure the soldiers make every appointment they are scheduled for, so their recovery progress is not slowed down."

The facility has seven barracks rooms and can house up to 40 soldiers. Part of the recovery process is being able to relax. There is a day room for the soldiers to utilize, which has two computers, a phone, television, Xbox and a selection of movies.

“I believe we make their lives better by providing them with a safe place to recover and encouraging them to return to the fight with their brothers and sisters in arms,” Carlos said.