Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Melvin Vega thanks Capt. Yomaris Rivera, commander for CCU-PR for her support...... read more read more
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FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico - After 12 years providing service and medical support to soldiers, the Community Care Unit – Puerto Rico (CCU-PR) Medical Unit was deactivated during a ceremony at Fort Buchanan, March 1. This ceremony also marked the departure of the last company commander, Capt. Yomaris Rivera.
Every command, brigade or regiment in the Army has a distinctive flag assigned to that command which normally depicts some unique aspect of that command. This flag is known as the “Colors.” This tradition originated so that soldiers would recognize the flag or Colors of each of their regiments so they could follow it into battle.
During the ceremony, the “Casing of the Colors” represent the inactivation of the CCU-PR. Rivera, native of Lares, Puerto Rico, is the last commander of this unit whose mission is to restore the injured Soldier and return him or her to fighting strength.
“It has been an honor to return to this unit and lead those that I have previously worked with. This has been a great experience and honestly, I am sad that the program will not continue however, this means that our warriors are recuperating and the need for the program has decreased,” said Rivera.
Since January 2004, over 1,300 Soldiers from CCU-PR have either successfully returned back to the Army or transitioned to veteran status where they will continue to serve their communities. Sgt. Melvin Vega is one of the many warriors that has benefited from CCU-PR program. Vega recently separated from the Army Reserve after being in the program for 16 months.
“This is a very efficient program that gives a lot of attention to the needs of the Soldier,” said Vega. “They are very prepared and dedicated to helping Soldiers and their families. The Soldiers is not the only one with needs, the family also endures the pain that we bring as Soldiers.”
Vega expressed that the inactivation of the unit is saddening but stressed that Soldiers should not lose the opportunity to return, recuperate and continue with their military career or transition back into the civilian lifestyle. “I am truly thankful for CCU-PR and I carry them in my heart,” said Vega, “I want people to know that they should not be scared to seek help, not only physically but emotionally as well. We go through so many things that our families do not understand and we need to recuperate and be prepared to take our lives back whether as civilians or members of the Army.”
Even though the unit has inactivated, a platoon sized element will be established in Puerto Rico with a case manager and platoon sergeant. This element will be able to provide care to 10-12 wounded warriors.
Maj. Gen. Marta Carcana, adjutant general of Puerto Rico and keynote speaker stated, "This is an emotional moment."
"Since we (CCU-PR) started our mission we were evolving. First we met as a Community Base Health Care option, then become the Community Base Health Care Organization later the Community Base Warrior Transition Unit and finally in 2014, Community Care Unit of Puerto Rico" said Carcana.
The CCU Medical Unit, provided services to service members from different military branches and components, emphasized Carcana. “The Military members that were attended here, chose to do so because of the benefit of being back home. And we ensured that they received the highest quality of care.”
"We worked to be one Army. Nurses from the National Guard and the Reserve, we worked together for our soldiers and provided them with the best care", concluded Carcana
“Serving to heal…Honored to serve!”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2016 14:56 |
| Story ID: | 190872 |
| Location: | FORT BUCHANAN, PR |
| Web Views: | 186 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Community Care Unit-PR Deactivates, by LTC Ruth Castro, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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