Sgt. Maurice Powell: It takes a village

Courtesy Photo | Ret. U.S. Army Sgt. Maurice Powell (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Maurice Powell)  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

10.22.2018

Courtesy Story

Army Recovery Care Program

Sgt. Maurice Powell: It takes a village
By Annette P. Gomes, Warrior Care and Transition

ARLINGTON, Va. – The African Proverb, “It takes a village” effectively sums up the last few months of retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maurice Powell’s life.

After 17 years in the Army, Powell retired. Transitioning to civilian life however was not as easy due to personal setbacks.

Stationed in Guam and with little support, Powell settled in Killeen, Texas.

“There are many obstacles in life, we all have them, in the human spirit we try to be brave, we hope to be courageous. Although I wasn't ready to move on and things look bleak right now, I know that they will get better,” he said.

Powell’s support life line came in the form of many Army Wounded Warrior Program advocates including Cynthia Hunter – Jackson.

Jackson, along with several advocates provided assistance in the form of furniture, food donations and finance to help Powell get on his feet.

“When I signed the dotted line to say that I accepted the position as an advocate, like most advocates, I believed it was and is a "calling" to do what is right and necessary to provide the best services possible for Soldiers who makes sure that I and my family can sleep safe at night and live in a free nation. As the spouse of a retired Soldier, I have firsthand knowledge of the struggles that Soldiers face when they leave a support system that has provided stability” said Hunter-Jackson.

“It can be a rude awakening for those who are ill prepared. I believe that if a Soldier knows that they always have someone connected to the military and in their corner when needed, then the process of regaining their independence is less stressful. Advocates are like family. You say thank you by doing the very best that you can very day, and by not forgetting everything that all of those people did for you,” she explained.

The former Infantryman is currently seeking employment, but grateful for the support he received from his AW2 advocates. “There are so many people to thank including the Schofield Barracks Warrior Transition Battalion staff and Veteran Administration workers alike including Staff Sgt. Regina Cunningham, Nurse Case Manager Mati Anguita, Social Worker Michael Esquibil, AW2 Advocate Rhondalyn Ware-Culver, Dr. Rada and Dr. Madison. You simply say thank you to all these people by doing the very best that you can every day, and by not forgetting everything that all of those people did for you.”

• Date Taken: 10.22.2018
• Date Posted: 10.22.2018 10:55
• Story ID: 297229
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US