COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Marine Corps is known throughout the world not only for its victories, but for the brotherhood that holds it together. When their numbers dwindled at the battle of Chosin Reservoir, or when they were faced with adversity on the atolls of Tarawa, brotherhood is what holds them together.
When a Marine becomes wounded, ill and injured they face a battle of a very different nature, sometimes visible and sometimes not. In these battles, the need for brotherhood is still the same. The United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment is there to help them through these challenges and provide the environment of brotherhood that is needed to recover as a family.
“When I was first injured, I was angry with myself and everyone around me” said Pfc. Eric Webb, a below the knee amputee. “The hardest thing to realize was that everyone was there for me. They are here trying to get me going again.”
The Wounded Warrior Regiment provides non-medical recovery care to Marines with a range of wounds, injuries, and illnesses, including, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal disorders, cancer and many more. The regiment adjusts their programs to each individual.
“Marines are motivated because they are Marines” said Kas Metzler, a physical therapist specializing in water sports therapy. “It’s all about finding what works for that individual. My job is to go in and offer tools. My ultimate vision is for someone to take that tool that works for them and put it in their own life.”
She continued by saying that they introduce them to some form of positive stress such as certain movements, breathing, any form of movement. When they find something that works for the individual a program is built around it.
“I remember the first couple of months after I was injured, I was always in pain and had a bad attitude” said Webb. “Nothing seemed to be going right. Then after meeting with other people in similar situations, I was told that my attitude had a lot to do with recovery. If you have a good attitude you will heal a lot faster and others will look up to you.”
Highly skilled doctors, medication and medical advancements saved the lives of these Marines, but the Wounded Warrior Regiment takes on the equally challenging and longitudinal task of healing the mind, body, spirit, and family. Through physical therapy, individualized treatments, family and caregiver support, and assistance to transition into civilian life, this Regiment proves that the brotherhood is for life and all Marines are members of the same family.