On Monday, February 6, the Boomers and Bloomers visited the Warrior and Family Support Center at Joint Base San Antonio – Ft. Sam Houston. The Facility is located on a 3-acre property at Ft. Sam and is housed in a large and spacious 12,500 sq. ft. building. The current facility was constructed about 10 years ago; completely financed through donations, and today serves as the “gold standard” for other communities near military medical facilities.
A tour of the facilities was organized by Margaret White and Pat Lindemood and was directed by WFSC Director Judith Markelz. An entertaining, enlightening and informative tour was provided by WFSC Assistant Director John Wolf.
The WFSC provides coordinated services to patients, next of kin and extended family mem- bers of service members, with focus primarily on Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors. The facility provides a friendly, comfortable environment for everything from watching a movie on a large-screen TV, playing video games, checking email, making a phone call, or just grabbing a cup of coffee. A large well-appointed kitchen also provides a venue for those with culinary inclinations.
Many activities are provided through WFSC – everything from Thursday Night Bingo, tickets to Local Entertainment and Sporting Events, to Dining-out and Trips to the Zoo. The WFSC calendar is always full.
The Wounded Warriors and their Family Members can also visit the WFSC to maintain contact with other military members or extended family members to receive emotional support, answers to questions and to extend their rehabilitation.
The trip was highlighted by a recovering PTSD patient who addressed all of us as we were leaving with an emotional testimony about his stay at the Center. The recovering soldier told us his story of depression, despair and suicidal thoughts to recovery and a positive outlook toward the future. Absolutely inspirational – and a wonderful testament to the caring work of the Warrior and Family Support Center.
