Warrior and Family Support Center

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Address:
Bldg. 3628 Rawley E. Chambers Rd.
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 9:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am - 9:00pm

Phone

Receptionist: (210) 916-8367
Program Manager: (210) 241-0811

Mailing Address:
Warrior and Family Support Center
3138 Rawley E. Chambers
San Antonio, TX 78219

Purpose: The Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) provides coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended Family Members with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors. It provides a friendly, comfortable environment in which to take a break, watch a movie on big-screen TVs, play video games, check email or use the Internet, select a book or magazine to read, make a phone call, or just grab a cup of coffee. Wounded Warriors and their Family Members visit the WFSC to maintain contact with other military members or extended Family Members, to receive emotional support, answers to their questions, and to extend their rehabilitation away from the hospital. The rehabilitation involves learning to cope with war related disabilities as individuals, as couples, and as families.

Background: As the Global War on Terrorism continued, seriously injured Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines were evacuated from the theater of operations to major medical facilities located on military installations. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is one of the world's best trauma centers and many of these Wounded Warriors receive their medical care there. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, these Wounded Warriors remain at BAMC for an extended period of time which, in many cases, exceeds 12 months. BAMC physicians noticed a need for Family Members to be intimately involved in the rehabilitation of their Wounded Warrior, and that a vital part of his/her recovery meant a need to have a "safe" environment away from the hospital. On the physician's initiative, the concept of the Warrior and Family Support Center was developed, led by Army Community Service, and authorized by the Fort Sam Houston (FSH) Garrison Commander. On 8 Dec 03, the conference rooms on the second floor of the Powless Hall Guest House were converted to the WFSC and the doors were opened. The WFSC on FSH is the only one of its kind, offering a safe environment for military families to reconnect following military operations and restart their lives with the full support of the military community. Through generous donations and the Returning Heroes Home Project, on 1 Dec 2008, the Warrior and Family Support Center moved from the 1,200 square foot room in the Powless Guest House to a 12,500 square foot building. The Returning Heroes Home Project designed the new Warrior and Family Support Center with a "living room" environment, to provide all the comforts of home while the Wounded Warriors and their Families are so far away from their own. This dedicated building includes a large social gathering area, kitchen facilities, a dining room, a learning facility for computerized training, a private counseling room, a business center with high speed internet access, a game room, and large open front and back porch areas. It was designed with Wounded Warriors' requirements in mind - fully wheelchair-accessible, with an atmosphere that encourages healing. It retains the same "closeness" that was found in the previous center that allowed Wounded Warriors and their Families to be in close contact with each other. In this setting, Wounded Warriors and Families are able to comfort and support each other by drawing upon their shared experiences for strength and understanding.

Events: The WFSC schedules over 100 activities each month. The Wounded Warriors and their Family Members have the opportunity to attend sporting events, movies, plays at the Majestic Theatre, concerts, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Fiesta, shopping trips, luncheons and dinners, Bingo, fishing trips, and much more. All events and trips are free of charge.

Resources: The WFSC Staff Members will provide Wounded Warriors and their Family Members with a welcome packet containing information on Fort Sam Houston and the surrounding community, maps, calling cards, and a guided tour of the Center. Information brochures on a variety of topics and services are readily available. They are able to assist you in arranging transportation, financial assistance, and lodging by making referrals to the appropriate agencies.