Warrior Family Support Center

Phone:
(210) 916-8219 / 8367

POC:
WFSC Program Manager
Government Cell: (210) 241-0811

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Physical Location :
Warrior and Family Support Center
3126 Rawley E. Chambers Rd.
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

Donations Mailing Address:
Attn: Director of WFSC
Warrior and Family Support center
3138 Rawley E. Chambers
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78219

Background:

As the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) continues, seriously injured Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are evacuated from the theater of operations to major medical facilities located on military installations. Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is one of the 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, can exceed 12 months.

BAMC physicians noticed a need for Family members to be intimately involved in the rehabilitation of their sons, daughters, or spouses (Wounded Warriors), and that a vital part of their recovery meant a need to have a “safe” environment away from the hospital. At the physician’s initiative, a committee was established to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) troops on their road to recovery. The concept of the WFSC was developed by this committee, led by Army Community Services (ACS), and authorized by the Garrison Commander.

(click to view video)

On 8 Dec 2003, the conference rooms on the second floor of the Powless Hall Guest House were converted to the WFSC and the doors were opened. On 8 December 2008, through the extraordinary generosity of the greater San Antonio community the doors opened to a new 12,500 square foot facility. The WFSC on Fort Sam Houston is the only one of its kind, offering a safe environment for Military Families to reconnect during medical treatment and restart their lives with the full support of the military community.

Purpose:

The WFSC provides coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended Family members with a primary focus on OIF and OEF Warriors. It provides a friendly, comfortable environment in which to take a break, watch a movie on big-screen TV's, 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 and 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.

Events:

The WFSC schedules over 48 activities every month with opportunities to attend sporting events, movie night, plays at the Majestic Theatre, concerts, Fiesta, shopping trips, luncheons and dinners, bingo, fishing trips and more. All events and trips are free of charge.

Resources:

The WFSC staff members will provide you 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. The staff is able to assist you in arranging transportation, financial assistance and lodging by making referrals to the appropriate agencies.

Donations:

The Warrior and Family Support Center is staffed by caring volunteers from the military community, Wounded Warriors and ACS personnel. Goods, services and money donated by businesses, churches, schools and private individuals help keep the WFSC supplied with phone cards, games, baked goods and etc. Please mail donations to 3138 Rawley E. Chambers, San Antonio, Texas 78219 or visit our center located in building 3126 Rawley E. Chambers Rd. on BAMC side of Fort Sam Houston.

Returning Heroes Home

The Returning Heroes Home is designed to provide 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. The new 12,000 square foot building includes a large social gathering area, kitchen facilities, dining room, learning facility for computerized training, private counseling rooms, business center with high speed internet access, game room, and large open front and back porch areas. It is also designed with Wounded Warriors' requirements in mind: fully wheelchair accessible, with an atmosphere that will encourage healing. It allows for 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.

Visit http://www.returningheroeshome.org to learn more about the Returning Heroes Home Project.

Links:
http://media.myfoxhouston.com/news/intrepid
http://www.acap.army.mil