KEEPING SOLDIERS IN SERVICE
More wounded U.S. military personnel are surviving than ever before, but their injuries often make it difficult to continue serving.
The Army Wounded Warriors Education Initiative Program at KU, headed by history professor Adrian Lewis, a retired U.S.Army major, gives personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan the chance to earn graduate degrees and continue serving, both in and out of the Army.Three active and four retired officers are participating.
Jason Gladney, a retired first lieutenant, was injured serving in Iraq. “My whole family has served. My brother is in Iraq,” Gladney said. “The Army didn’t have to do this for us, but I’m proud that I’ll be able to continue my service.”
Capt.Wes Fine, also injured in Iraq, had hoped to go into the Special Forces. His injury changed that goal, but, he said,“because of this program, everything’s been pretty much taken care of, and the big thing for me is knowing I’m going to have a job.”
Gladney and Fine will most likely teach at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth after completing their degrees.
Chancellor Robert Hemenway met with officers planning to participate in the newly announced U.S. Army Wounded Warriors Education Initiative Program at Fort Leavenworth’s Combined Arms Center (below). Capt.Wes Fine (top left) and retired Lt. Jason Gladney are working on master’s degrees at KU and hope to teach at the U.S.Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.
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