Invisible Wound Initiative seeks experiences, opinions

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Not all traumatic wounds leave visible scars on the human body, rather some are emotional fissures that can go untreated or even unnoticed over time.

An Air Force initiative is underway to gain a better understanding of those unseen injuries that can be crippling to Airmen trying to overcome their effects. The Invisible Wounds Initiative will be at Sheppard AFB Aug. 14-17, 2018, to interview participants who want to share their thoughts and/or experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other cognitive, emotional or behavioral disorders linked to trauma.

The culture awareness team will conduct 60-minute confidential interviews.

82nd Training Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response director Tony Wyatt, the project officer for the event, said the IWI looks at all forms of traumatic episodes. He said the IWI is interested in hearing from a cross-section of the Total Force, especially those who might not have experiences with invisible wounds.

“The initiative is interested in talking to anyone who is willing to talk to them,” he said. “It’s the coworker, it’s the commander, it’s the first sergeant. We can go on down the list. They do not have to have direct, first-hand experience, they just have to have opinions or impressions about (invisible wounds).”

Wyatt said the goal of the IWI is to gather information and create a variety of activities or events to support those with invisible wounds as well as enhance and improve the Air Force climate when it comes to that demographic.

Interviews will take place in Bldg. 920 in the mediation rooms located in C Wing on the first floor. Those interested in participating the IWI can click here to register. Simply locate “Sheppard Air Force Base” and then select a date and time. Participants will also be asked a few questions when registering.

Wyatt said those wanting to participate in the process but aren’t able to attend an in-person interview will have other options available such as telephone interviews.

The IWI was developed in February 2016 with the support of Air Force senior leaders to improve quality of life and readiness.

“Their focus is an increased emphasis on the quality and continuity of care for Airmen and families suffering from invisible wounds,” a fact sheet read. “The IWI is designed to provide centralized oversight, guidance and advocacy to ensure Airmen and families suffering from invisible wounds successfully integrate back to duty or transition to veteran status with dignity and respect.”

Visit the Invisible Wounds Initiative website for more information. The IWI team can be reached by email at IWICultureResearch@bah.com or by phone at 703-377-4111.