Air Force has HART for its war wounded

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) --  As Airmen continue to serve on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force continues to serve its wounded warriors and their families, even after their combat duty.

This service comes from the Palace HART program, or Helping Airmen Recover Together.

"The Air Force will provide the same level of loyalty and commitment in the care of those combat-related (illnesses or injuries) as it does in preparing (Airmen) for deployment and combat," said Bill Sherman, the chief of the Airman, Family and Community Operations section of the Directorate of Personnel Services at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. "Airmen and their families can expect world class personnel services, transition assistance and other assistance to help them transition to civilian life."

Each Airman's case is handled on a one-on-one basis to help ensure their needs are fully met by the Air Force.

To help make each case a success, the Palace HART program provides a multifaceted support system. This system includes:

-- The assignment of a family liaison officer by the Survivor Assistance Program and a community readiness consultant by the airman and family readiness center and/or an Air Force Personnel Center Palace HART staff member through all phases of the process, as needed.

-- Help in the retention of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom disabled Palace HART Airmen on active duty, if possible.

-- Expanded transition assistance. This includes financial, relocation, employment services and extended follow-up for Palace HART Airmen and their family members.

-- Consultation and analysis for potential temporary duty retirements list, benefits and assistance with initial filing of Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims.

-- Extended five-year case management follow-up, advocacy and tracking of the Palace HART Airmen and their immediate family.

-- Special Air Force federal civilian employment placement assistance for ill or injured Palace HART Airmen with 30-percent or more disability who cannot be retained on active duty. All others will receive employment counseling directed toward employment with the civilian sector.

There are 136 Airmen from the Guard, Reserve and active duty being supported by the Palace HART program, which grows by five to seven Airmen a month.

For the men and women making up the Palace HART program, success is measured not by filling out forms but by making a difference in the lives of each Airman they serve.

"I believe the continuous contact with these members is vital so they understand they are not forgotten. Some of these members we contact weekly or more while others only need less frequent contact," said Mr. Sherman. "Airmen should understand that these services are available, and the Air Force is committed to caring for these heroes and their families." 

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