Warrior and Family Support Center
Location: SAMMC-North (BAMC)
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: (210) 916-9633
Program Manager: (210) 241-0811
Donations Mailing Address:
Warrior and Family Support Center
2010 Stanley Road, Suite 95
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Purpose: The WFSC provides coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended Family members with a primary focus on 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 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.
Background: As the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) 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 received their medical care there. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, these Wounded Warriors remained 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 sons or daughters (Wounded Warriors), and that a vital part of their 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 (WFSC) was developed, led by ACS, and authorized by the 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 & Family Support Center moved from the 1,200 square foot room in the Powless Guest House to a 12,000 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, 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 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 48 activities a month. The Wounded Warriors and their Family members have the opportunity to attend sporting events, movie night, plays at the Majestic Theater, 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 Ft. 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. We are 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, and baked goods, etc. Please mail donations to 2010 Stanley Road, Suite 95, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas 78234 or visit our center located at building 3628 on the Brooke Army Medical Center (SAMMC-N) campus.
Returning Hero's Home
Visit www.returningheroeshome.org to learn more about the Returning Heroes Home Project.