Your Recovery

Learn more about how the Wounded Warrior Regiment facilitates comprehensive recovery care of non-medical and medical care to combat and non-combat recovering service members.

The Marine Corps model remains that wounded, ill, or injured Marines, or Sailors attached to Marine units, will continue serving with their parent units so long as their commanders can ensure their medical and other recovery needs are being met. Marines or Sailors suffering catastrophic wounds or injuries or requiring complex care coordination for treatment of acute or chronic illnesses may be assigned to a Wounded Warrior Regiment element. Maintaining the structure and support of a military unit reinforces the Marine mindset that supports successful recovery and elimination of obstacles.

The Marine Corps and Regiment staff understands that an individual’s physical and psychological recovery from a wound, illness, or injury is not predictable. In addition to the underlying medical conditions, various other factors must be considered by the recovery team in the development of a Marine’s recovery plan. The overarching approach is a relationship, not a process.

The goal of the recovery process is to establish a meaningful life path, reinforced by mental, moral, and physical strength and courage; and achievable goals for the future that afford quality of life and financial stability.

RECOVERY COORDINATION PROGRAM

WWR administers the Marine Corps Congressionally mandated Recovery Coordination Program (RCP). The federal program requires all recovering service members are assigned a Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC) and develop a Comprehensive Recovery Plan. All Marines who qualify for the assistance of a Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC) will develop a Comprehensive Recovery Plan (CRP). RCCs may be assigned to Marines who have more complicated cases whether they are attached to the Wounded Warrior Regiment or remain with their parents unit.

COMPREHENSIVE RECOVERY PLAN

The CRP is a roadmap that captures a Marine’s and family’s needs, translates those into concrete goals and then provides specific, actionable steps to meet those goals. These steps are the basis for the Marine’s daily activities while assigned to a Wounded Warrior Regiment element or in their personal efforts while remaining with their parent unit. A RCC seeks to reduce anxiety and ensure a smooth recovery by working with the Marine and family to develop and assist in the execution of a CRP. A hallmark of the CRP is that a resource is provided for each of these steps to ensure the Marine or Sailor always knows who assists with each particular action.

PRINCIPLE ELEMENTS OF THE RECOVERY CARE TEAM

Additionally, Marines assigned to the Wounded Warrior Regiment will have the structure and support of a Marine unit, including a section leader, who is a noncommissioned officer providing daily accountability and tracking of each Marine’s progress, serving as a mentor and offering leadership.

ADDITIONAL STAFF SUPPORT

Additional staff support are available to Marines to assist with financial, administrative, caregiver and family resources, and transition resources.

The WWR staff will assist Marines who are receiving support for their recovery through four specific lines of operation (LOO): mind, body, spirit and family. They will also provide medical advocacy and administrative support.

LINES OF OPERATION PROCESS

The Mind LOO aims to develop Marines who possess increased sharpness of the mind; memory, focus, concentration, understanding, and an increased ability to learn and comprehend. These are achieved through:

Access to college courses and vocational training programs
On the job training and internships
Professional military education

The Body LOO aims to develop Marines who possess a foundation for health, physical fitness, and longevity in life as a productive and contributing member of society. The following efforts are used:

Physical fitness
Medical/physical therapy
Diet/ nutrition education
Competition (Warrior Athlete Reconditioning Program (WAR-P))

The Spirit LOO aims to develop Marines who are content with life, have balance and control, positive relationships, a sense of purpose and meaning to life, acceptance and growth with challenges in life, and experiencing a connection with a power greater than oneself. The WWR works through:

Religious Programs
Behavioral health
Extension outreach (FOCUS, Semper Fi Odyssey, Mighty Oaks, etc.)
Community outreach opportunities

The Family LOO seeks to establish a family that is committed and in a safe and appreciative environment, filled with spiritual well-being, resilient coping skills, shared responsibilities, redefined roles and open communication. These goals are approached through:

Religious Programs
Behavioral health
Family readiness programs

Important Helplines

Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center
The Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center (WWCC) is available 24/7 to make and receive calls and render assistance to recovering service members, Marine veterans, and their families.
1-877-487-6299

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
1-800-273-8255

Military One Source
Military OneSource — Your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support. Your one source for your best mil-life.
800-342-9647

DoD Sexual Assault Hotline
Sexual Assault Support for the Department of Defense Community
877-995-5247

Veteran Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
1-800-273-8255 Press 1

VA Caregiver Support Line
Assistance is just a quick phone call away – while you're supporting a Veteran, we're here to support you.
1-855-260-3274