Eighty-three returning warriors and guests attended a 2-day transitional workshop at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, Ore. March 12-13.  The warriors are back from overseas contingency operations from various missions around the globe. 

The Returning Warrior Workshop (RWW) is a support program initiated by the Navy Reserve Force to assist Sailors and their family members with reintegration and reunion.  Both Reservists and Active Duty members attended the event.

The keynote speaker was Rear Adm. Mike Shatynski, vice commander, Naval Surface Forces. “What you’ve done is appreciated by your Navy and our country,” Shatynski said. “You know donít think of yourselves as heroes, but I want you to think about the world and what it would be like if you didn’t do what you do as the heroes that you are.”

Topics during the event included warrior transitions, telling your story, the warriorís spirituality, couples reconnecting and combat and operational stress.  Attendees are given information about resources available to assist with their transition back from deployment.  For those wishing to speak about issues in a private environment, confidential sessions with counselors were available. 

“Fantastic, it was really, really good for integration back into the real world.  Communicate, making sure we communicate that was the best part,” said Marjorie Cooper, wife of Senior Chief Yeoman Augustine Cooper who both participated in the RWW.

The RWW is a weekend for the Navy to take care of military personnel who have been deployed in support of combat or combat support operations. Taking care of our people is one of the Chief of Navy Operationís top three priorities. 

The RWW’s have evolved over time because participates are encouraged to provide feedback.  “We now offer them an even better quality workshop. We’ve changed some of the events and I think they get more out of it,” said Cynthia Miller, Navy Region Northwestís warrior/family support program specialist.

RWW is held at different locations across the country throughout the year to welcome returning warriors and help them integrate back into civilian life.  For information about upcoming RWWís in Navy Region Northwest contact Miller at (425) 304-4820 or e-mail .