COAD/COAR Forum
Download the COAD/COAR Forum Video (FLV file)
Transcript
SFC Jarrett Jongema: You cannot write these Soldiers off as being broken or busted. OK, they may not be kicking in doors or doing dismounted operations in various unknown locations throughout the world, but they have so much heart.
SPC Bryan Camacho: It's just something I've always wanted to do. It's always seemed like the right answer to me. I've always had that drive to serve.
SGT Molly Holub: I believe that we can do just as much, just as well as the rest of the Soldiers.
SSG William Benzing: We can still provide a valuable resource to the military, to the Army, through knowledge. Some of us have physical limitations, some of us have mental limitations, but being approved for COAD, we can still help educate, teach, guide and mentor Soldiers.
SSG Roy Rodriguez: Don't let anybody tell you what you can't do. If you believe in it, if you think you can do it, there's only one way to find out. Don't ever doubt yourself.
Retired GEN Frederick Franks: If we focus on abilities and not disabilities, if we focus on what we have, not on what we don't have, if the Army focuses on these Soldiers' abilities, and not artificially or unnecessarily puts limitations on them, I think the Army will greatly benefit from their skills, and knowledge, and their passion to serve their other Soldiers.
Would you do it all again?
SFC Juanita Wilson: Absolutely!
1SG Mario Cirinese: Absolutely!
SPC Bryan Camacho: Absolutely!
Retired GEN Frederick Franks: Absolutely!