Pittard showcases resilience resources for Soldiers

Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, speaks to senior leaders on the installation during leadership professional development at the Wellness Fusion Campus, located near the intersection of Chaffee and J.E.B. Stuart roads, April 4. Courtesy photo

Sgt. Edward A. Garibay,
16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment:

“Our goal is to have the most fit, healthy, resilient community in the world,” said Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss.

On April 4, Pittard took one step closer to this goal when he showcased one of the post’s newest resilience tools, the Wellness Fusion Campus, to senior leaders of Fort Bliss.

The campus, located near the intersection of Chaffee and J.E.B. Stuart roads, is the first of its kind, according to Lt. Col. Leonard Q. Gruppo Jr., dean of the WFC.

It consists of a series of installation resources, usually independent of each other, and serves as a one-stop shop for Soldiers to gain assistance. One of its main goals is to build resilience, and it hosts programs including Mission Essential Fitness, worship services, financial counseling, Military Family Life Counseling and Master Resiliency Training.

“The Wellness Fusion Campus is a part of Pittard’s grand vision for Fort Bliss,” said Gruppo. “We don’t want to just talk about resiliency. We want to make measurable differences on the overall well-being of everyone on post.”

The WFC, which is available to Soldiers, their families and civilian employees, has been in operation for several months, but this tour was the first opportunity for all of Fort Bliss’ top leaders to see its full potential to help Soldiers and commanders, said Gruppo.

For instance, WFC provides every commander with a three-page Comprehensive Soldier Fitness report for every one of his or her Soldiers arriving to post. The report allows them to see a snapshot of the incoming Soldier’s mental and physical fitness, and allows the Soldier to find and use resources they need without repercussion.

During the tour, Fort Bliss leaders received a sample copy of the report and saw how it could be used hand-in-hand with the WFC to build a plan of action for Soldiers and raise overall resilience.

Those with families can become familiarized with the services of the Family Resilience Center. Single Soldiers can be introduced to the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program. Individuals with financial issues can receive instruction from Financial Peace University and all incoming personnel can be taught injury prevention.

“The Army has initiated this movement for resilience,” said Gruppo. “The Wellness Fusion Campus is just a unique application of what the Army has prescribed.”

At the WFC, commanders and Soldiers can find a resource for just about any situation that might arise and have a constant source of tools for overall Soldier enrichment at their disposal, said Gruppo.

“This is the future,” said Pittard, referring to the WFC and overall resilience building. “This is what makes us better.”

To learn more about the WFC and its services or to schedule a tour of the facility, call 568-3489.