FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The Joint Base San Antonio Physical Evaluation Board held a
workshop with medical providers and physical evaluation board liaison officers
from 11 medical treatment facilities and Office of Soldiers Counsel
stakeholders Aug. 26-28 at building 367 on Fort Sam Houston – the first such
workshop held since 2009.
The mission of the JBSA PEB is to conduct relevant and
professional physical disability case evaluations with its partners to sustain
the readiness of the Army Total Force while taking care of Soldiers, civilians
and family members.
The workshop was organized by JBSA PEB deputy president
Charles Oliver, JBSA PEB senior physician Dr. Terrie Wurzbacher, and PEB human
resources manager Michelle
Steiner.
With 64 participants from various MTFs, the workshop focused
on improving Integrated Disability Evaluation System procedures, strengthening
relationships between the PEB and its partners and affording the medical
evaluation board from all 11 MTFs the opportunity to interact and solve
problems.
The PEB addressed issues and concerns that were identified
by the participants prior to attending the workshop and left the workshop with
a better understanding of PEB operations.
The attendees, especially the providers, received several
hours of hands-on training prepared by Wurzbacher. The physical evaluation board liaison
officers also got a chance to see the physical evaluation board process from
start to finish during presentations by Steiner and her staff. Office of Soldiers Counsel legal representatives
Aaron Feldman, Sarah Erney and Robin Briggs also provided insight to assist
staff in preparing a Soldier for a formal PEB appearance.
PEB president Army Col. Flip Wilson closed out the workshop
with some key observations and reflections on the training, and thoughts on the
“way ahead.” Wilson also showed a short video about Sgt. 1st Class Joseph
Kapacziewski, the first amputee in history to return to combat.