Turning to Technology to Stay Connected Practicing social distancing from other people is not difficult for Army veteran Joey Pierstorff these days. He lives in a quiet town along Route 66, just more than an hour from the edge of the Grand Canyon. But the steps he is taking with his family do not require the wide-open space of the Arizona desert. “We try to limit our time outside but also want to enjoy the weather while it is nice out, so we have been taking the dogs to the park,” Joey said. “Just trying to control what we can and avoid being out in public.” Joey and his family are also using technology to help — for homeschooling their children, entertainment, and connecting with others. Last year, Joey worked with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to build a custom gaming computer. “We have been doing a lot of gaming. Different games for different age groups. My 7-year-old daughter likes playing Fortnite with me; my son likes Call of Duty.” Joey first connected with WWP following advice from a friend. That connection led to others, starting with veterans at a golf tournament. “What it did was show me I wasn’t the only person that had transitional concerns.”
“I had a Talk representative; I like to call him my coach. We had a connection from the moment I spoke to him. I felt like we were connected, and he made me feel super comfortable. I told him stuff I hadn’t told anyone ever in years.” The program is much more than just talking. “He would hold me accountable for the things I said without judging me.” The program starts with a WWP staff member getting to know the warrior or family member. Through the first few calls, the pair find a comfort level. “Later on, they start holding you accountable with SMART goals. You will set goals that help you get better.” Those SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. Goals are set, and plans are developed to achieve each goal. For Joey, that meant an education and getting back into the workforce, all with the help of his coach. “He made sure I kept my goals realistic. He’d say, ‘That’s great you are going to get your bachelor’s degree, but what are you going to do beyond that? This is the beginning of your goal.’” Joey achieved his first degree, then set a new goal to continue his education. Last December, he earned his master’s degree in management through a program he did entirely online.
Then with other veterans at other events.
“I kept a 4.0 GPA until my dissertation, but I still ended with a 3.98.”
“They’ve all seen, heard, been, or done something you have done, and they can relate with you in some way. There is something in common with everybody.”
While he finished in December, new guidelines about gatherings have his graduation on hold.
WWP Talk is one of the ways Joey found help in his transition to civilian life. Joey joined the Army less than a year after watching the attacks on Sept. 11. His career in service was cut short by injuries and two knee surgeries. Joey learned about how WWP Talk works. A weekly phone call with a WWP staff member helped in many ways, from lending an ear to empowering him to improve his situation. “I called because I’m always looking to find new resources, new ways to help. You never know what’s going to work for you.” Through that first phone call, Joey had a new supporter. 30
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“I was supposed to walk in May; now it is scheduled for July.” Those guidelines have also sidelined his son’s baseball season. The high school freshman pitcher was recently called up to the varsity team. Now, it is uncertain when he will be able to return to the mound. That challenge has created a new opportunity for bonding. “My son and I have been throwing the baseball a lot. We are keeping him ready for when play resumes.” Goals for his son, and more goals for Joey, who has his sights set on starting a business in his community. A business with ties to baseball.
