Turning To Technology

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.”

Then with other veterans at other events.

“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.”

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.”

30 WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / APRIL 2020 “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.

“I kept a 4.0 GPA until my dissertation, but I still ended with a 3.98.”

While he finished in December, new guidelines about gatherings have his graduation on hold.

“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.

“I’m in the process of opening an indoor baseball training facility. It will have batting cages, pitching mounds, and other training areas.”

WWP Talk helped keep Joey on target with his goals but has also changed his mindset.

“Knowing there is someone there that wants you to succeed; they’re not holding you accountable to be mean about it. They’re there to hold you accountable to be a better person. They want you to be a better person by doing the things you want to do.

“They are not recommending ‘Here is what we want you to do,’ it’s ‘Find out what you want to do. What do you want to do? We are going to help you reach those goals.’”

The Talk program helps warriors and family members get on track, but it is also designed to stay with the individual even after the weekly calls end.

“It’s really teaching you to hold yourself accountable, finding what you want to do. Once you get your goals in, you are going to figure out a plan. Not just ‘What am I going to do for these six months — what am I going to do to be better to start setting my own SMART goals?’”

I learned to just accept the changes that have been made in my life and new ways to cope and new tools for my toolbox and resources.”

That has helped Joey during these uncertain and stressful times. “It causes extra anxieties for me, like so many other people, but I have a lot of tools to help me get through it.”

Serving Warriors Virtually WWP has turned to technology as well. This helps the veterans charity as it continues to provide lifesaving programs and services, while still following guidelines of social distancing. The organization’s physical health and wellness events are using teleconferencing to show warriors and family members how to stay in shape at home, make healthy nutrition choices, and be mindful in stressful times. This change also means Peer Support Groups meet via video instead of in person. Warriors can still support one another, while staying a safe distance. WWP Talk offers weekly phone calls to warriors and family members who have signed up. This provides emotional support as warriors develop goals and plans to meet or exceed those targets. And WWP’s career counseling helps with resumes, interview coaching, and job searching — without leaving home. Learn more about WWP’s virtual offerings: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ready-to-serve.