Latest news with #MoralInjuryAwarenessDay
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. "I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step," commented Noakes. "The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team." Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. "Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team," said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. "He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3." Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 orBrooke Goggans, 617.680.1048;The Collaborative Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes Joins The American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement, Marks A New Chapter for Moral Injury Advocacy and First Responder Wellness
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program. 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. Share 'I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that's given so much to me. I'm grateful the AWA is the next step,' commented Noakes. 'The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I'm so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.' Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department's Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury. 'Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,' said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. 'He's not just joining an organization; he's joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.' Noakes' professional credentials include: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU) Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University Associate's Degree from Weatherford College Graduate of TCU's inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor Graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program During the 89 th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress. About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community. R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations. About the American Warrior Association The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America's frontline professionals. For more information about the R3 initiative, visit:
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
-- Texas House of Representatives and Senate Passed the Resolution; Governor Abbott Joins in Supporting Statewide Resolution Recognizing Mental Health; Struggles of Military Members, Veterans, First Responders and Frontline Professionals -- AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. "Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state." Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Governor Greg Abbott Welcomes First Responders to Capitol; Recognizing May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Texas Governor Greg Abbott invited first responders and American Warrior Association (AWA) leadership to the Capitol on May 14 to commend the group on its recent launch of R3 Respond, Restore, Resolve, and their commitment to raising awareness of moral injury. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. Share Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. Moral Injury Awareness Day will be recognized annually in Texas. 'Texas will always support our first responders who selflessly serve on the frontlines every day to keep Texans safe,' said Governor Greg Abbott. 'Texas will now officially recognize Moral Injury Awareness Day to educate people about moral injuries and the impact they have on our first responders. Texas will continue to provide the heroic men and women who answered the call to serve with the resources and support they need to heal from unseen injuries. We are eternally grateful to all first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities and their fellow Texans across our great state.' Recently, AWA launched R3 Respond. Restore. Resolve to provide first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. R3, initially launched in March 2024 in Fort Worth, provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. first responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit communities by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit:
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Texas Lawmakers Unite to Recognize May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a united front, both the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions proclaiming May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas, marking the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders and frontline professionals. 'Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders,' said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. Share "Many veterans and first responders carry burdens that are invisible, but no less real," said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth. "We're called to bear each other's burdens. I'm confident that Texans will gladly and gratefully fulfill that responsibility to the men and women who put everything on the line for the safety of our communities each day. We must ensure our hometown heroes are never left to face these challenges alone." Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. 'Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders,' said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. 'By supporting programs like R3, we are not only addressing the silent wounds carried by those who serve but also building stronger, healthier communities across our state. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing attention to this important issue and supporting the mental health of our frontline heroes.' 'I'm grateful for the recognition of R3's tireless work addressing moral injury in Fort Worth through mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support,' said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. 'This Moral Injury Awareness Day, I urge the state of Texas to continue to prioritize mental health and wellness for our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities every day.' This statewide proclamation aligns with initiatives in cities like Fort Worth, where Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth City Council presented the American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city proclamation last summer recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Fort Worth. The proclamation supports the city's ongoing partnership with the AWA and the recent launch of R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve, a pioneering initiative addressing moral injury among first responders. Initially launched in Fort Worth, R3 provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. The program also aims to reduce absenteeism and increase morale across departments, ultimately improving community safety and relationships. 'We are so grateful for the support of our statewide elected officials in our work toward securing accessible mental health resources for our first responders and veteran communities,' said Anna Heil, executive director of the R3. 'Providing accessible, non-clinical mental health support for our first responders and veterans is more important now than ever and working with a body of elected officials who are willing to act swiftly underscores the need and priority of the work we're doing.' To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. First responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit the community by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit:
