January 26 started out crisp and clear. A perfect day to explore Enchanted Rock. Chaplain Thompson and Spc. Beckett accompanied 9 brave souls on the hike; although one might say Chaplain Thompson and SPC Beckett were the brave ones as the other nine were women. All of the women, classified as Cadre, work with patients in the Warrior Transition Battalion. Many disciplines were represented, nursing, counseling, physical therapy to name a few. While the Cadre may not be on a foreign battlefield they are in a sense on a battlefield. They are treating in one form or another men & women who have suffered an injury or illness. Their job requires training and skill but it also requires a compassionate soul. As with any other vocation, burn out can be a problem, i.e., compassion burn out. Getting these ladies out doors doing something for themselves is a way to help reduce the stress.  After the climb everyone met WWAN team members at the Rathskeller restaurant for lunch and to share stories.

Later everyone adjourned to the Methodist Church where Chaplain Thompson showed a video and then had open discussion about compassion burn out and how to handle it. It was another great day in the Hill Country.

More pictures from the event can be seen in the album “January Spiritual Fitness”