The American Warrior Association Receives City of Fort Worth Proclamation Marking June 11 as Moral Injury Awareness Day

On hand for the presentation of the city of Fort Worth Proclamation marking June 11 as Moral Injury Awareness Day were FWPD SWAT Officer Eric Mekosch, American Warrior Association (AWA) Co-Founders John Michael Fierer and Mark Fierer, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, AWA Managing Director Anna Heil, FWPD Sergeant Jason Ricks, AWA Founding Director Will Spencer, FW Fire Chief Jim Davis, FWPD Chief Neil Noakes and FW Fire Chaplain Cliff Weaver. Photo Credit: Rachel DeLira

FORT WORTH, Texas--()--Yesterday, Mayor Mattie Parker presented the American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city of Fort Worth Proclamation to mark June 11 as Moral Injury Awareness Day. Just three months ago, the AWA, alongside the city of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Police Department and Fort Worth Fire Department launched R3 - Respond, Restore, Resolve; a comprehensive approach to addressing moral injury. Moral injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when a person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct.

“It is my honor to present this city of Fort Worth Proclamation marking June 11 at Moral Injury Awareness Day. We hope this recognition of moral injury builds momentum across the country in years to come as we support our first responders’ and encourage conversation around mental wellness,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

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.

“We are humbled by the continued support of Fort Worth’s Mayor and City Council to assure the conversation around first responder mental wellness stays relevant and top of mind,” said AWA Managing Director Anna Heil. “It is an honor to support the men and women who serve our country and our communities every day and it is our hope that R3-Respond, Restore and Resolve continues to erode the stigma around talking about mental health.”

The AWA's dedication to supporting military members, veterans, and first responders is the foundation of R3. By providing a spectrum of support programs, the AWA champions the well-being of our nation's heroes, aligning with R3’s mission to offer comprehensive, holistic support. Additional partner organizations and programs will be reviewed and approved through the R3 Partner Vetting Committee within the Police and Fire Department Wellness Unit which houses the R3 Program.

Rooted in Fort Worth, 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.

https://www.moralinjuryawarenessday.com/

About AWA

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.
American Warrior Association (AWA) (awa-usa.org)

Contacts

The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048

Release Summary

Mayor Mattie Parker presents American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city of Fort Worth Proclamation to mark June 11 as Moral Injury Awareness Day.

Contacts

The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048