OTC wounded warrior to participate in
University of Kansas education program

by OTC PAO

Capt. Tim Hornik of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command has been selected as one of eight Army Wounded Warriors nationwide to participate in the Wounded Warrior Education Initiative program at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

The pilot program, allows Wounded Warriors the opportunity to complete a master’s degree at the Army’s expense, will provide Soldiers the option to return to the Army and work in assignments where the gaining organization at the Combined Arms Center can benefit from their education and personal experience.

“This is a great opportunity for many Soldiers looking to progress in their careers or move to a different career,” said Hornik.

The concept of the program was first briefed in September 2007 to the Secretary of Defense who encouraged the Army to proceed with the program.

Wounded Warrior candidates will work to complete master’s degree programs in areas that can support programs or academia at the Combined Arms Center.

Hornik will pursue a master’s degree in social work from the KU School of Social Welfare.

“I’d like to achieve my own personal goal of helping wounded veterans and Soldiers as a social worker,” Hornik said.

Active-duty Soldiers will remain in the Army, while Soldiers who are retired due to injuries will either assume positions under Title 10 as instructors or will convert to Department of the Army civilian status and move into positions where their degrees can support programs in the organization.

Hornik and his wife, who also serves in the Army, will head to Kansas for their new assignments

“The Army’s been great in accommodating my needs as a dual-service family,” Hornik said. “My wife will teach ROTC at KU while I’m earning my degree.”

The University of Kansas was approached to participate in this program due to its working relationship with the Combined Arms Center. Any Soldiers seeking to participate in the education initiative program must be a part of the Wounded Warrior Transition program.