Retired Col. John Winkler has walked a path many returning Soldiers are beginning to walk, and he’d like to help them on their journey.

“I became a wounded warrior during the Tet Offensive in 1968. I have been through the process. I think I can help young men and women,” said Winkler, who retired from the Army after 27 years and is part of a new volunteer mentoring program created by the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project.

Winkler lost part of his arm during the Vietnam War.

“There was virtually no help,” he said. “We were part of the old med hold companies, and I was at the old Fort Gordon hospital. You basically had to fend for yourself.”

He stayed in the Army another two decades after his injury because he waded through the system himself.

Veterans such as Winkler and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Don Little see the mentoring program as a way to further serve their nation and to give back to those who are currently serving.

“We have the responsibility to take care of each other,” said Little. “I don’t think my 30 years in the Army was enough. I hope to share my experiences with others and assist when needed.”

Laurie Ott, executive director of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project, said an all call went out for volunteers in May, and the first round of training for the veterans began last month. About a dozen veterans will be the first to assist Soldiers in Fort Gordon’s Warrior Transition Battalion.

The volunteers will not replace any staff or cadre; they will provide additional support where needed. They may serve as sounding boards to help Soldiers work their way through the process of transitioning from Soldier to civilian or to remain in the military as Winkler did after his injury.

Ott said more volunteers will be needed as the program evolves, but she is pleased with the initial group.

“These are good people with good hearts and very good intentions,” she said.

The main qualification needed is veteran status. Training is provided.