HART program helps Airmen recover Published March 8, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A new program started by a Department of Defense initiative is helping ensure the Air Force will provide the same level of loyalty and commitment to Airmen wounded in action as it does in preparing them for deployment and combat. The new program, named Palace HART, or Helping Airmen Recover Together, was designed to ensure all combat-related ill or injured and medically separated members of the DOD receive complete information and entitlements. It also assists wounded veterans transition back into the civilian sector. Palace HART starts at the point of injury and continues until at least five years after separation. Airmen participating in the Palace HART program work with an assigned Family Liaison Officer from the Air Force Survivor Assistance Program to assist the Airman, or their family members with specific needs, as the medical services are provided. The FLO will place weekly and monthly calls to the individual or family member, and also make personal visits. The ultimate goal of the program is a successful transition from the military back into the civilian community. Local Airman and Family Readiness Centers are the points of contact for the program and work in conjunction with the FLO and Palace HART Airmen. For more information on this program, please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (701) 747-3241. (Information for this story was provided by Headquarters Air Force)