Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, BETHESDA, MD  –   2025 marks 15 years since the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) opened its doors and began transforming the lives of service members impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since the first patient was seen on Oct. 4, 2010, NICoE has led the Military Health System in advancing care, research and education for TBI and associated conditions.

NICoE was founded to address an emerging need for specialized care for service members suffering from TBI and psychological health concerns through delivery of comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment. With a mission centered on the return of warfighters to active duty and the improvement of quality of life for those affected by the invisible wounds of war, NICoE also contributes to the broader military medical community through professional education, telehealth, and groundbreaking research.

“Over the past 15 years, what started as the NICoE offering an innovative interdisciplinary model of TBI care has expanded into the entire Defense Intrepid Network, which provides state-of-the-art TBI care at 13 sites to thousands of service members each year,” said U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) Shannon C Ford, NICoE director. “It’s a testament to the commitment of all of our supporters that we are able to continue treating these very complicated invisible wounds.”

To commemorate the anniversary, NICoE staff gathered for a celebratory group photo—a tribute to the team of clinicians, therapists, researchers and support personnel who have shaped the center’s success. An official anniversary event will take place on Sept. 8, 2025, welcoming a broader audience to reflect achievements, share knowledge and look toward the future of TBI care.

“I look forward to continuing to build on the excellence and compassion that are the signatures of NICoE’s services to our nation’s warriors,” said Ford. “I am particularly excited by the potential of our cutting-edge research to continue to impact the complex issues relating to TBI and brain health.”

For more information about NICoE and its programs, visit https://health.mil/NICoE. NICoE accepts referrals for Department of Defense beneficiaries including active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, retirees, and eligible dependents ages 18 to 64. Providers can submit referrals through MHS GENESIS or by emailing the Referral Management Team at dha.bethesda.wrnmmc.list.wrnm-nicoe-referral@health.mil.