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Warriors Past Inspire Warriors Present

The last few days at Fort Hood, have been inspiring to many of our current warriors, as they were able to meet and spend time with two decorated warriors from the Vietnam era. Often, when young men and women make the choice to enlist in the military, they’re inspired by stories they’ve heard of warriors from past wars, those who’s names are engraved upon the memories of many Americans, because of their brave acts. Two of those warriors recently visited Fort Hood and their visits made a huge impact on the Soldiers serving there.

One of those warriors, Lt. Col. (retired) Bruce Crandall’s name is one that is known by many. His actions, which 32 years after the fact earned him the Medal of Honor, which I wrote about almost two years ago, spent two days at Fort Hood, visiting with 1st Cavalry Soldiers, touring the post and attending a meeting of the Phantom Corps Chapter of the Army Aviation Association. Crandall’s heroics were also portrayed in the book by then Lt. Col. (retired) Hal Moore, entitled “We Were Soldiers Once … And Young” as well as in a major motion picture by the same name. Crandall was able to also spend time with currently serving aviation Troops as well as other Troops at Fort Hood. The highlight for Crandall was when he visited the aviation Troops at Hood Army Airfield and was able to do something that will always be in his blood …. fly a UH-1 Huey helicopter, once again. This is only the 2nd time, since 1968, that Crandall has flown. The rest of his flight time was during combat. Crandall’s visit made a lasting impression on the Soldiers and Veterans who had the opportunity to meet him.

““Mr Crandall’s visit was nothing short of superb in all aspects. Just being around him and his wife, Arlene, was like walking with royalty,” Bill Mobley, a retired Army Aviation major said.¹

“Flying with Lt Col Crandall was an experience that I’ll never forget,” CWO2 David Facio said. “I got to teach a legend about current aircraft and the advances that have happened since Vietnam. A few more flights in the simulator and he would have been ready for the real thing.”²

Facio had the pleasure of meeting with Crandall and taking him through the AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopter simulator and the Longbow Crew Trainer as well as the CH-47F Chinook Tranportable Proficiency Simulator. Following the simulator training, Crandall was able to go to the airfield and fly a Huey. He donned a flight suit and helmet and climbed behind the controls, alongside CWO5 Rolf Giesler, the UH-1 Huey Instructor pilot with 21st Aviation.

Fort Hood Troops, had the pleasure of meeting yet another warrior from the Vietnam era, former Sgt Jim Greenwalt. His story is one that hasn’t been in the media, yet, his actions in Vietnam saved the lives of the men serving beside him and earned him a nomination and eventual award of the Bronze Star Medal with V device.

Greenwalt was a Sgt and light weapons advisor on a Military Assistance Command, Vietnam mobile advisory team in January 1970. The teams were supposed to have 5 members but Greenwalt’s team included himself, a 1 Lt and a medic. On one mission, his team was attacked by the Viet Cong at Rach Ban outpost. Greenwalt defended his team with a .50 calibre gun that his team had borrowed from the Navy. Following the incident, his 1Lt nominated him for the Bronze Star with V device for his actions in battle. Greenwalt wasn’t aware of this and ultimately the paperwork got lost. In 2003, he found his former 1Lt Gary Findlay, who asked if he’d ever received his medal. When Greenwalt told him that he hadn’t, they resubmitted the paperwork in 2004. Eventually, with the help of Greenwalt’s congressman, he was approved for his medal. On Tuesday, September 30th, Greenwalt was awarded his Bronze Star with “V” device at Fort Hood.

“Ordinary men find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, in the worst of conditions doing what our nation has asked them to do … and then doing something more,” said Lt. General Rick Lynch, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, at the award ceremony. “In the heat of battle, men are not fighting for lofty ideals. When the bullets are flying, the mortars are landing and people are dying, what Soldiers fight for are their buddies on their right and left.”³

Greenwalt agreed with what General Lynch said and said that’s exactly what he was doing, fighting to ensure that his buddies survived the attack.

“I was more than scared,” he said. “I was terrified. I really didn’t think we’d survive that attack.”⁴

Greenwalt’s only regret, when he was presented with his award, was that his father was not still alive to see it happen. He says that his father would have really been proud of him.

Soldiers like Crandall and Greenwalt and the type of men, ordinary men, who inspire today’s generation of Soldier and who will continue to inspire the Soldiers of the future. As Lt. General Lynch said, ordinary men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Men who were willing to do whatever it took to ensure that their buddies survived. Both men were an inspiration to everyone they met and they will continue to be so. Many of our Soldiers now serving, will one day be looked upon like Bruce Crandall and Jim Greenwalt, as people that future Soldiers hope to emulate. Unfortunately I was unable to meet either of these men, wish I had.

1. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/10/03/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
2. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/10/03/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
3. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/10/03/news/living/living02.txt [↩]
4. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/10/03/news/living/living02.txt [↩]

Military Spouses And Careers

It’s a well know fact that when a man or woman joins the military and they have a family, it’s often very difficult for the spouse and children, due to the frequent moves that military life requires. For the children, they face having to move from school to school, often leaving friends behind and facing the difficulty of making new friends. For military spouses, it’s difficult to begin a career of their own, also due to the frequent moves. Employers often won’t hire a military spouse, because they know that they will be eventually moving on, leaving the employer to replace them.

Acknowledging this fact, President Bush signed an executive order on September 25th making it easier for military spouses to obtain jobs in the federal government. The order Bush allows hiring managers for all federal agencies to hire qualified military spouses without going through the competitive process. According to Patricia Bradshaw, deputy undersecretary of defense for civilian personnel policy, the new hiring authorities won’t be put into place until after the first of the year.

“One of the key things to recruiting and retention of service members is the employment of spouses,” Bradshaw said, noting that only about 10 percent of military spouses stay in the same location for as long as five years. Frequent relocations make it difficult for spouses to build a career.¹

The spouses would have to meet the qualifications for the job that they’re applying for. The new order would allow for hiring managers to hire a qualified military spouse, without advertising the jobs, dependent on other hiring requirements.

“Here’s a quick hiring authority for them to get to another bucket of talent that may have perhaps gone unnoticed in the past,” Bradshaw said.²

There are still details to be worked on for the initiative, but the following is the gist of the new initiative.

• Spouses of active-duty members on PCS orders, if the spouse is relocating to the member’s new permanent duty station. This will include members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty. Details have not yet been worked out on the length of time that the new hiring authority will be in effect before and after a PCS move.
• Spouses of 100-percent disabled retired or separated military members.
• Unremarried widows or widowers of a military member who is killed while on active duty.³

The new initiative does not require that hiring managers hire military spouses, however it does allow them to do so, without having to first advertise the job openings. The order does not affect the Defense Department’s existing spouse preference program, designed to help spouses who are already in civil service in obtaining jobs within that department.

That program does not help new spouses get into the federal civil service system; the new policy is designed to do that, Bradshaw said, adding that the policy will give Defense Department managers more flexibility in hiring. Bradshaw also stressed that the new initiative will not affect the veteran’s preference programs, which allow for a qualified veteran to be given preference for federal jobs.⁴

I think it’s fantastic that the federal government is finally recognizing the difficulties faced by military spouses when it comes to careers and that they’re taking steps to make it easier for them to do so. I think this will have some impact on retention of Soldiers who might otherwise get out of the military, so that their spouses can have a career. I’m sure this news will be well received by military spouses in all branches of the military and at all military bases.

1. http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_spouses_federaljobs_100108w/ [↩]
2. http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_spouses_federaljobs_100108w/ [↩]
3. http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_spouses_federaljobs_100108w/ [↩]
4. http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_spouses_federaljobs_100108w/ [↩]

Saluting The Flag

It’s customary if you’re in the military, to stop whatever you’re doing and salute the American flag at any ceremny of hoisting or lowering the flag, at revelry or when it is passing by in a parade or review. For those who’ve spend time in the military and then gotten out, or retired, that habit is one that is difficult to break.

In the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, (Public Law 110-181) Congress changed Section 9, Title 4, US Code, that covers “Conduct during hoisting and lowering of passing of the flag.” Don’t hesitate to share this information with veterans you know, so that they’re aware of the change. The section of US Code that was changed, reads as follows:

“During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform, may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present, should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the same moment as the flag passes.”¹

I’ve often heard veterans express their desire to be authorized to salute the flag. Even though they’re retired or no longer in the military, doesn’t mean that their respect for our country and it’s symbol, the Stars and Stripes, is any less. This was a great move by Congress.

Army Echoes, Bulletin for Retired Soldiers & Families

1. http://www.armyg1.army.mil/RSO/docs/echoes/08_Dec.pdf [↩]

Being There Without Actually Being There

I’m sure that the title of this post has some of you wondering what the hell kind of kool-aid I was drinking when I was in Las Vegas last weekend. Rest assured, there’s a method to my madness and the majority of the time I spent in Vegas, I was drinking Diet Pepsi or water.

When our Troops are deployed, they often miss out on important milestones in the lives of their family members. If they have children, they may miss that first birthday party, sporting events, music recitals and graduations, to name a few. Many have even missed the birth of their children, as their jobs took them away from home, as the due date approached.

The military understands how missing these milestones can affect the morale of the Troops, as well as the family members they leave behind when they deploy. Because of this, the military often attempts to ensure that the service member is able to go home on leave for at least some of these events. But that’s not always possible, due to mission requirements in the combat zone. That was the case for Marine Lance Cpl. Jovan Rodriguez, who was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first child and was hoping to be by his wife’s bedside, when she gave birth.

Due to operational commitments, Rodriguez was unable to return to New Jersey to be with his wife when she gave birth to their daughter. Rodriguez wanted to witness the birth of his child if at all possible, so he set out on a mission to find a solution to the dilemma and was able to do so.

“When we found out I couldn’t go home, we did some research and found out we could do it by Webcam,” Rodriguez said. He and his wife explained their situation and worked out the details with the hospital staff at Underwood Memorial Hospital in Frankville, NJ. The staff agreed to allow a video teleconference for them during the birth of their baby girl.¹

To facilitate the teleconference, Rodriguez had to fly from Camp Al Qa’im to Al Asad Airbase. He spent several days waiting for the baby to arrive. Finally the day came and rodriguez was able to spend hours at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center located at Al Asad. He was able to join his wife through a two-way audio and video conference.

“If something went wrong, they would have cut off the video and I would have been scared, because it’s my first time,” said Rodriguez. Luckily the birth of Liliana Rodriguez went smoothly. Rodriguez was able to witness the birth of his child and provide support to his wife. ²

“I could see my wife and listen to her the whole time, and the labor went very smoothly,” he said. “I consider myself one of the luckiest men in the world. I know a lot of (service members) don’t get to see the birth of their child and I was blessed to be able to.”³

Hopefully, with the success of this video teleconference, other service members will be able to witness such major life events in the future. Already many of our Troops are already able to participate in video teleconference visits with their families, while they’re deployed. Usually these are sponsored by their units. Encourage the military spouses you know to sign up for the video teleconferences that their deployed spouse’s unit might sponsor. It makes it a lot easier to be able to actually see your service member when you’re talking to him or her. I participated in several when Marty was deployed, as well as one with my son when he was in Kosovo. I think being able to actually see them, makes you know for certain that they’re okay and they’re not just saying that to relieve you and keep you from worrying. Many of the Marines serving with Rodriguez in 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines say that they hope they’ll too be able to make the trip to Al Asad to witness the births of their own children. This is great information for Troops who are getting ready to deploy. With a little bit of coordination between the MWR Centers and local facilities, such as the hospital in Rodriguez’s case, service members are able to participate in important milestones that they might not otherwise be able to.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51289 [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51289 [↩]
3. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51289 [↩]

Possible Scam Appears To Target Military Families

When Soldiers are deployed to combat zones or on unaccompanied tours, their spouses and family members are left responsible for the day to day operation of things on the home front. For homeowners, that can include being responsible for home repairs, home improvement, car repairs, etc. Many of the spouses left at home are women who may not know a whole lot about these types of things. Unfortunately, some places are disreputable and tend to take advantage of that, sometimes to the point of causing worse damage, charging exorbitant rates for repairs or even charging for work that wasn’t even performed. This kind of stuff pisses me off, so I try to make our readers aware of them, every chance I get.

The latest in these possible scams is taking advantage of the Federal Citizen Information Center’s credibility in an attempt to “lure” potential victims in. One soldier recently received a letter/advertisement from the “Home Information Center” which offered a home improvement loan and provided a link to the FCIC’s website, possibly in an attempt to make potential victims believe that the Center endorsed their products. Upon getting this mailing, the Soldier immediately notified the Federal Citizen Information Center to make them aware. The “Home Information Center” mailing linked to post office boxes located in Dallas, Texas and Owasso, Oklahoma.

“The thing that immediately sends up a red flag is the fact that (the advertisement) says these loans are approved by the US Congress,” said Mary Levy, director of consumer education and outreach in FCIC’s Office of Citizen Services. “Congress would absolutely never approve any particular home improvement loan.”¹

Levy went on to say that the FCIC has no affiliation with “Home Information Center.” According to Levy, home improvement services are not regulated by the Federal Government, but instead by state and local authorities.

It’s unfortunate that some people and companies take advantage of the fact that, especially in today’s up-tempo environment of the military, will take advantage of the fact and attempt to take advantage of military members and their family. As things like this occur, it’s my hope that military members and their families will contact the authorities, so that they can find out who these people are and prosecute them.

“Military families can become targets of scams, especially when the soldier is deployed thousands of miles away and the family is here,” Levy said. “That’s why it’s so important that they have the information they need to protect themselves.”²

According to Ms. Levy, the Federal Citizen Information Center offers tips for consumers who seek the services of a contractor to make home improvements. They also offer warnings to consumers of red flags to watch for that might indicate a fraudulent operator. In addition, they publish The Consumer Action Handbook, that is published annually. If you feel that you’ve received this type of mail, feel that one of the unscrupulous companies has scammed you, please, visit the Federal Citizen Information Center’s website to report it as well as peruse the wealth of information on the site, which covers a wide range of consumer protection related topics.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51206 [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51206 [↩]

A Visit From The President

One thing that President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have done since the Global War on Terrorism began in 2001, is to visit the wounded warriors, their families and the staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on a regular basis. Walter Reed is the Army medical facility that receives and treats a large majority of Soldiers who are injured in the line of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“I come to Walter Reed to do a couple of things: first, to pay my respects to those who have been wounded,” the President said during remarks to the staff following his visit with patients, their families and staff. “I’ve come to pay my respects to the healers and doctors and nurses, and thank them for their service. I can truthfully say that the health care our Troops receive here is first-class,” he said. “I’ve also come to pay my respects to family members that are praying that their loved ones can get back on their feet and serve again, or get back on their feet and live a normal life,” the President continued.¹

Having the President, their Commander in Chief visit them in the hospital is a great morale boost for the Troops. Many who are proud to have served our country in it’s time of need and don’t hesitate to say that they’d do it again. Many have the goal of recovering from their injuries and returning to their duties in the military. Often they’re able to achieve that goal.

Having spent some time at Walter Reed, visiting with the wounded warriors, I know of the pride, determination, drive and tenacity of our wounded warriors. So many of them are determined to overcome the physical limitations of their injuries, so that they can once again don their uniforms and serve our country. It was very inspirational to me, to be able to visit with these men and women. It wasn’t any less inspirational to President Bush.

“It’s an interesting experience because, on the one hand, you see the horrors of war, on the other hand, you see the courage of the people that have volunteered to serve. I marvel when I come to Walter Reed. I marvel at the fact that people say to me, ‘Mr. President, I’d do it again.’ And you see somebody in bed who’s been severely wounded, and they look and they say, ‘I’m honored and proud to have served.’”²

The overall positive attitude that permeates the halls of Walter Reed and other military hospitals such as Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, is something that should be experienced by every American. I’ve been amazed and inspired, each time I’ve visited the wounded warriors at one of these facilities. We in America, don’t realize just how lucky we are to have the caliber of men and women serving in our Armed Forces, protecting our country.

“America is lucky to have men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform and to serve to protect us…. “ said President Bush.³

My hope is that whomever is elected President, in the upcoming election will continue President and Mrs. Bush’s tradition of visiting our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. It’s my thoughts that not only is it the right thing to do, but it should be a requirement of the job as President of the United States of America.

1. http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/president-visits-wounded-warriors.html?wh=news [↩]
2. http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/president-visits-wounded-warriors.html?wh=news [↩]
3. http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/president-visits-wounded-warriors.html?wh=news [↩]

Readjusting To Life Following Deployment

When Soldiers are deployed in a combat zone, they’re always on alert and ready for anything to happen in an instant. Depending on their job in theater, they may be involved with situations that are extremely stressful and that has them filled with adrenalin the majority of the time. When they return home, they’re often expected to just “flip a switch” and turn that off. For many, it’s not that easy to do. Once they’re home, they’re no longer carrying a weapon with them 24/7, they don’t have the risk of IEDs or mortars or RPGs. Everyone they meet isn’t a potential terrorist. Because of their experiences in the combat zone, sudden movements and loud noises startle them.

As of October 2007, a total of 186 soldiers had died in accidents within a year after returning from combat. Of those 186 Soldiers, 168 of them died within the first 6 months after they returned. The statistics are staggering. Sixty percent of the accident fatalities are sergeants or below. The overwhelming majority of the accidents involve high speed, alcohol or both.¹

When they began seeing this pattern, the Army decided to do something to combat this, before even more Soldiers were lost in similar scenarios. Beginning this weekend, the Army is testing a new program designed to help these soldiers adjust from the high-paced, high-adrenaline combat environment to garrison or “home” life.²

The pilot program, called Operation Warrior Quest, will combine sports that are considered “high adventure sports,” such as skydiving, paintball, ropes courses, rock climbing, mountain biking, stock car racing, skiing, and others, with the Army’s Battlemind Training. The program is designed to help the Soldiers readjust to the calmer pace of life back in garrison or “at home.” The idea is that the high adventure sports will be a way to attract Soldiers to participate in the program, as well as serve as a release mechanism that will allow them to obtain the adrenalin rush they’re craving, yet at the same time, do so in a controlled environment.

In the Army’s Battlemind Training, which I’ve written about in the past, the idea is to teach Soldiers to be able to recognize and respond to fear in combat and learn how to deal with those things effectively so that they can easier reintegrate back into the home environment, once they redeploy home. The Army also offers Battlemind training for spouses and couples, so that spouses are more aware of what their Soldiers face in combat and are better able to recognize signs of stress when they return home.

The Warrior Adventure Quest program is being tested in three pilot programs, at Vicenza, Italy; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Leesburg, Va., involving two active duty and one National Guard brigade combat teams. Over the next year, plans are in place to bring the program to 24 additional installations across the Army, within 90 days of their redeployment out of the combat zone and back to their home environment.

Officials will use survey and assessment tools to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, including statistics from the Combat Readiness/Safety Center, the Reintegration Unit Risk Inventory, the Unit Behavioral Health Needs Assessment, and a new online survey, the Warrior Adventure Quest User Survey.³

The Army’s hopes are to be able to cycle approximately 80,000 Soldiers through the program in the next year. Officials are hoping that this program will help to reduce the fatality rates. If it can reduce the numbers by 1/2 then the program has paid for itself. However, if the program is able to save the life of even one Soldier, that any monetary costs have been well worth it.

Dealing with Soldiers returning from combat every day, I feel that this program can be very helpful in allowing the Soldiers to still get that “adrenalin rush” that they’re craving while doing so in a controlled manner. Hopefully this will give them an alternative to seeking those things on their own, without the controls in place, that this program will allow. I’m excited to see how well this works for the Army and will be watching to see if I can find more information, as the program proceeds in the next year.

1. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51096 [↩]
2. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51096 [↩]
3. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51096 [↩]

Army Focuses On Preventing Suicides During Suicide Prevention Week

In the headlines over the past several months are stories stating that military suicides have increased since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just Monday, the news was full of stories about a Soldier at Fort Hood who shot his 1LT and then turned the gun on himself. Perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided, perhaps not. We’ll never know. Recognizing that suicide is a problem, the Army and the military as a whole has taken steps to try to reduce those numbers. There are multiple things that can affect a Soldier to the point of him or her taking their own life. Things such as depression, stress, medical problems, and often relationship problems. All of these can take a toll on the mental health of a Soldier and can lead to suicide.

This week, September 7th through September 13th is the Army’s Suicide Prevention Week. The theme this year is “Shoulder to Shoulder – NO Soldier Stands Alone.”
This theme, conveys the idea that Soldiers are stronger when they’re working together, instead of by themselves. When Soldiers are deployed, the use of the ‘Battle Buddy” system is stressed and even mandatory. At home, Soldier’s often don’t follow this system.

Depression and the problems that can lead up to suicide, doesn’t have to be faced alone by a Soldier. The Army has a plethora of people ready and willing to help. From their fellow Soldiers, to their unit commander, Social Workers, medical and psychological professionals as well as other helping agencies, help stands ready to react at a moments notice.

Many things are contributing factors to the increase in suicides in the military. Multiple and frequent deployments, dealing with traumatic events on the battlefield, long periods of separation from friends and loved ones. Soldier’s often find it difficult to share and relate these experiences with loved ones, who’ve not experienced these things. So, often they isolate and don’t seek help.

The new strategy emphasizes that Soldiers need to continue to use each other for support and expect their peers to intervene if they see that their depressed. The program also emphasizes that Soldiers need to be prepared to help each other, recognize the warning signs of depression and the risk factors that can indicate that someone is possibly considering suicide. Don’t be afraid to react.

Col. Phillips suggests that Soldiers remain aware of what’s going on with each other. Listen to each other. Find out what the red flags are and pay atteniton if you see any of them or notice any disturbing trends. If you see something, notify your chain of command, so that they can intervene and ensure that the Soldier receives the appropriate treatment from mental health professionals.

“Realize you’re not a mental health expert,” Phillips said. “Lend a soft ear and then escort the depressed Soldier for treatment. Ensure they’re safety. Safety is the primary key,” he said. “Do not leave them alone.”¹

According to the CSM of the Army, Kennth Preston, since the beginning of the Global War on Terror, the Army has lost more than 580 Soldiers to suicide. According to the Army Suicide Prevention Program guide, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for Soldiers. Behind hostile fire, accidents and illnesses. In the past year, the Army has seen a 21 % increase in suicide, over the previous year.

The new commanding General at Fort Hood, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, takes the problem of suicide seriously and wants to ensure that everything possible is done to reverse the upward trend and ensure that Soldiers who are struggling with issues, seek the help that they need.

“We all feel anxious and overwhelmed from time to time,” Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch said. “However, suicide and suicidal behavior is never a normal response to stress. If you are suicidal or think someone you know is suicidal, help is available.”²

At Fort Hood and across the Army, help is available from many different sources. That help includes but isn’t necessarily limited to chaplains, medical services, Suicide Hotlines, Websites, military and civilian mental health providers, Army One Source, just to name a few. In the military, seeking help for mental health issues is NO LONGER a taboo subject and the Soldier is not stigmatized, as occurred in the past. The mindset of the military has changed, from the days of “Suck it up and Soldier on” to a mentality that encourages a Soldier with problems to seek the help, so that they are able to continue their career and continue to be an asset to their family, their community, their unit, the military and their country.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marvin Luckie, who is the chief of the Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care at Darnall Army Medical Center says that Chaplains are always available and reaching out to Soldiers in need. He’s well aware of the stressors that multiple deployments and life in general places on Soldiers, having to adjust to frequent moves, life as they move from civilian life to military life. He says that sometimes even Soldiers need a break.

“Soldiers too need to be recharged,” Luckie said.³

Suicide is a serious issue, whether you’re in the military or a civilian. It’s something that should be taken seriously and something that we should watch out for. Be aware of those around you, reach out if they appear to be struggling and help them get the help they need. If you’re struggling yourself, remember that suicide is NOT the easiest way out, though in times of stress it may seem to be. Suicide, unfortunately leaves in it’s wake many victims, besides the person who chose that path. The family and friends of that person are probably the biggest victims. They may spend the rest of their life blaming themselves, because they weren’t aware and weren’t able to intervene. Educate yourself. Find information about the warning signs of suicides, so that you can watch for those signs in friends, family and co-workers. Your action may just save their life.

Army Suicide Prevention Program

1. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
2. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
3. http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]

A Sanctuary For Soldiers

To me, the word sanctuary conjures in my mind, the image of a calm and peaceful place. One that is welcoming and a haven. That’s exactly what one county in North Carolina has declared that they are, and they’ve enlisted the aid of an “Army’s Army” to ensure that any Soldier who comes there, will feel welcome.

On Friday, in a statement of support for our country’s military, Cumberland County, NC declared itself the nation’s first sanctuary for Soldiers and their family members. Their desire is to make a military friendly community. One in which Soldiers will feel welcomed. Major roads in the county will be adorned with official blue and white sanctuary signs. Within the Sanctuary, soldiers will be eligible for local services ranging from free child care to job placement for soldiers’ spouses. A public proclamation will be made by U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes at a “groundbreaking” ceremony at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory and Museum in Downtown Fayetteville.¹

The Army’s Army of community volunteers in Cumberland County have pledged to “watch over those who watch over us.” They plan on doing so by assisting military families in any way that they possibly can. The Army’s Army now numbers over 500 members, who were recruited by posters, videos, brochures and via the internet at the Army’s Army website. The citizens who make up the Army’s Army will over one on one services to military members and their families. Businesses who are a part of the group will offer discounts and other preferential treatments.

The group has also created a social networking site, Fayetteville Wants You where military members who are considering moving into the community can link up with citizens guides who are ready and willing to steer them through the relocation process. Which in times of relocation, can be an invaluable resource and ease the burden that goes along with moving to a new location.

Jim Konneker, commander of the Army’s Army, says, “As the ultimate company town for the military, we truly believe our soldiers deserve to have a hometown that treats them like the heroes they truly are.”

Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne says, “Around here we don’t just give lip service to ’support the troops,’ we live it every day.”²

This is a fantastic example of a community located near a military installation, that is willing to make their military members feel welcome and who is willing to do whatever they can to ease the transition for Soldiers moving into the area. With the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closures) that are currently on-going, thousands of Soldiers will be moving to Fort Bragg, with many of them settling in Cumberland County, which is one of 11 that are close to Fort Bragg. I would hope that many other communities that are located near military installations, will follow the lead of Cumberland County and Fayetteville and do everything in their power to make the Soldiers in their area feel welcome.

Army’s Army

Fayetteville Wants You

1. http://www.military.com/news/article/worlds-first-soldier-sanctuary.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS [↩]
2. http://www.military.com/news/article/worlds-first-soldier-sanctuary.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS [↩]

A Veteran Speaking Out

Lately we’ve all had politics overload this past year, with the Democratic and Republican primaries and now the two candidates having been chosen by their respective parties, to represent them in the Presidential bid. I’ve said all along, that I don’t hold a whole lot of faith in politicians and often feel that our country would be much better off, if “we the people” were more able to be in control of the inner workings of our government. However, I do know, that I will chose to vote for the person who most closely reflects my beliefs. I feel that it’s extremely important that we really listen and research each of the candidates, their past actions and words, before we decide who we’re going to vote for. I also believe, because the war in Iraq is such a crucial issue in this year’s Presidential race, that we also listen to the men and women who are or have fought in Iraq. Listen to their assessment of what has and is occurring there and think about which candidate you feel will do what’s best for our Troops, the Iraqi people and ultimately our Country. For many years, I’ve not voted based on which political party a candidate represents, but instead based on that person, what they promise they will accomplish if they are elected and based on their past history. I’d like to provide our readers with the opportunity to listen to one young veteran, listen to what he has to say about the war in Iraq, his thoughts and beliefs. After watching this video, really think about what he has said. If you have the opportunity, talk to veterans of the war in Iraq and ask them their opinions, before you make your final decision. Be informed, be aware and be an educated voter, one who doesn’t take the candidates words on face value, but instead a voter who is willing to do some digging before you make your decision.

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