Warrior and Survivor Care Bulletin - Forwarded from the JCS Office

I'm still catching up from being out of my office for two weeks... here are some good articles on warrior/veteran issues.  km

COMBAT & OPERATIONAL STRESS/PTS/TBI

·         Female GIs Struggle With Higher Rate Of Divorce: (MSNBC/AP) --- For women in the military, there's a cold, hard reality: Their marriages are more than twice as likely to end in divorce as those of their male comrades - and up to three times as likely for enlisted women. And military women get divorced at higher rates than their peers outside the military, while military men divorce at lower rates than their civilian peers.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41963113/ns/us_news-life/

·         Soldier Shares Traumatic Brain Injury Experiences: (DOD NEWS) --- I’d like to introduce guest blogger Army Staff Sgt. Victor Medina, who sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury during his third deployment in Iraq in 2009. Several months later, Medina started a blog titled “TBI Warrior” to help educate other survivors and caregivers affected by a brain injury through his own experiences — before and after TBI.  http://afps.dodlive.mil/2011/03/05/soldier-shares-traumatic-brain-injury-experiences/#

·         Afghanistan: The mental scars cut just as deep: (EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS, SCOTLAND) --- Known as Trauma Risk Management - or T RiM in Army jargon - it's the military's response to tragic cases of post-traumatic stress disorder suffered in recent conflicts such as the war in Iraq. And it means that now there is recognition that stress reaction does not mean weakness, instead it's a normal response to witnessing upsetting and traumatic episodes.  http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Afghanistan-The-mental-scars-cut.6730400.jp?articlepage=1

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT

·         Soldiers Prescribed Yoga to Recover from War Wounds: (WPLN-NPR, NASHVILLE) ---  These dozen men and women are part of Fort Campbell’s Warrior Transition Unit. And for them, yoga has replaced the yelling of Army PT.  “In Afghanistan about a year and a half ago, I fell with an artillery round and messed my back up,” says Sgt. Shannon McClellan.  http://wpln.org/?p=24753

WOUNDED WARRIOR & FAMILY SUPPORT

·         UA to Host 3rd Disabled Vets Camp: (UNIV OF ARIZ NEWS) --- For a third year, the University of Arizona is hosting a sports and wellness camp for newly disabled veterans from around the country. Each year, the camp introduces 20 of these veterans to opportunities to pursue both higher education and wheelchair sports. http://uanews.org/node/38294

WOUNDED WARRIOR RECOVERY

·         Quantico wounded warrior gets back in the fight, encourages others to do same: (INSIDE NOVA) --- For Tack the emotions of being around other wounded Marines at the Marine Corps Trials is what really makes these games worth going to.  “It’s nice to come back and see the guys you competed against and made friends with last year,” Tack said. “Also, it’s great to see new guys who are experiencing this for the first time and seeing how they like it. Plus, coming back a second year, you kind of know the ropes and are more comfortable at the competitions.  http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/mar/08/quantico-wounded-warrior-gets-back-fight-encourage-ar-888493/

“SEA OF GOOD WILL”

·         Website links unemployed vets, spouses to jobs: (DAILY NEWS, BRYAN, GA) --- Operated by the Army Reserve, the military-friendly Employee Partnership of the Armed Forces at www.EmployerPartnership.org lends assistance not only to those looking for a job, but also to public and private employers who are ready to hire former service members, Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Keith L. Thurgood said. “It’s all about connecting supply and demand,” he said. http://beta.bryancountynews.net/section/38/article/11571/

HOMELESS VETERANS

·         Transition to civilian life challenging for homeless female veterans: (SACRAMENTO BEE) ---  Reeder, 46, spent nearly 20 years in and out of homelessness after she was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1987. The return to civilian life was difficult for Reeder, who said she struggled with the psychological effects of a rape while she was in the military. She became an alcoholic and drug addict, had trouble holding down a job and distanced herself from family.  http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/06/3452876/transition-to-civilian-life-challenging.html#

·         Ritz to become home for veterans: (STAR-BANNER, OCALA, FL) --- The Ritz is expected to house 50 veterans who will be referred to the 2-year transitional housing program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The facility also will help veterans to live independently.  http://www.ocala.com/article/20110307/ARTICLES/110309749/1001/NEWS01?Title=Ritz-to-become-home-for-veterans

OPINION/COMMENTARY

·         3 New Walter Reed Developments, One Promising for Health Care: (HUFINGTON POST) --- The amazing dedication and commitment of all the staff reaffirms my belief in military health care.  Even as this medical center is being resurrected at a new facility, the current staff concentrate on patient care. Apprehensions and uncertainty exist; some issues are being addressed and others ignored as the closure deadline approaches. Talking with staff and other patients, three issues caught my attention. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hal-donahue/3-new-walter-reed-develop_b_826144.html

RLTW  Karl

Articles of Interest Forwarded from the Chairman of the JCS Office

COMBAT & OPERATIONAL STRESS/PTS/TBI

·         Mental health treatment for military family members has grown 15 percent annually since 2001: (NEXTGOV.COM) --- Visits by family members of active-duty military personnel to mental health professionals have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent since 2001, the Military Health System disclosed in a report to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 1.  http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110301_7205.php?oref=topnews#

·         For brain injuries, a treatment gap: (USA TODAY) --- The first two doctors who examined Scott Hamilton 's fractured skull told his wife that he wouldn't make it through the night. A third believed he could save Hamilton's life.  http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/treatments/2011-03-02-RW_BRAIN01_ST_N.htm

SUICIDE

·         Malmstrom chaplain shares story of contemplating suicide: (USAF NEWS) --- Chaplain (Capt.) John VanderKaay knows what it is like to contemplate suicide. He also knows what it's like to seek help for his feelings and begin the healing process. He has been there and shares his story with anyone it might help. http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123244647

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT

·         Report: TBI center leadership ‘unfocused’: (STARS & STRIPES) --- More than three years after its inception, the Pentagon’s premier entity for addressing the invisible injuries of war continues to be plagued by a lack of direction and mismanagement, according to a report released this week. http://www.stripes.com/news/report-tbi-center-leadership-unfocused-1.136347#

WOUNDED WARRIOR & FAMILY SUPPORT

·         Lt. Gen. John Kelly, who lost son to war, says U.S. largely unaware of sacrifice: (WASHINGTON POST) --- Four days earlier, 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly , 29, had stepped on a land mine while leading a platoon of Marines in southern Afghanistan. He was killed instantly. Without once referring to his son's death, the general delivered a passionate and at times angry speech about the military's sacrifices and its troops' growing sense of isolation from society.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030106355.html

·         Army family survivors find help through SOS program: (CNN) --- Sudarat Kirby transitioned from wife to widow with two children and too many questions.  Her husband, Staff Sgt. Darian Kirby, died in March 2010. After an unexpected turn in health, he was gone.  “I thought once my husband passed, that's it, we're out of the (Army) system," said Sudarat. "But no, that's not what happened."  http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-564095

“SEA OF GOOD WILL”

·         Worthwhile investments: (PUEBLO CHIEFTAN, CO) ---  As the Army's fourth largest post with nearly 30,000 soldiers, Doty said Fort Carson also is emerging as a leader in programs to help soldiers make a smoother transition to civilian life and is heavily focused on the "wounded warriors" who face even more obstacles in that process.  Programs aimed at identifying soldiers who may be at risk for developing emotional or stress-related problems in the field are targeted for extra resiliency training before deployment. In-field screening has improved to the point that returning soldiers who need help get it from the moment they step off the plane back home, Doty said.  http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/worthwhile-investments/article_eb71dd5a-448f-11e0-9ddc-001cc4c03286.html

HOMELESS VETERANS

·         Budget cuts may hit homeless vets: (CNN) --- Among the more controversial GOP budget cut proposals is an effort to kill $75 million that's slated to house homeless veterans.  http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/01/news/economy/homeless_veterans_housing_cuts/

VA

·         Vets panel chairman: protect benefits, cut fat: (MILITARY TIMES) --- The new Republican chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee pledged Tuesday to protect benefits and services for veterans.   http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/03/military-miller-house-veterans-committee-030211w/

LEGAL AFFAIRS

·         Unanimously, Supreme Court Backs Veterans In 2 Cases: (NY TIMES) --- In one, the court relaxed a filing deadline that had served to deny benefits to disabled veterans. In the other, it made it easier for military personnel to sue private employers for discriminating against them based on hostility to their service.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/us/02veterans.html

OPINION/COMMENTARY

·         Pentagon Falls Short In Tackling Sexual Assault In The Ranks – Our View: (USA TODAY) --- Several other nations — Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom — have put decisions of whether to press charges where they belong, in the hands of professional prosecutors. In the USA, Congress would have to change the law, and that's unlikely without a big push from the Defense Department. So far, at least, the Pentagon appears to prefer tough talk and modest change to real reform. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20110302/editorial02_st.art.htm

·         'We Clearly Need To Do More' – Opposing View: (USA TODAY) --- Sexual assault has absolutely no place in our military and cannot be tolerated. I say this not just as a senior leader in the Department of Defense and a retired Marine Corps general, but also as the father of a daughter serving in our military. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2011-03-02-editorial02_ST1_N.htm

Mike Schlitz and Tim Kennedy - Two Very Successful Fighters and RIP Ranger Len Lomell (WWII)

Last week Ranger and SFC (ret) Mike Schlitz shared his story with a group of wounded veterans, care-givers and key individuals in the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) process in Washington DC.  This video is well worth the hour it takes to watch.  Mike, you are an incredible man.  Thank you for sharing your story.

And, yesterday Ranger Tim Kennedy won his MMA Strikeforce match against Melvin Manhoef.  Watch the entire less than four minute fight here:

This past week we lost a national treasure when Darby's Ranger and WWII veteran Len Lomell passed on to the assembly area on the other side.  I had the privilege to meet him several times over the years.  He was 91 and I know the Ranger roll-call in Heaven was one of a joyous reunion.  Rest easy, Ranger Lomell - you did your job here well.

Finally, below is a report from Afghanistan, sent by a Ranger brother in the fight.  I think you'll find it interesting.

This is just a short note to let everyone know that the team and I are doing fine.  We have been moving at a very fast pace over the last couple of weeks and things do not seem to be winding down.  The fighting season is once again upon us and we have been pretty busy. The pictures you see in this email were taken in one of the villages that we patrol and are trying to promote cooperation with the Afghan government.  On this particular day our patrol as attacked by small arms fire and we caught an individual emplacing IED as we approached the village.  Our Engineers destroyed the home made improvised explosives meant for us.

  

This day we were lucky and everything turned out ok for us because no one was hurt and we all returned safely to base.  What is disturbing to me was the reaction from the village elders when we told them that a male from their village was supporting insurgents and was trying to harm coalition forces.  They wanted us to let the man go free!  And they also wanted government aid for their village!   I mean how do you give village money, humanitarian assistance and support after you know they are helping the enemy insurgents? 

I will tell that it is the hardest thing I have had to do is try to convince my team  after having teammates blown up by these IED’s (which BTW  insidious devices) to put on a smile, come back, hand out Humanitarian Aid and try to help this village.  But, that is exactly what we have to do, convince them that their government and a free Afghanistan is a better way of life than being a slave to Taliban.

Well, sometimes the road to victory is not the clearest, as soldiers it is difficult to see the effects we have on the big picture.  It is important for us to believe in our commanders and stay the course.  Our nation needs to have faith in our ability to win this war!

As I write this, I'm stuck in the Atlanta airport receiving excellent Delta customer service (not).  Looks like I'll get home about 22 hours after starting the trip (if the rest of the flights are on time).  But reflecting on the photos below, the Atlanta airport ain't such a bad place.

V/R

Karl

Candyss Bryant - Best Ranger Competition and Mike Schlitz Alive Day, plus Clueless, Disrespectful Protestors

Last week I interviewed the amazing Candyss Bryant, the "younger sister" of all Rangers.  Tune in and listen to her describe her relationship with the National Ranger Association, the Best Ranger Competition and the Ranger community at-large, and you will catch a sense of the "wonder" she still has about falling into the Ranger family.

She is also involved in the International Sniper Competition and the Leapfest Competition.  Her "day" job is Coordinator at the Center for Community Based and Non-profit Organizations.  Make sure you listen all the way through - the discussion at the end is just as interesting and important as the discussion at the beginning.  If you want to know more about the Best Ranger Competition or any of the other events with which Candyss is involved, email or call her at 706-718-9520.

My buddy Mike Schlitz wrote this note today:

"Well it’s now been years since that day in Iraq changed so many lives. I have said in the past that it hasn’t changed me that, but in truth it has. It has been told to me several times that I smile more and seem to enjoy life more. I really do appreciate life on a lot larger scale. I see that moments flash by so quickly that often times we miss then. I hope that I don’t miss as many in the future.

I get asked a lot what is my inspiration and motivation, but to tell you the truth I'm still figuring it out. I lost 3 guys that day and part of me has survivors dealt. I want to live a life they could be proud of. Sometimes I fall back on my military training and the Ranger Creed with the “Don't Quit and Never Give Up Attitude” Finally I just want to set a good example for everybody. I don't want a young solider to get hurt and think life is over. I don't want a civilian to look at me thinking because of the war my life is over. You know I live a pretty good life still. I have met and done things most people only dream of. I consider myself really lucky. All I can say is everyone just needs to find their own motivator. Mine is life.

People have said bad things about being War and pretty they right. But some good things come of War too. Some of my fondest memories come from those shared with my Brothers and Sisters in Arms. I say War can build Character and without my experiences mine would be totally different.

Lastly I owe many thanks to my Mother who gave up Everything to be by my side to help and care for me, the Rest of my Family and Friends who have supported me from the beginning, the Medical Staff who kept me alive and got me back on my feet, to Everyone in my unit and especially the guys on the ground that day who really stepped up, and finally 3 of my and the World’s lost Heroes

SGT Richard A. Soukenka      30 Years Old

SGT Jonathan D. Cadavero    24Years Old

CPL Lorne E. Henry Jr.          21 Years Old"

Mike, you are affecting lives in a positive way every day.  You are the most inspirational person I know.  I remember a few days ago when we were talking on the phone and I was stressing about insurance coverage for my company.  You said "aw don't worry, it'll work out".  You're absolutely right - it's a mouse turd I'm worried about when you are handling mountains daily in an even stride.  I thank God for you, and for being able to call you my friend.

Couple other items of interest:  I stumbled upon this last week:  Tom Brokaw did a piece on the Oprah show about The Bravest Families in America.  Awesome.  Law Professor and blogger Ann Althouse published this piece about Wisconsin protesters ignorantly disrespecting a war memorial in the state capital.  Here's one of the videos:

I am very pleased to announce a new relationship with Warrior Gateway.  Warrior Gateway exists to organize and categorize Veteran services.  My appreciation to the Warrior Gateway team for what they do and for helping us provide better information to our Veterans and their families.  Also I must mention my most heartfelt thanks for the leadership and talents of Dr. Tracy Norris and the Norris E-Commerce team for donating their time, expertise and web storage for our website.

If you are in the Los Angeles area, come see us the week after next at the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach!  We could use a couple Ranger veterans to help us work the booth - if you are in the AO and want to help, call me at 316-249-0218.

GallantFew continues to grow and serve more Ranger veterans.  Support our mission!  And in the words of Candyss:  Love hard, work hard, play hard - do everything to the extreme!

RLTW and V/R

Karl

Veterans for Obedience Training of Shelter Dogs

This note from our interview topic for next week's The New American Veteran.  

v/r  Karl

Dear Fellow Veterans and Friends of GallantFew:

RE:  Veterans for Obedience Training of Shelter Dogs

We are looking for 100 OEF/OIF Veterans to participate in a Research Program aimed to work with and provide obedience training for shelter dogs.  The study will occur in three parts.

Part 1:  The Veterans will be randomized to either a training group or a non-training group.  Dog-training group participants will go to the animal training site (either Columbia or Springfield, MO) for weekly training sessions over a 24 week period. We will orient them to the program on their first visit (including an explanation of safe dog and leash handling).  They will be helped to select a behaviorally pre-screened (by shelter staff) dog to train.  If the dog they are training is adopted they will select another dog to train.  They will work in groups with a dog trainer and dog at the training site for two, one hour sessions per week.  We will ask them to complete a weekly training dairy, recording their work and comments about the training. The Veterans will receive $50.00 compensation for participation in part one.

Part 2:  Veterans will serve as adoption mentors for new adopters of shelter dogs.  They will make telephone calls to the adopters monthly for 6 months, providing helpful information and referral for problems encountered with the dogs.

Part 3:  The Veterans with particular aptitude for training dogs will advance to training shelter dogs to work as PTSD service dogs for other veterans needing the support of such adog. The Veterans will receive $500.00 compensation for participation in part three. 

Data collection will include participant demographics, height, weight, dog ownership history, beliefs about dog ownership, mood, social support, response to stressful situations, family functioning and physical activity.  The data collected will not be shared with any outside group. 

Merging returned veterans with shelter dogs through this study accomplishes major goals for both.  Veterans will have an important role in helping shelter dogs.  This will also provide the veterans with a sense of purpose, some structure, opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and a greater sense of well-being.  Shelter dogs will learn skills crucial to their success outside of the shelter.

For more information or to sign up for the study please contact:

Project Coordinator

Charlotte McKenney, RN, BSN

Assistant Director, Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction

mckenneyc@missouri.edu

CPL Johnny D. Miller Jr., US Army, Ret.

Mission Continues Fellow

www.missioncontinues.org

phone 573.882.2266 

facebook

www.rechai.missouri.edu

Primary Investigator

Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN

Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing MU Sinclair School of Nursing

Director, Research Center for Human Animal Interaction MU College of Veterinary Medicine Clydesdale Annex #2 Columbia, MO 65211

rajohnson@missouri.edu

Gina Elise - Pin Ups for Vets

This week I interviewed Ms. Gina Elise, founder and star of Pin Ups for Vets.  Gina is a phenomenal young woman who in true Ranger spirit saw a situation that needed fixing and decided to do something about it.

In 2006, hearing about funding shortfalls in Veterans and Military Hospitals across the country Gina took it upon herself to raise money to help meet that need.  With her UCLA education and friends in the arts community she thought a fun way to raise money would be to sell wall calendars, with photos recreating the 1940's style pin up models.  Her story is truly remarkable, no less so than when you consider the effect it has on a young wounded soldier when she shows up, in period garb, with her calendar - which she personally autographs and delivers.  She told us about a TBI patient, non-responsive for a month who responded to her when she appeared at his bedside.

Her efforts result in more than just moral support - she has raised more than $50,000, and an example of use of the funds is a donation she made of $15,000 for rehab software and for an environmental control unit (ECU) that enables spinal patients to control their environment and obtain more independence as well as freeing up nurses for other tasks.

Calendars cost $10.  Buy one and donate one to a wounded soldier.  Gina will deliver it personally.

Ms. Gina Elise

Video of Gina's Calendar Release Party

The week prior, I interviewed Ranger veteran and actor Tim Abell.  Here's more from Tim:  Tim Abell's Letter from Hollywood.  Tim just joined GallantFew's advisory board and has already connected us to two great events in California:  The Fred Hall Fishing Lure and Boating Show in Long Beach March 9-12 and Patrick Kilpatrick's Hollywood Sporting Clays fund-raiser, June 11.  If you are in the AO, stop in and see us and support these events.

Upcoming guests on blogtalkradio:  Next week is Ms. Candyss Bryant, marketing director for the Best Ranger Competition; and the following week Dr. Rebecca Johnson, with Veterans and Shelter Dogs - Columbia, Missouri.  Dr. Johnson is looking for veterans to participate in the shelter dog project right now - and there is some compensation for participating.

Finally, I just saw this tremendous country music video from Joe Nichols, called The Shape I'm In.  It features two wounded Rangers and is just downright phenomenal.  Watch it!

from the song, The Shape I'm In:

The sun came up again this morning
And I took my old past back for a spin
Now when it rains, it ain't always pouring
And I'm learning how to live again

Yeah, I'm doing alright, I'm doing alright
I'm doing alright for the shape I'm in


v/r  Karl
PS  Please stop by and leave us a donation so we can reach more veterans with mentors.  Thank you!

2/75 Ranger Memorial

Received this note from Shelia Dudley.  Please read and assist as you are able.  
RLTW  Karl


Rangers and Supporters:

CPT Neil Markey, Engineer for 2/75, is leading the effort in construction of the 2/75 Memorial Project.  He is in the design phase right now and our own Dan and Timothy Gay, Thomas and Hutton Engineering (Savannah) is assisting with the design.  Terri Rudacille (needs no introduction) has volunteered to assist with the formation of the Non Profit and follow up work.  George Summerell, Chatham Steel ( Savannah) is getting contacts for the dagger construction and Jim Fogarty, Depue Monument (Savannah), is investigating suppliers of stone for the project.  Lynn Towne, Arlie Nethken and I (West Coast, East Coast, and Alaska) are gathering Veteran and Civilian support for this project.  

I mention these contributors, because as you can see, this is not just a 2/75 Memorial, it is a “Ranger” Memorial and we are all in this together.  We are all eager to see a 2/75 Memorial befitting of the sacrifices of our Rangers killed in action and training.  I can only relate to my experience at 1/75 about what a healing place the Memorial can be.  It is a reminder to our Families that we will not forget and the Memorial will always be a place for them to come and celebrate their loved one’s memory.  It is also a healing place for our current Rangers as they remember their battle buddies.  

I ask your support by contacting CPT Markey (neil.markey@soc.mil) or myself, Shelia Dudley (dudleys@soc.mil) and letting us know how you would like to help.

Rangers Lead the Way!  SD