Continued Healing and Recovery from Brain Injuries

Filed under Behavioral Health, DoD, Resources by on March 2, 2010 at 9:48 pm {2 comments}

By COL Jim Rice, AW2 Director

DCoE is working to tear down the stigma that still deters some from seeking treatment for problems such as PTSD and TBI with their Real Warriors Campaign.

DCoE is working to tear down the stigma that still deters some from seeking treatment for problems such as PTSD and TBI with their Real Warriors Campaign.

There are some things that will require AW2′s continued support and steadfast resolve—such as the Army’s commitment to provide the finest healthcare to our AW2 Soldiers and Veterans with brain injuries. This year, as we recognize National Brain Injury Awareness Month, we again recognize that many of our men and women in uniform continue to make sacrifices that are as varied, as they are commendable. With those sacrifices, however, come some inescapable realities. Among them, are the ever present possibilities of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Throughout the medical arena, great strides are being made toward improving the care and support of our Army’s wounded warriors. Military Treatment Facilities and Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Centers continue to lead the way in researching, diagnosing, and facilitating mechanisms that help identify and treat Soldiers with TBI. The Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury is working to establish best practices and quality standards for the treatment of psychological health and TBI and promote the resilience, recovery, and reintegration of warriors and their Families. In addition, DCoE is working to tear down the stigma that still deters some from seeking treatment for problems such as PTSD and TBI with their Real Warriors Campaign. This around the clock commitment to provide specialized care and treatment to those who struggle with what may well require long-term medical care, is matched only by the fervor in which sound answers and treatment are pursued.

In a world of uncertainty, we can still hope for continued healing and recovery from brain injuries that have become synonymous with our current conflicts. Whether TBI conditions are diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe, AW2 Soldiers suffering from traumatic events and injuries can find solace in knowing that the horizon is brighter because of the Army’s commitment to support wounded warriors and their Families for as long as it takes.

Soldier Graduates from Maneuver Captain’s Career Course

Filed under Soldier Story by on February 26, 2010 at 8:00 am {no comments}
LTC Fredrick Dummar, commander of the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion at Fort Bragg, NC, congratulated CPT Ivan Castro on graduating from the Maneuver Captain's Career Course.

LTC Fredrick Dummar, commander of the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion at Fort Bragg, NC, congratulated CPT Ivan Castro on graduating from the Maneuver Captain's Career Course.

CPT Ivan Castro was the first blind student and graduate of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (MCCC). He was severely wounded by a mortar blast in 2006 while deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division. With a 20-year Army career under his belt, Castro is determined to continue wearing the uniform and serving the country. He now serves as the operations officer for the U.S. Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, Fort Bragg, NC. I recently was able to catch up with CPT Castro to ask him about his accomplishment.

How did it feel being the first blind student at the MCCC?

I am glad to have completed the course, although it could not have been done without the support from my classmates, cadre, and my command. They treated me like everyone else. There is a place for us wounded warriors—as long as you have the right mindset, are willing to adapt, and have the right attitude and tools.

What tools do you use?

I use an audio voice recorder and screen reader software provided by DOD through programs like CAP [Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program]. CAP is the best! They have provided me with training, hardware, and software in order to continue to be productive in an office setting.

What are some things that have helped you as a wounded Soldier?

CPT Castro ran the Bataan Memorial Death March in 2008.

CPT Castro ran the Bataan Memorial Death March in 2008.

Working out is a stress relief for me. It takes me to another place. I really enjoy spinning, cycling, running, and weight lifting. I have a few marathons coming up this year in March, April, May, June, and all the military service marathons as well. Last year I ran a 50-miler, and I plan to do it again this year. I also have a strict diet, try to get restful sleep, and am blessed with ample support from Family and friends. I also try to give back by mentoring other Soldiers through SOCOM’s Care Coalition. I tell them to look at what they can do and not dwell on the losses. I try to motivate them and give them tough love.

How do you feel about your new position at the recruiting battalion?

It feels great. I have the ability to inform Soldiers about an advanced career opportunity within the Army. Previous to my injury, my intent was to become an SF ODA [Special Forces Operations Detachment Alpha] Team Leader. Since that is no longer possible, my command has allowed me to play a vital role within Special Operations. I love wearing the uniform and love serving the country. I have the experience as an enlisted Soldier and as an officer. I can show interested candidates how Special Forces takes care of you and your Family no matter what.

Give an Hour Provides Free Counseling

Filed under Behavioral Health, Community Support Network, Non-profit, Resources by on February 25, 2010 at 10:00 am {no comments}

By Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., Founder & President of Give an Hour

Give an Hour is a national nonprofit organization delivering free mental health counseling services to active duty service members, members of our National Guard and Reserve forces, and Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who have separated or retired from any branch of military service.  In addition to these military personnel and their spouses and children, Give an Hour offers services to parents, siblings, and unmarried partners.  Through our network of nearly 5,000 providers nationwide, we aim to provide easy access to skilled professionals offering a wide range of services including:

  • individual, marital, and family therapy
  • substance abuse counseling
  • treatment for post-traumatic stress
  • counseling for individuals with traumatic brain injuries

Returning combat Veterans suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are not routinely seeking the mental health treatment they need.  Many fear that seeking mental health services will jeopardize their career or standing.  Given the military culture’s emphasis on confidence, strength, and bravery, others are reluctant to expose their vulnerabilities to counselors who are often military personnel themselves.  By providing free and confidential services that are separate from the military establishment, we offer an essential option for men and women who might otherwise fail to seek or receive appropriate services.

AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members in need of services can visit www.giveanhour.org and use a zip-code finder to locate a provider in his or her area.  Give an Hour is a participant in the AW2 Community Support Network.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

Check Out Army Social Media

Filed under General by on February 24, 2010 at 9:23 pm {no comments}

By COL Kevin V. Arata, Director, Online and Social Media Division Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

The Army has been engaged on the social media front for well over a year now. We are present on four major social media sites—YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook—and have created the ArmyLive blog. We are present on these platforms because we know many people are getting their information this way, much more so than going to a traditional Web site or reading a newspaper. While we still do provide a lot of information on the Army’s Web site (army.mil) to keep people informed about the Army, using social media is becoming a very viable outlet as well.

The great thing about our social media sites is they allow us to instantly share information across multiple outlets, with the added advantage of allowing dialogue amongst our audience members, and between the Army and those who are participating on our sites. Check out our Facebook fan page for a great example of people who are on our page every day, showing support for the Army, asking questions and getting answers, and getting into discussion with fellow fans and the Army.

So why does this matter to you? It’s a great way for Veterans and currently-serving Soldiers and their Families to keep abreast of what’s going on in the Army, in a manner and place where you are probably already present anyway. So rather than have to go find Army-related information, you can become an Army Facebook fan and get news feeds at about the rate of one post per day, that appear in your Facebook news feed. If you are a Twitter user, and follow us on Twitter (@USArmy), you will receive links to interesting Army stories, and be asked questions about things where we want your feedback. And you can get your fill of videos and photos from the Army while surfing YouTube, or checking out photos on Flickr.

I invite you to check out the Army’s social media sites. Check out Army.mil and look for our social media icons. The links there will take you directly to our sites. You can also check out all the other Army units and installations that are actively engaged in the social media sphere. Go to the “All Army Social Media” link under our social media icons. There you will see over 350 official Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr accounts from Army units and installations worldwide.

AW2 Weekly Digest February 15-19

Filed under Soldier Story, Weekly News Digest by on February 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm {one comment}
  • AW2 Soldier SPC Steve Baskis, featured in the Daily Herald, is participating in “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” program to help him rebuild his body and train for the 2012 Paralympics in London.
  • AW2 Soldier MAJ Tammy Duckworth, featured in the Hampton Roads Daily Press and Hampton Roads Recon, spoke on post-combat stress and traumatic brain injury at the 2010 Virginia is for Heroes Conference in Richmond.
  • AW2 Veteran Dawn Halfaker, featured in Good Housekeeping, discussed the need for more female care at VA medical centers.
  • AW2 Veteran Scott Winkler, featured on WJBF-TV, told his story about competing in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics—which will be chronicled in a movie—and teaching and training other injured Veterans.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

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AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families can submit a blog for AW2 by emailing WarriorCareCommunications [at] conus.army.mil.