As long time readers know, my support for the role of women in the military is absolute. The argument about women in combat ended for me when my company, men and women, set foot in a combat zone. It ended for me the day that my driver dismounted behind me Read more…
Summary: Terri Tanielian is a senior behavioral scientist and a nationally recognized expert on veteran mental health. Her areas of interest include military and veterans health policy; military suicide; military sexual assault; psychological effects of combat, terrorism, and disasters. She has led multiple studies to assess the needs of veterans and to examine the readiness of Read more…
Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you’ve found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for – Lawrence Block There is an aspect of serendipity that is critical to satisfaction in life after the military. “Serendipity” is one of those Read more…
Summary: After 32 years of active duty service to his country in which he received two awards for valor, five Bronze Star medals, two Purple Hearts, led ten deployments, and survived both a bomb blast, numerous fire fights, and a helicopter crash, General Donald C. Bolduc, former Commander, Special Operations Read more…
One problem that many veterans face in their post-military life is how to manage ambiguity. I’ve experienced it myself, and seen many other veterans struggle with it. It’s not that we always need the black and white answer, just that we’re not used to no answer. “Give it to me straight” is Read more…
Summary: Dr. Phllip Smith and Nick Fadoir currently work at the Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama. Dr. Smith: National Institute of Mental Health, National Research Service Award Postdoctoral Fellowship, Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New YorkAPA Read more…
I heard a veteran’s story yesterday. I hear lots of stories from many veterans; stories that are common to many, but unique to each. Being given the gift this story, the gift of trust, is an unparalleled honor. Many veterans have been carrying the load of their story for years. Read more…
Summary: The idea for Veterans Recovery Resources came to John through time and experience. John is a combat Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-91), Kosovo (2005-06) and Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2015). He has over 31 years reserve military service including 12 years as an intelligence analyst Read more…
We all have painful memories in our lives. Loss. Regret. Mistakes and failures, real or imagined. It’s part of the human condition, and I don’t know anyone who’s immune to it. Those who served in the military, though, have had more opportunity to accumulate painful memories. I’m not talking about Read more…
Summary: Betsey Mercado became involved in Objective Zero after seeing the positive influence that intervention had on veterans in crisis. Betsey has committed herself to making a difference in the lives of Soldiers, veterans, and their families. Her experience working with military spouses and leading multiple Family Readiness Read more…