Maybe my point of view is somewhat skewed. I work with veterans daily who are struggling with challenges they are having as a result of their experiences. Relationships, reaction to both combat and non-combat trauma, lack of a sense of purpose and meaning, substance addiction. A lack of understanding about Read more…
The epidemic of Veteran suicide is pervasive and insidious. As we celebrate those who serve our nation through military service, it would be well if we could take the time to have an honest conversation about the impact of veteran suicide. CLICK HERE TO VEW A LARGER VERSION OF THIS Read more…
I’m not talking about the Benedict Cumberbatch version of Sherlock, or even the Basil Rathbone version of Sherlock. I’m talking about the original, fictional, A. Conan Doyle version of the famous consulting detective. I know what you’re thinking, “What, in all possible worlds, could a fictional character from the turn Read more…
A recent post listed eight things that a veteran wants their mental health counselor to know. It’s extremely important that mental health professionals take the time to understand the cultural aspect of military service, and how the veteran’s time in the military has impacted them. It’s often one of the Read more…
As a professional counselor and military veteran, one of the most rewarding aspects of the work that I do is helping other veterans come to a point of awareness and understanding about their experiences in the military, and setting the stage for change if that’s what the veteran is willing Read more…
There’s something about anniversaries that make them extremely important to veterans. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries are important to many people, of course, and are remembered with cards and gifts, but veterans celebrate different anniversaries than others. We remember milestones in our career: promotions, or deployments. We celebrate some, knowing that they Read more…
During my admittedly short time as a civilian, I’ve come across a few phrases that I was not familiar with during my time in the military. Profit Margins. Uniquely syndicate real-time functionalities. Zombie project. One that I really can’t wrap my head around, though is: It’s nothing personal, it’s just Read more…
The news was broadcasting the image of unrest in Turkey. I sat there, watching, as civilians approached an armored vehicle with soldiers standing around it; as the civilians moved forward, the soldiers fired in the air, and I thought to myself, “Dear God, don’t let them have to fire on Read more…
A recent article on the New York Times web site talks about a senior Army leader, Brigadier General Donald Bolduc, how open and forthcoming he is about his experiences regarding mental health concerns, and the treatment he sought to address these concerns. In a recent social media conversation, I talked Read more…
If you want to see an example of military resilience, take a look at the movie Unbroken. This is a dramatization of the true story of Louis Zamperini, the Olympic athlete, Army Air Corps Bombardier, and WWII POW. If you haven’t heard Louis’ story, take a few minutes to check Read more…