101st Airborne vastly expands care for 'unseen wounds'
Apr. 30, 2013
By Philip Grey
The (Clarksville, Tenn.) Leaf-Chronicle
FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — Not so long ago, there were only five psychiatrists and one treatment facility dealing with PTSD, depression and other behavioral health issues for Fort Campbell’s 30,000-plus soldier population.
That capacity has just been increased many times over, with the opening of no less than five newly-constructed and staffed Embedded Behavioral Health Care Team facilities – one for each of the 101st Airborne Division’s four brigade combat teams and another for the 101st Sustainment Brigade. Additional psychological health support has also been added to each of the division’s two combat aviation brigades.
Open houses were held at the new facilities on Monday, as post officials celebrated the milestone, achieved just one year after the first pilot program at the 4th Brigade Combat Team was announced by Maj. Gen. James C. McConville, Commander, 101st Airborne Division and Col. Paul R. Cordts, Commander, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH.)
Attending the ribbon-cutting for the new permanent 4th Brigade Combat Team facility in place of McConville, currently deployed in Afghanistan, was acting senior commander Brig. Gen. Mark R. Stammer.
“We wanted Brig. Gen. Stammer to see and know the power of what we’ve set up,” Cordts said.
read more here
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Army major, wife face child abuse charges in N.J.
Army major, wife face child abuse charges in N.J.
Associated Press
Apr. 30, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. — An Army major and his wife are accused of denying their children food and water, physically assaulting them and denying them medical care for injuries the parents inflicted.
John and Carolyn Jackson are charged with numerous counts of endangerment as well as assault and conspiracy. They are scheduled to appear in federal court in New Jersey on Tuesday.
read more here
Associated Press
Apr. 30, 2013
NEWARK, N.J. — An Army major and his wife are accused of denying their children food and water, physically assaulting them and denying them medical care for injuries the parents inflicted.
John and Carolyn Jackson are charged with numerous counts of endangerment as well as assault and conspiracy. They are scheduled to appear in federal court in New Jersey on Tuesday.
read more here
Wife arrested in Benning soldier's shooting death
Wife arrested in Benning soldier's shooting death
Apr. 30, 2013
The Associated Press
SEALE, ALA. — The wife of a Fort Benning soldier whose body was found in a ditch has been arrested in the man’s death.
Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor Tuesday said 34-year-old Gloria Wilson was being held in the Russell County Jail in connection with the death of 34-year-old Donald LaShon Wilson.
read more here
Apr. 30, 2013
The Associated Press
SEALE, ALA. — The wife of a Fort Benning soldier whose body was found in a ditch has been arrested in the man’s death.
Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor Tuesday said 34-year-old Gloria Wilson was being held in the Russell County Jail in connection with the death of 34-year-old Donald LaShon Wilson.
read more here
Stray bullet kills young Mom with infant in arms
Family mourns death of woman, 24, killed by stray bullet in Gate City while holding her infant son
By Jon Reed
April 29, 2013
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Children were back to playing games and riding bikes at the Gate City housing complex Monday evening, but the loved ones of Sheri Williams were still in mourning.
One child strode up to Kerry Jackson, Williams's uncle, and hugged him. "Where's Sheri?" she asked.
"Sheri's not coming back," he said.
Williams, 24, was killed before 1 p.m. Monday when a bullet intended for somebody else hit her in the chest as she stood in the door of her apartment on 64th Court Way South, according to Birmingham police. Her 10-day-old son was in her arms, but was not hurt.
read more here
By Jon Reed
April 29, 2013
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Children were back to playing games and riding bikes at the Gate City housing complex Monday evening, but the loved ones of Sheri Williams were still in mourning.
One child strode up to Kerry Jackson, Williams's uncle, and hugged him. "Where's Sheri?" she asked.
"Sheri's not coming back," he said.
Williams, 24, was killed before 1 p.m. Monday when a bullet intended for somebody else hit her in the chest as she stood in the door of her apartment on 64th Court Way South, according to Birmingham police. Her 10-day-old son was in her arms, but was not hurt.
read more here
Canada uses video conferencing to help with PTSD and mental health
Canadian Forces To Turn To Video Conferencing To Help Soldiers With PTSD And Other Mental Illnesses
April 30, 2013
Section: Defence Watch
News release from DND:
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 30, 2013) – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced two new health services initiatives, the Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind, developed through the $11.4 million reallocated to the care of ill and injured military personnel in 2012. Minister MacKay made this announcement as part of The Bell True Patriot Love Fund, a one-million dollar program to support community mental health initiatives for Canadian military families.
“The Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind complement an already robust system to provide treatment for our military men and women who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other health conditions,” said Minister MacKay. “The Bell True Patriot Love Fund initiative complements our Government’s focus on providing accessible mental health care to Canadian Armed Forces personnel. As Canadians we must all work together to ensure our military families stay healthy and get the mental health support they need.”
The Telemental Health Network will maximize the use of technology to increase access and reduce wait times by providing mental health services through video conferencing for personnel in all environments – especially rural, remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has procured 90 high-definition desktop videoconferencing systems at a total cost of $800,000.
read more here
April 30, 2013
Section: Defence Watch
News release from DND:
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 30, 2013) – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced two new health services initiatives, the Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind, developed through the $11.4 million reallocated to the care of ill and injured military personnel in 2012. Minister MacKay made this announcement as part of The Bell True Patriot Love Fund, a one-million dollar program to support community mental health initiatives for Canadian military families.
“The Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind complement an already robust system to provide treatment for our military men and women who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other health conditions,” said Minister MacKay. “The Bell True Patriot Love Fund initiative complements our Government’s focus on providing accessible mental health care to Canadian Armed Forces personnel. As Canadians we must all work together to ensure our military families stay healthy and get the mental health support they need.”
The Telemental Health Network will maximize the use of technology to increase access and reduce wait times by providing mental health services through video conferencing for personnel in all environments – especially rural, remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has procured 90 high-definition desktop videoconferencing systems at a total cost of $800,000.
read more here
Iraq veteran stopped two robbers with AR-15
Police: Iraq War vet thwarts gas station break-in
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 30, 2013
SHINGLETON, Mich. — Police say an Iraq War veteran thwarted two would-be burglars at his northern Michigan gas station by kicking one of them and ordering them away with an AR-15 rifle.
State police said Shawn Schank was inside the gas station about 4:10 a.m. Sunday in Shingleton, an Upper Peninsula community in Alger County, when two people wearing ski masks forced their way into the building and approached the cash register.
read more here
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 30, 2013
SHINGLETON, Mich. — Police say an Iraq War veteran thwarted two would-be burglars at his northern Michigan gas station by kicking one of them and ordering them away with an AR-15 rifle.
State police said Shawn Schank was inside the gas station about 4:10 a.m. Sunday in Shingleton, an Upper Peninsula community in Alger County, when two people wearing ski masks forced their way into the building and approached the cash register.
read more here
Fort Carson female deserter sentenced to 10 months
Fort Carson female deserter sentenced to 10 months
April 29, 2013
ERIN PRATER
THE GAZETTE
The first female soldier to flee to Canada to avoid the Iraq War was sentenced by a military judge Monday to 10 months confinement and a bad conduct discharge.
Pfc. Kimberly Rivera, with the Fort Carson’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pleaded guilty to two counts of desertion at the Monday court-martial.
Rivera, who served as a front gate guard at Forward Operating Base Loyalty in Baghdad during a 2006-2007 tour, was granted leave in January 2007 but failed to return to duty.
When asked by judge Col. Timothy Grammel how long she remained absent, Rivera replied, “As long as I possibly could, sir. ... I intended to quit my job permanently.”
Rivera, 30, also said the military “doesn’t reflect who I want to be anymore.”
During a sentencing hearing, government lawyers argued that Rivera, who was granted leave shortly into her tour to work out marital issues, failed to return because her husband threatened to leave her and take their children.
read more here
April 29, 2013
ERIN PRATER
THE GAZETTE
The first female soldier to flee to Canada to avoid the Iraq War was sentenced by a military judge Monday to 10 months confinement and a bad conduct discharge.
Pfc. Kimberly Rivera, with the Fort Carson’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pleaded guilty to two counts of desertion at the Monday court-martial.
Rivera, who served as a front gate guard at Forward Operating Base Loyalty in Baghdad during a 2006-2007 tour, was granted leave in January 2007 but failed to return to duty.
When asked by judge Col. Timothy Grammel how long she remained absent, Rivera replied, “As long as I possibly could, sir. ... I intended to quit my job permanently.”
Rivera, 30, also said the military “doesn’t reflect who I want to be anymore.”
During a sentencing hearing, government lawyers argued that Rivera, who was granted leave shortly into her tour to work out marital issues, failed to return because her husband threatened to leave her and take their children.
read more here
Australia searching for identity of heavy medal "veteran"
Search for identity of veteran
BY ADMIN
APRIL 30TH, 2013
Search for identity of veteran.
VV and VFACT has been requested to ask members of the Federation if they can identify the veteran in the attached photographs, the veteran was observed at the MCG during the ANZAC Day AFL match.
If you can identify the veteran, please contact VV and VFACT at webmaster01@vvfact.org.au
BY ADMIN
APRIL 30TH, 2013
Search for identity of veteran.
VV and VFACT has been requested to ask members of the Federation if they can identify the veteran in the attached photographs, the veteran was observed at the MCG during the ANZAC Day AFL match.
If you can identify the veteran, please contact VV and VFACT at webmaster01@vvfact.org.au
Marine's conviction for attempted suicide overturned!
Marine’s Attempted Suicide Conviction Overturned
Apr 30, 2013
Stars and Stripes
by Travis J. Tritten
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – The U.S. military’s highest appeals court on Monday rejected the conviction of an Okinawa Marine for attempting suicide, but the decision may fall short of setting a precedent for all such prosecutions.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces ruled that Pvt. Lazzaric Caldwell was improperly charged and convicted of disrupting order and discrediting the Marine Corps after he slashed his wrists in his Camp Schwab barracks in 2010. Caldwell, who had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder unrelated to combat, was confined to the brig for six months and received a bad-conduct discharge.
The Marine’s prosecution raised concerns at a time when the military is emerging from over a decade of wars and struggling with high rates of PTSD and suicide in the ranks. However, Caldwell defense attorney Lt. Mike Hanzel said the appeals court decision was specific to the case and does not prevent prosecution of other suicides by the military.
Marine's attempted suicide prompted punishment instead of help
Marine Major says criminalizing attempted suicides "helps retain discipline"
Apr 30, 2013
Stars and Stripes
by Travis J. Tritten
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – The U.S. military’s highest appeals court on Monday rejected the conviction of an Okinawa Marine for attempting suicide, but the decision may fall short of setting a precedent for all such prosecutions.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces ruled that Pvt. Lazzaric Caldwell was improperly charged and convicted of disrupting order and discrediting the Marine Corps after he slashed his wrists in his Camp Schwab barracks in 2010. Caldwell, who had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder unrelated to combat, was confined to the brig for six months and received a bad-conduct discharge.
The Marine’s prosecution raised concerns at a time when the military is emerging from over a decade of wars and struggling with high rates of PTSD and suicide in the ranks. However, Caldwell defense attorney Lt. Mike Hanzel said the appeals court decision was specific to the case and does not prevent prosecution of other suicides by the military.
The court also found no justification for charges that Caldwell’s suicide brought discredit to the service by making it appear the unit’s leaders had failed to keep the Marines in check.read more here
Marine's attempted suicide prompted punishment instead of help
Marine Major says criminalizing attempted suicides "helps retain discipline"
Marine Maj. David Roberts, representing the government, countered that the statute is clearly written and that it helps retain discipline within the ranks.
Cockamamie war games will not fix combat PTSD
I am glad this article started out with the most important part of the delusion the DOD has been under. Computer games may be something the troops like but that does not mean they are good for them. Like drinking alcohol may make them feel better for a while numbing the pain they do not want to deal with, but afterwards they are worse off. Computer games feed adrenaline and adrenaline feeds PTSD. This is one of the worst ideas I have ever heard.
It is time for the DOD and "researchers" to actually research PTSD before they come up with these cockamamie fix-it by breaking it approaches. This isn't rocket science! This is common sense.
When military training and exposures teach their bodies to operated under adrenaline rushes, the body learned to adapt. The best way to treat PTSD is to teach the body how to work without it again. Learning how to calm down will not happen with this. Sure they may have fun playing the games. Sure they may even get some relief for a while but what they will end up with is what will make PTSD worse.
Some "games" may work but that depends on how much the designer understands PTSD as much as it depends on how talented they are in creating the game. Violent games are part of the problem when kids think they can kill on a computer screen but find real life much different. When they left real combat and play the games again, there is a much different effect on what is happening inside of them and it is not good.
Can the rush in gaming help overcome the stress of combat?
By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 30, 2013
Former Army Sgt. Melissa Cramblett was once again pitched in battle against a tenacious enemy fighter. Her heart raced as she tried to save fellow soldiers from falling.
“I’m going to kill this mother[expletive],” she said to herself as adrenaline coursed through her veins.
Cramblett could put down the controller when violent combat video games like “Call of Duty: Black Ops” got to be too much, but it wasn’t so easy to flip the switch on her post-traumatic stress symptoms, which worsened each time she played.
She suffered anxiety and took her anger out on her family. She couldn’t sleep, but when she did, she was constantly haunted by a solider she knew who had been decapitated in an IED attack in Iraq in 2004. The soldier had been in the vehicle behind her; it was a devastating loss. Now, despite being a few years removed from the battlefield, she was back in Iraq and his bloodied body was standing over her.
“I can’t be in the same room [with someone playing],” she said of the increasingly realistic and violent crop of combat video games, some of which are developed with the help of active-duty and retired special operations troops. “It gives you that adrenaline rush that makes you feel like you’re back there.”
Cramblett has since asked her husband to get rid of the videos at home and she warns servicemembers with PTSD to stay away from them through her work with veterans groups Stay Strong Nation and the Veterans Who Care Foundation.
“I know I’m not the only one suffering from those games,” she said from her civilian job at a recruiting battalion in Portland, Ore. “I think it’s dangerous if a servicemember plays if they have PTSD.”
Despite the beliefs of people like Cramblett — and media reports that former servicemembers might have committed suicide after playing the games — violent combat video games remain a popular respite of troops downrange and a connection to their warrior past once they return home.
read more here
It is time for the DOD and "researchers" to actually research PTSD before they come up with these cockamamie fix-it by breaking it approaches. This isn't rocket science! This is common sense.
When military training and exposures teach their bodies to operated under adrenaline rushes, the body learned to adapt. The best way to treat PTSD is to teach the body how to work without it again. Learning how to calm down will not happen with this. Sure they may have fun playing the games. Sure they may even get some relief for a while but what they will end up with is what will make PTSD worse.
Some "games" may work but that depends on how much the designer understands PTSD as much as it depends on how talented they are in creating the game. Violent games are part of the problem when kids think they can kill on a computer screen but find real life much different. When they left real combat and play the games again, there is a much different effect on what is happening inside of them and it is not good.
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