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Warrior Connection consists of ongoing interviews & discussions with veterans. We discuss the adverse physiological and psychological health and environmental effects of war & military operations.
Episodes
Monday Aug 17, 2015
Monday Aug 17, 2015
Warrior Connection continued our discussion on PTSD and ways to resolve it... we discussed the new ptsd brochure developed to provide guidance..and suggestions observations in Ray / LM Clark's book : "THE NEVERENDING WAR". WWW.LAURAS-CAKES.COM. Our key points are: to take control of your life, get help, choose good friends, complete school, don't let the past rule your future, use your knowledge and experience to help others, stay involved in good activities, sit down and relax if a crisis develops. Make the conscious choice not the drink and not to use illegal drugs etc. PTSD might have created a wall but that wall can be breached to allow all to lead a very successful life.
Wednesday May 27, 2015
Wednesday May 27, 2015
We continue our efforts on education to taking care of our warriors with a discussion with Jim Dolan. Jim is the Executive Director of the Laurus Foundation, an organization to advance the lives of individuals with disabilities and he is the co-founder of The Healer Warrior Initiative. The Healer Warrior Initiative, is a self-healthcare training program teaching Veterans to take better care of themselves, their families, and their fellow Veterans using non-invasive therapies to reduce physical, emotional and mental pain in order to reduce the high number of veteran suicides.
Jim also serves on the board of scientific and professional advisers for The Institute for Traumatic Stress. He is also the co-chair of the Illinois Joining Forces Behavioral Health Working Group's Complimentary and Alternative Medicine subcommittee.
other resources
braveheartsriding.org
movie-documentary ' THE HIDDEN ENEMY'
Documentaries to watch:
WARTORN 1861-2010
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/wartorn-1861-2010#/
An HBO documentary that Chronicles the history of PTSD, battle fatigue, combat stress, shell shock, etc. from the Civil War to the current conflicts.
It utterly dispels the notion that overcoming PTSD/Combat Stress is a matter of will or character. It is a wound that must be healed.
The Hidden Enemy: Inside Psychiatry's Covert Agenda
http://www.cchr.org/videos/the-hidden-enemy.html
A piecing documentary about the unholy alliance between the military’s psychiatric community and Big Pharma’s push to make the use of psychotropic drugs today’s standard of care.
How treating PTSD/combat stress as a mental Illness first instead of as a result of trauma has led to the drugging of our Veterans and contributed to the 22 Veteran suicides each day, day after day.
Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare
http://www.escapefiremovie.com
ESCAPE FIRE examines the powerful forces maintaining the status quo, a medical industry designed for quick fixes rather than prevention, for profit-driven care rather than patient-driven care
Websites to visit:
Number to call for help:
Jim Dolan
Executive Director
Laurus Foundation
630-750-5522
Wednesday May 20, 2015
Wednesday May 20, 2015
In a crises contact VA chaplains for help at 800-320 8387 press "O" for operator and ask for chaplain. The VA national hot line has come under congressional heat too as a result of response problems and is making improvements too. 800-273-talk press "1" for vets.
My quilt
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But
as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares were. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who
Unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.
Please share this with someone you love, care about or even someone who needs Jesus in their heart. They may scoff, but at least the seed has been planted, and God will do the rest. May God bless you today and Forever.
Sunday May 10, 2015
Sunday May 10, 2015
During May 10 warrior Connection Denise and Doug discussed last weeks Va research Advisory board meeting and round table discussion with a bunch of vets, hot line investigation under U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (DC 202 224-5274 or Miami 305-536-5999) , and DoD admission hot line for chemical exposures. ODS, OIF OEF OND VETS SHOULD CALL ARMY HOT LINE AT 800 497 6261 if they think they were exposed to ensure medical care and notify their va or civilian primary care physician. .
Monday May 04, 2015
Monday May 04, 2015
A discussion with Dr / Colonel Bart Billings on his book
FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Getting Back to Normal
Dr. Bart Billings has served in the U.S. Army for approximately 34 years, both as an Enlisted Combat Engineer and a Medical Service Corps Officer. He has treated and educated tens of thousands of veterans as a clinical psychologist in the military and civilian private practice. He was the Chief of Professional Services and the Assistant Director at the University of California, Davis Teaching Hospital's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, was the Commanding Officer for a Army Reserve General Hospital Section, has served on the Palomar College Heroes Education Board and has served on the California Governors Advisory Board at Patton State Hospital. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, holds a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is the Director and Founder (started it while in the military 22 years ago) of the longest running, now civilian, Combat Stress Conference on the planet (International Military And Civilian Combat Stress Conference). He has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including ABC's Night Line, U.S. News and World Report, HBO's Vice News Program, etc. and despite a successful career, spanning nearly 48 years, where most other would welcome retirement, he has chosen to begin an especially sacrilegious path of exposing problems within his own field of mental health by writing this incredible book.
Thursday Apr 30, 2015
Thursday Apr 30, 2015
Monday Apr 20, 2015
Monday Apr 20, 2015
Monday Apr 13, 2015
Monday Apr 13, 2015
Why are so many of our young Military personnel so messed up?
Many people think that Wounded Warrior’s are mainly comprised of those who have gone overseas to defend our Country. That is true to a great extent, but many of those who have not been deployed are also showing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress.
Why? They haven’t been in combat, or have they? Divorce rate 60%
Most young service members have come from a broken HOME / and LIFE. Their hope, dreams and future was aborted when they were children and it took a toll on their lives.
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What are signs of PTSD. Hypertension, irritability, fear, hyperventilation, hypervisual, you express anger and lack of patience. Then you ISOLATE.
Much of their family history is off the radar and the individual doesn’t talk about their family problems.
The three most destructive substance’s frequently found in broken homes… 1. Alcohol, Drugs (prescr. & illegal) and Porn. They help to create…
2. Domestic abuse and Dysfunctional families go hand in hand. - they both involve POLICE intervention , which becomes embarrassing, frustrating.
3. Spousal and Child abuse
4.a lack of competent child care and nurturing
5. Little to No spiritual guidance in building morality and character growth in the child.
6. DIVORCE = where 1 will leave and 1 will have to work fulltime leaving the kids at home.
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The effects on the child are…
1. Loneliness, boredom, anger, disappointment and blame themselves.
2. A lack in social skill’s , self confidence, self worth and self esteem.
3. There also may a lack of positive role models. So they may follow anyone.
Let your hero’s all be dead, because if they are alive they will disappoint you.
4. The two most important people in your life are separating/ and soon they will both be dating other people and possibly remarrying a stranger.
5. If there are other siblings at home, you may have to become the PARENT and GUARDIAN for them.
6. The Grandparents will have to help finish raising the grandchildren.
* The reason grandparents and grandchildren are so close is that they both have a common enemy, the parent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The effects…
1. You begin to look to “outsiders” for guidance instead of family.
2. You isolate, mistrust relationships and avoid marriage.
3. You feel like everyone you trust and care about will end up hurting and leaving you. Don’t get too close to anyone.
4. It becomes easy to make “bad choices” in friends because self medicating seems like the right solution. IT’S NOT !
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The Military is a family…It is a close-knit world-wide community of like- minded people who willingly put their lives on hold in order to protect us at home. They risk their lives everyday to keep us free and they are connected by a common mind-set of values, exceptionalism and purpose. They are truly America’s best.
1.Since the conception of America, Young men and women have been joining our military to get away from home and start their own career. They have always come into our military family with past memories, wounds, trauma, brokenness, loneliness, disappointment and anger. They have always been running from something, but not from the amount of broken homes we are seeing today. Many are messed up when they get here.
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How do get ourselves fixed ?
1. We identify our enemy and admit we have a problem. We can’t outrun our problems. When we get to where we’re going, they will already be there.
2. We have to realize what “FEEDS” or FUELS our problems of depression, anger, irritability and hypertension. (Substance use and abuse) Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.
3. You must set you a goal and “FOCUS” on it. (SUNCHIN KATA)
4.You must make better decisions and fewer Regrets. You’ll have to live with them.
5. Choose your friends wisely. You’ll probably end up just like them.
6. Don’t date anyone you wouldn’t want to marry. You might fall in love.
7. Love your spouse and be faithful to them. Your children are depending on you.
8. Be the Best Spouse, Parent, Guardian and HERO of your family(including step-children) treat them like your own.
9. Be willing to STICK it out in your marriage and work things out (maybe professional help.) Your children deserve a good family life.
10. The Best Home Improvement you can do is take your family to Church.
Why ??
1. GOD lives there. It’s fun to worship HIM.
2. They usually have good food, family activities & everyone smells good.
2. There are good “role” models for both parents and children there.
3. Most are good positive people, good mentors and good Teachers to help us to grow into the Best and Happiest people we can be. We need all of the help we can get.
4. GOD is not a crutch for weak people, He is a stretcher for wounded and dying people.
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Well, The ball is now in your court---play it well !!
Thank you
Life after Trauma #26
Suicide prevention
September is Suicide Prevention month and it is a sad commentary that we have so many suicides among our Military personnel , Veterans and their families. There is a lot of discussion as to what the cause and effects suicide has on the individual and their families and I thought I‘d give you mine.
As a Marine combat veteran who has fought suicidal thoughts for more than forty years, I think I have some ideas on how to cut down on the loss of so many of our national hero’s.
1. One of the contributing factors associated with suicide is the consumption of “substance .” What is the related Substance I’m talking about? It is alcohol and drugs. Special significance must be placed on pharmaceutical drugs. Weather they come from the V.A. or purchased over the counter, mixing drugs and alcohol can be a deadly combination. Drugs are for a specific purpose and come with a prescribed usage. Abusing the directions or mixing them with other substance can have a damaging or deadly effect.
Substance “abuse” may or may not be a contributing factor in the persons life, but just the mere fact that alcohol is being consumed by the depressed person is one of the major culprits that causes the person to think irrationally. They become more depressed, lonely and disconnected from society. The potential for suicide is drastically increased when you mix alcohol and drugs. When you are consuming alcohol and drugs of any amount, you begin to fall “under the influence“ of what you are consuming. You will say and do things that you would not do under normal circumstances. There is also the risk of auto accidents, tickets and increased insurance premiums causing more problems to your career, marriage and self esteem.
This kind of “mixing” substance may push you over the edge as you become more depressed and detached from those around you.
Suicide is undoubtedly the most selfish thing you can do to those you love, and who love you the most. It slams the door shut in the face of everyone who cares about you and leaves them with a lifetime of wondering why you left without first reaching out to someone who could help you.
When Americas Foreign and Domestic enemies read about our military dropping out on the fight against terrorism, I’m sure they are pleased and smile because they will never have to worry about you again. You have actually contributed to their success by eliminating yourself from the battle.
P. 125 TNEW
If you are depressed or discouraged, please reach out for help. There are a lot of people waiting to hear from you. They want to help, but you must make the call. Many of us have wanted to drop out of the race at one time or another, but didn’t. We pushed on in spite of our pain because we knew there were a lot of young people coming behind us and they were looking for us to set a good example for them. They’re now looking at you.
I was taught as a Marine to attack the attacker. When the enemy shows up and attacks you, hit him back twice as hard. It’s simply what good warrior’s do. Semper Fidelis means Always Faithful. (Always) That’s not a cute little saying, it’s a way of life. Stay faithful to God, Country and Corps.
2. Leave a legacy for someone to follow.
3. Nothing is too bad that it can’t be fixed.
To call for help…
Jacksonville Vet Center 910-577-1100
Durham V.A. 888-870-6890
Boots on the Ground 919-907-0577
Monday Apr 06, 2015
Monday Apr 06, 2015
1. ALL THE PERTINENT DOCUMENTS ARE FULLY DISTRIBUTED
2. VA- DOD LEADERS must PUBICALLY ADMIT the CORRELATION BETWEEN TOXIC EXPOSURES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS as already known in internal reports.
3. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATON must be made available and completed such as initiated in the ATTACHED POWER POINT. The numerous investigative documentaries must be made available and watched to begin to comprehend and resolve the lingering problems.
4. MEDICAL CARE must be optimized.
5. PROMPTNESS
6. STOP OVERT AND HIDDEN RETALIATION
7. THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION to mitigate exposures
8. ADEQUATE STAFFING
9. coordinated medical care appointments
10 TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE WARS. Ethical moral dimension
11, REPORT ACTUAL CASUALTIES NOT REDUCED NUMBERS
12. crisis line follow up through referral
13. verify definitive treatment- recovery plan.
14. crises intervention team- chaplain, medic,
15. no police swat team intervention unless chaplain makes call.
16. return all phone calls requests for help before end of day- even if only contact.
17. thorough support system- action plan.
18. Coordinated family support- notification
19. thorough primary and secondary – historical survey to determine casuals relationships – DD 2796
19. coordinated best friend(s) coordination
20 do not give referral back to failed group – team
1. ALL THE PERTINENT DOCUMENTS ARE FULLY DISTRIBUTED
2. VA- DOD LEADERS must PUBICALLY ADMIT the CORRELATION BETWEEN TOXIC EXPOSURES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS as already known in internal reports.
3. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATON must be made available and completed such as initiated in the ATTACHED POWER POINT. The numerous investigative documentaries must be made available and watched to begin to comprehend and resolve the lingering problems.
4. MEDICAL CARE must be optimized.
5. PROMPTNESS
6. STOP OVERT AND HIDDEN RETALIATION
7. THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION to mitigate exposures
8. ADEQUATE STAFFING
9. coordinated medical care appointments
10 TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE WARS. Ethical moral dimension
11, REPORT ACTUAL CASUALTIES NOT REDUCED NUMBERS
12. crisis line follow up through referral
13. verify definitive treatment- recovery plan.
14. crises intervention team- chaplain, medic,
15. no police swat team intervention unless chaplain makes call.
16. return all phone calls requests for help before end of day- even if only contact.
17. thorough support system- action plan.
18. Coordinated family support- notification
19. thorough primary and secondary – historical survey to determine casuals relationships – DD 2796
19. coordinated best friend(s) coordination
20 do not give referral back to failed group – team
Monday Mar 30, 2015
Monday Mar 30, 2015
One of Paul's last emails:
I have had the privilege to have co-hosted With Doug Rokke And Denise Nichols on Gary Nulls Radio Station, known as "The Progressive Radio Network", out of New York City, regarding the various exposures that occurred during Desert Storm, whether they be concerning Depleted Uranium, Biological Warfare, and Chemical exposures; not to mention experimental shots with records of them being given as well as Nerve Agent pre-Treatment pills that we were ordered to take, that occurred during Operation Desert Storm. I and well over 275K Troops are said to be on the Gulf War Registry. I have also been exposed...I have two post war Children who are also sick, including my wife. How's that for a "Welcome Home Party"? The VA and DOD Need to Restart their Children and Spouse Health Registry and get with program! We didn't ask for this and I DAMN sure wouldn't have intentionally exposed my Wife and now my sick post Gulf War Children, had I known that the birth defects and Illnesses were transmittable...This has been a NIGHTMARE for my wife and I. Someone In The Federal Government needs To Pick up the dropped ball and GET WITH THE PROGRAM!! We Also Need New Congressional Hearing's, from somebody in Congress with the backbone and fortitude of Former US Senator Donald Riegle, (R) Who saw the problem back in the early 1990's and held hearings, trying to get to the TRUTH of Gulf WAR Illnesses and now we have possible OIF exposures as well. This Government needs to settle this most important issue once and for all....If our current CBRN, also known as NBC gear is faulty, then let's fix the problem...WE know it there are GAPS, so let's FIX IT!!
and from ray clark: