Prospects For Future Study

There are an alarming number of veterans who suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. The suicide rate on returning veterans is on the rise. In California, service members were killing themselves and family members at an alarming rate. After an investigation, it was apparent that they do not have enough properly trained individuals to over see

As a consequence of the stresses of war and inadequate job training, when they get out of the service many have fallen behind their contemporaries. If they are fortunate enough to become employed, many of them are unable to hold a job due to untreated PTSD and acquired addictions without services and counseling designed for them. These factors may place our returning veterans at a higher risk of suicide. In 2007, the US Army reported that there were 115 suicides among OIF/OEF veterans. This was the highest number of suicides reported since the Army started keeping track about 30 years ago. In general, the risk for suicide among these veterans was not higher than that found in the U.S. population (Tull). However, there are several programs and 24 hour suicide hotlines available for those that may contemplate committing suicide as an option.

Reference: “Pastors are also unique among counselors because of their social and symbolic roles. People approach pastors, therefore, with different expectations than those with other helping professionals.” (Benner, 33)

This paper is about counselors who choose to work with veterans or those who suffer from PTSD. The topics that will be discussed are the specific job descriptions, the salary one could look to receive, the certification requirements, and the future of this ever growing field.

The Salvation Army Laredo Texas Corps, is a place of humble means that has been ravished by the impact of poverty. However, in the midst such disparity, there lives and exist soldiers that are sold out for Christ and The Salvation Army. Recently, the soldiers passions have been reinvigorated to love, serve, and make Salvation their number one priority. The main focus of the corps has been to enhance and develop programs, in order to, allow soldiers passions to flourish; by expanding the Kingdom and the work of The Salvation Army here in Laredo.

An article from the New York Times written by Dave Phillips sheds light on the growing issue of suicide rates amongst military veterans. Dave Phillips does this by telling the story of fellow military men, through the eyes of one marine- gunner name Manny Bojorquez. Bojorquez, joined the marines at a young age of 19, one of the militaries most prestige combat forces. In 2008, the second Battalion, seventh marine regiment -also known as the 2/7- deployed to a mid-swath of Helnend providence. Bojorquez remembers this combat as one of the worst and most traumatizing combats of many marines’ lives. After experiencing these traumatic events, the agonies of war,

While the women in the church have an organized discipleship effort happening, there is not a concerted effort to grow men into faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The men of the church need a program where discipleship happens intentionally. The scripture that First Baptist Church uses for it’s vision is Matthew 5:13. The City on a Hill theme comes for this verse. The idea is that we should be salt and light to the world so that others will know Him through us.

The U.S. military produces some of the bravest most heroic men and women on earth. From the moment the oath of enlistment is made to the time of separation or retirement, these courageous souls endure a number of amazing, historic and sometimes unbelievable events. They are praise for their service and lift even higher for their sacrifice, although most are unaware of the true sacrifices are made by some of these men and women. The most visible sacrifices or “outer sacrifices” are loss of life or loss of limbs while the inner wounds are bouts with depression, sexual assault, divorce, and most common alcohol other drug abuse.

As a social worker, I know that my clients are coming to me in a time in their lives where they need help, and some these clients are affected by suicide. Therefore, I must be aware of the current programs and service being utilized in the field of practice to prevent suicide. In this section, I will be identifying current services and programs aimed at preventing suicide among military service members and veterans. Additionally, I will address the effectiveness of these programs and services, what research has been conducted to evaluate these services, and what still needs to be explored. My primary focus in my review of these programs and services will be the role of social worker, and how the social worker

In an essay titled, Leaving the Battlefield: soldier shares story of PTSD, Chaplain Major Carlos Huerta tells of his experience dealing with PTSD. (Maj) Chaplain Huerta tells of his experiences in Iraq in 2004 and how the painful memories and how vividly he can remember every detail from the 6 year old boy who caught an IED during Ramadan or all the doors he knocked to tell children their mother or father weren’t coming home. Chaplain Huerta didn’t understand what triggered his PTSD, but he knew something was not right. Like most soldiers in the military Chaplain Huerta tells of, his mind never leaving the battlefield.

The article demonstrates the culture of problem solving in America where every little problem is projected to demonstrate its importance. In many other countries, the issue of suicide in the Army would not be given much attention but in this study, the Pentagon funding the study alone is important in taking care of soldiers. The most important thing in the article however is training the chaplains to first believe in therapy and then help those that seek help in the Army since it is shocking that many of them do not believe in the importance of therapy. Soldiers should also be made to see the importance of therapy and sensitized against stigmatization of those that seek therapy because about half of soldiers claimed they would feel embarrassed if their fellow soldiers found out that they sought

Following the year 2013, suicide rates amongst Active Duty personnel decreased, yet rose for Reserve and National Guard units across the United States (Baldor 2014). This was due in part to the lack of resources available to Reserves and Guard units that were called to serve in foreign lands. The Defense Science Board conducted their own internal investigation on Reserve and Guard suicide rates and concluded, “The task force was impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the members of the National Guard and reserves. They are performing to a very high standard under great strain. The task force is very concerned for their future if the strain is not relieved” (2007). The report further explains that active duty personnel work full time in their respective units, whereas reservists demobilize and lose the support from their command’s peers and that active personnel have more access to health facilities, compared to reserve personnel who can only have limited access. Reservists and Guardsmen often face other stressors, for example sudden change after a long and tedious deployment back to a civilian career.

Mental health illness is a major issue that several United States systems faces daily. Mental illness can contribute to high crime rates, suicide, drug addiction, mass shootings, prison overcrowding, and several other problems. This paper will discuss and examine mental health issues as it develops and result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the United States Military, and specifically how PTSD can result in suicide among military service members. PTSD is commonly and well known to infantry soldiers who were mostly deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq war between 2001 and 2003 due to an overwhelming and challenging environment. The war in Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq conflicts, both have had a an actual impact on soldiers' mental health. In addition, infantrymen are most likely to experience at least one event as a minimum that may result in PTSD than any other divisions in the military. According to Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Major Gary Wynn provides statistics shows that "93 percent report coming under fire from artillery, rockets, and mortars. 91 percent say their unit has been attacked or ambushed. 87 percent say they know someone who has been seriously injured or killed" (Robson 2012).

In the essay, I will conduct a Bio-Psychosocial-Spiritual Assessment on a veteran I been working with that the Department of Veterans Affairs in Little Rock. I will also use the appropriate DSM-V diagnosis, the appropriate evidenced-based practice intervention to match the needs identified for the client. Also I will development of a phase-oriented, culturally responsive, research-informed practice plan that involves diverse practice modalities will also be included. Plus issues of diversity, gender, race, ethics and use of professional self will be explored.

This paper is the final results of my internship ministry practicum II experiences reflection in my church organization work settings and training. My experiences from different areas of exposure sharpened my skills for my professional role of the Doctor of Ministry Program in the theological field of counseling and teaching. My ministry practicum consists of direct involvements with hands-on, real-life interactions under the supervision of my Supervisor, Chaplain Andrea Fletcher. This Comprehensive Written Review analyzes the full spectrum of my observation and participation in tasks from my Ministry Learning Agreement Form. The opportunity allowed me to view other leaders in ministry exercising their gift and in turns