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1.The effectiveness of faith-based group life coaching on stress and anxiety levels in spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
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2.Moral injury: Understanding moral injury and overcoming it through faith, spiritual practices, and support from others
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3.“Turn now, my vindication is at stake”: Military moral injury and communities of faith
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4.Trauma, change in strength of religious faith, and mental health service use among veterans treated for PTSD
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5.Parent care and religion: A faith-based intervention model for caregiving readiness of congregational members
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6.Lessons learned from a faith community-based domestic violence pilot program in Forsyth County, NC
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7.Description and evaluation of a faith community-based domestic violence pilot program in Forsyth County, NC
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8.A qualitative study of post-traumatic growth experiences among formerly deployed veterans within Catholic faith-based settings
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9.Faith-based organizations’ support of veteran congregants at risk for mental health conditions and suicide: A qualitative study of clergy experiences in Los Angeles county
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10.Family quality of life during the transition to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorders
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11.Post-military service spiritual growth – A phenomenology of the church experience of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom military war veterans
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12.Resilience in families in which a parent has died
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13.Revisiting living in limbo to illustrate a pastoral psychological understanding of transition from military to civilian life
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14.Learning challenges faced by transitioning military service members
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15.Gulf War Illness with or without post-traumatic stress disorder: Differential symptoms and immune responses
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16.Co-occurrence of PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders and obesity among veterans: A latent variable approach
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17.Posttraumatic stress disorder in US military veterans: Results from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
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18.The association of military sexual assault and nonsuicidal self-injury in U.S. Gulf War-I era veterans
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19.Racial and ethnic variations in sleep outcomes following a Brief Sleep Intervention in United States Air Force Technical Training students
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20.Evaluating the effectiveness of REBOOT combat recovery: A faith-based combat trauma resiliency program
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Research summaries convey terminology used by the scientists who authored the original research article; some terminology may not align with the federal government's mandated language for certain constructs.
More than a Flag: A Symbol of Hope, Bravery, Unity, and Mission
More than a Flag: A Symbol of Hope, Bravery, Unity, and Mission By: Haley Sherman and Kaylee Short-Smith Some of us may be familiar with the iconic photograph you see below, which depicts six United States Marines who raised the American Flag on top of Mount Suribachi, Japan, during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945 (Garner, 2021). (Image credit: Joe Rosenthal/Public Domain) If you, like me, Haley, were unaware of the exact history associated with the image above, you may be wondering why it is so iconic while simultaneously thinking how proud you are to be an American and how grateful you are for those six Marines, their service, and their sacrifice. Until recently, I had never thought much about why they were raising the American flag. I assumed it had something to do with an order received or that they saw it falling and wanted to raise it before it touched the ground. In reality, the history of this image holds much deeper meaning. According to Garner, the flag itself depicts the United States capturing this important location during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Before this location was captured by the United States military, the Japanese forces used this vantage point to employ direct artillery fire onto the American forces; this exact point aided in making the Battle of Iwo Jima one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific War (Garner, 2021). In knowing this, we began to think more deeply about the American Flag, what it means, the feelings it elicits, and the importance it holds not only for our military and country but also in different situations and for different individuals. You see, something as simple as a flag holds weight, and for the month of June—the month celebrating Flag Day—we decided at Military REACH that it is important to investigate, share the history of, and even share the personal meanings that these flags have for Service members and their families. The article discusses the flags representing the United States Armed Forces, which include the American flag and the flags of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.Buckle up, friends, because today we are having fun with flags! American Flag The history of the American flag begins in 1777, and the original design is credited to Betsy Ross (US History, 2024). The flag originally had thirteen horizontal stripes alternating between red and white and thirteen white stars arranged in a circle on a blue field to represent the original thirteen colonies (Smithsonian, 2024). As America continued to expand their territory between 1791 to 1959, the American Flag evolved such that more stars were added to represent the additional states. As of today, there are fifty stars, and the thirteen stripes have remained untouched (Smithsonian, 2024). Not only do the stars and stripes have meaning, but so do the colors of the American flag: the red symbolizes valor and hardiness, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice (US History, 2024). As we examined what the American flag historically symbolizes, our team here at Military REACH reflected on what the flag means to them: “When I see the American flag, I am reminded of our country's foundational demand for representation and freedom from oppression, and our continued endeavor to ensure these rights for all Americans.” - Emily Hanson, MNM, MPA “When I see the flag, I think of all the young men and women who have sacrificed so much and continue to do so. I think about the duty we have as Americans to uphold the values this country was founded on, particularly those reflected in the first amendment - freedom of speech, the right to protest, and the right to petition our government for change. “ – Carly Vandenberg, PhD Army Flag The United States Army was established around 1775, however a flag was created in 1956 – 181 years later (Center for Military History United States Army, 2021). The Army flag is made of silk, centering the original “War Office” seal in blue. In the center of the seal, there is a Roman cuirass (i.e., body armor worn by Officers that was made of steel) which symbolizes strength and defense. An unsheathed sword sits in the center with a Phrygian cap, often called the ‘Cap of Liberty’ resting on the top. To the left is a musket, and on the right is an esponton (i.e., a half-pike used by subordinate Officers); these are behind the cuirass and represent the weapons of the Army (U.S. Army Center of Military History, 2000). On the right side of the seal is an unidentified flag with cords and tassels; the flagstaff is a spearhead. Below the flag is a cannon barrel that is slanted upward behind the cuirass. To the left of the cuirass on the bottom are three cannon balls and a cannon barrel. Above the cannon barrel is a drum with two drumsticks, a symbol of the Army’s intention to serve the nation and its’ people. An unknown flag partially covers the drumhead, showcasing another spearhead for the flagstaff. Finally, along the top of the seal is a rattlesnake holding a scroll with the motto, “This We’ll Defend.” The rattlesnake and scroll, used on other American colonial flags, signified the Army’s constant readiness to defend and preserve the United States (U.S. Army Center of Military History, 2000). Below the blue seal is a Scarlett scroll with white lettering that writes, “United States Army” (Center for Military History United States Army, 2021). In some instances, you may see various streamers connected to the Army flag. There can be up to 190 streamers, and these denote the various campaigns fought by the United States Army throughout its history (The Institute of Heraldry, n.d.). “For myself, it’s a reminder of why I serve and motivation to carry on what those before me have done, from the Revolutionary War to now.” – Sergeant Nicholas DiGradio, active duty Soldier “When I see the Army flag I naturally think ‘thank you for your service’ for whoever the owner of the flag is. I hope that they have good memories from being in the service and that they were and are currently being treated well. Veterans are not treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, and I always wish there was more I could do.” – Breanna DeBoer, Army National Guard and Reserves Veteran Marine Corps Flag The early versions of the Marine Corps flag are very different from the flag that flies today. During the 1830s-1840s, the flag was white in color, held a design of an anchor and eagle in its center, and included the words “To the shores of Triopli” across the top (Military.com, 2024). These words, colors, and symbols have changed over the years. Today the Marine Corps flag is scarlet in color and contains the Marine Corps emblem in the center of the flag (Marine Parents, 2023). The Marine Corps emblem consists of an eagle on the top with a streamer in its’ beak that bears the motto of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis,” which means, “Always Faithful.” The eagle itself is a symbol of the United States, and the globe the eagle stands on represents the worldwide commitment of the Marine Corps. Finally, the anchor that goes through the globe represents the founding of the Marine Corps and its close ties to the United States Navy (The Official Website of Marines, n.d.). The scarlet and gold colors within the flag were ordered in 1925 to incorporate the official colors of the Marine Corps (Military.com, 2024). “I honestly feel a sense of connection and trust, sometimes with complete strangers, if I notice they are displaying a Marine Corps decal on their vehicle or a flag in front of their home. I do not seek them out, but I notice it, and in my mind I acknowledge, “There’s a Marine.” My husband is a former Marine, and I have two Marine sons, one active and one former. We proudly fly a Marine Corps flag in front of our home. Who knows? Maybe it deters bad guys from messing with our stuff. I also have five daughters. I know the Marine flag keeps their boyfriends in line.” – Lisa Dosev “The Marine flag represents pride in service and pride in the Corps! Seeing it displayed on a vehicle also leads me to seek the veteran out, if possible, to ask where he served, when, and in what units. Veterans want to connect with their peers and the need for Marines to reconnect is a bond that cannot be broken. If I see it in a store for sale, I am wondering if the store truly values veterans and do they understand the sacrifices Marines and their families give – days of boredom followed, at times, by intense combat that draws one’s memory of time shared in focused pain. Yet I am grateful they care to have it in their store.” – Lance Corporal Kaelan C. Gordon, active duty Navy Flag The official Navy flag was authorized by a Presidential Order in 1959 (Naval History and Heritage Command, 2018). In the center of the flag is a bald eagle, with wings spread wide, to represent bravery and courage. The foot of the eagle is on an anchor that is protecting a ship and symbolizes strength and power at sea. The positionality of the eagle, ship, anchor, and water symbolize unity and brotherhood amidst adversity (Alex, 2023). The imagery on this flag was drawn from the Department of the United States Navy seal such that all components are the same aside from the fact that there is no land depicted on the flag whereas there is land on the bottom right of the seal. The United States Navy flag is for display purposes and is carried on ceremonial occasions but does not fly on vessels (Military.com, 2013). “Whenever I see a Navy flag, I have a familial connection - a kinship, if you will, similar to when I see my family's coat of arms. Being born into a Navy family, marrying (x2) into a Navy family, and being the proud parent of an active-duty Navy Surface Warfare Officer, the Navy flag represents security, peace, and framily. Framily = friends that have become family through the bonds created because of shared experiences due to a military lifestyle.” – Sue Ehlers Burke “As a Navy Veteran the Navy flag represents a possible “Shipmate” or colleague. If I see it on a vehicle I am immediately drawn to ask where this Sailor served and when. It brings back a flood of memories of days at sea and time shared with fellow Sailors. If I see it in a store for sale, I am wondering if the store truly values veterans and do they understand the sacrifices Sailors and their families go through – months upon months of time away. However, I am grateful they care enough to have it there. When I see it flown properly by a government office or school, I have pride for what that flag represents, and I am grateful that they care to display it.” – Captain Terry C. Gordon, Retired U.S. Navy Chaplain Air Force Flag As do most of the branch’s flags, the United States Air Force flag have similar components as the American flag. This similarity includes the flag containing thirteen white stars to represent the thirteen original colonies (US Flag, 2009) where the three stars between eagles’ wings represent the Army, Navy, and Air Force (Air Force Historical Support Division, 2024). Unlike the American flag, the Air Force flag has an ultramarine blue background with gold accents and bears the coat of arms and the seal of the Air Force. The Air Force seal includes the American Bald Eagle which symbolizes the air striking power of the United States, and its head is turned to the right to symbolize facing the enemy and looking toward the future (Air Force Historical Support Division, 2024). The shield below the eagle has a thunderbolt, further representing striking power through the air. The pair of wings around the thunderbolt and the smaller lightning flashes complete the imagery of lightning being cast and thunder accompanying it; this part of the seal was inspired by the Roman god, Jupiter, who was the mythical god of the Heavens. Beneath the shield is a scroll with “United States Air Force” written in gold lettering (Air Force Historical Support Division, 2024). There are two versions of the Air Force flag; one is outlined in gold fringe and is to be hung indoors whereas the other is without gold fringe and is often used outdoors and seen in parades (US Flag, 2009). “One of my grandfathers was an officer in the Air Force and carried those personal and professional skills he learned into the civilian sector after a few years of service. My grandfather’s service gave my parents, and by extension me, a happy, fruitful, and safe childhood. I love the Air Force for the opportunities they’ve given my family.” – Captain Bruce James, active duty Airman “To be honest, the official Air Force flag is kind of boring. However, the newer Air Force logo brings me pride, and when I see it on someone's license plate, which occurs a lot in Texas, I automatically think I have a connection to them.” – Jeff Geringer, Air Force Veteran Space Force Flag The United States Space Force flag is the newest branch flag as of December 2019 (United States Space Force, n.d.). The dark blue and white colors symbolize the vastness of outer space. The middle, grey triangular image represents the Delta Wing of an aircraft (representing the early days in the Air Force space community) and/or space craft, representing innovation and change (United States Space Force, n.d.). The upward position of the Delta Wing represents the central role of the Space Force in defending the space domain. The blue and grey globe behind the Delta Wing represents the earthly home of the United States Space Force. The elliptical orbit (around the globe and Delta Wing) represents defense and protection from all adversaries and threats along with interagency cooperation and allied partnerships. The large white star, the Polaris, symbolizes a light of security and the constant presence and vigilance currently and in the future for space. The two clusters of smaller stars to the left and right of the globe represent the assets developed, maintained, and operated by the United States Space Force. The larger three stars represent the Organize, Train, and Equip functions of the Space Force. Finally, the Roman numerals MMXIX (2019) represent the year of the Space Force’s activation (United States Space Force, n.d.). “When I see the USSF flag out in public there are several thoughts that run through my head, the first is probably in line with most: “Wow it’s real.” I’ve been a career space operator since I’ve entered the military, so I never thought we would see a separate service dedicated to the domain. As such, I also get an immense amount of pride when I see it because I was one of the first, but I hope to lay a solid foundation for those who follow. The second thing that I think of when I see the flag, is the amount of work we have, as a service, to garner public faith and communicate the reason for our creation. On the surface, it seems pretty counterintuitive for a military branch to have to justify its existence, but the nature of our work is highly technical, highly classified, and highly misunderstood. I know that this is a top priority for USSF leaders.” – Anonymous, active duty Guardian Coast Guard Flag The origins of the Coast Guard flag are not quite as clear as some of our other branch’s flags. In 1917, the beginnings of a flag were created depicting a standard white flag with a blue eagle and a semi-circle of thirteen stars surrounding it (United States Coast Guard, 2013). Later the words, “United States Coast Guard,” were included along the top of the eagle in an arc, and “Semper Paratus,” meaning, “Always Ready,” was placed under the eagle. Then, in 1950, the semi-circle of stars was changed to be a full circle above the eagle (American Flags, 2024; United States Coast Guard, 2013). The eagle is also depicted holding an olive branch with thirteen leaves in one talon and thirteen arrows in the other to represent peace, war, and the thirteen original colonies (United States Coast Guard, 2013). The colors of the flag also hold meaning where red represents valor, white represents purity, and blue represents justice – similar to the American flag. “As a mother of a Coast Guard Academy graduate and a present Coast Guard pilot, the Coast Guard flag embodies a profound sense of pride, honor, and dedication for me. The flag brings deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by my child and his fellow “Coasties,” their unwavering dedication to protecting our country's shores, and their commitment to service- ensuring the safety of all who venture into the seas. ‘Semper Paratus – Always Ready.’” – Patrice Bramble Majewski “Particularly seeing the Coast Guard flag, as this was the branch my grandfather served in, I feel grateful for the opportunities the military provided for my family and curious of all the stories that have been shared and not shared by my grandparents.” – Lauren Scott Overall, we hope this article shed some light on the history, meaning, symbolism, and personal pride that individuals have for each of the flags that comprise the branches of the United States military. We thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on these flags and diving deeper into the meaning that each of the symbols and colors hold. It is our desire that for Flag Day this month, you take a moment to not only smile because we have a “Flag Day,” but also that you take it a little more seriously as flags can, and do, hold deep meaning for individuals, especially those who are affiliated with the military in one, or many, capacities. References Alex, Andrew. (2023). Explore the history and design of the US Navy seal logo. https://newsmilitary.com/explore-the-history-and-design-of-the-us-navy-seal-logo/ American Flags. (2024). The flag of the U.S. Coast Guard. https://www.americanflags.com/blog/post/flag-u-s-coast-guard Air Force Historical Support Division. (2024). United States Air Force seal.. https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/459019/united-states-air-force-seal/ Center for Military History United States Army. (2021). The origin of the U.S. Army flag. https://history.army.mil/faq/armyflag.htm Garner, T. (2021, February 23). Raising the flag on Iwo Jima: Here’s the story behind that iconic World War II photo. https://www.livescience.com/iwo-jima-flag-raising.html Marine Corps University. (n.d.) Marine Corps flag. https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Brief-Histories/History-of-the-Marine-Corps-Flag/ Marine Parents. (2023). The Marine Corps flag. https://marineparents.com/marinecorps/marine-flag.asp Military.com. (2011). Marine Corps history: The Marine Corps flag. https://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday/marine-corps-history-the-marine-flag.html Military.com. (2013). Origins of the Navy flag. https://www.military.com/navy-birthday/origins-of-the-navy-flag.html Naval History and Heritage Command. (2018). Origins of the U.S. Navy flag. https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/banners/origins-of-the-u-s-navy-flag.html Smithsonian Institution. (2001). Facts about the United States flag. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/flag-day/flag-facts U.S. Army Center of Military History. (2000). Department of the Army Emblem. https://history.army.mil/reference/Heritage/Emblem.htm The Institute of Heraldry. (n.d.). United States Army flag and streamers. https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15639&CategoryId=9360&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&from=search The Official Website of Marines. (n.d.). What is the Marine Corps emblem? https://www.hrom.marines.mil/New-Employees/About-the-Marine-Corps/Emblem/ Military.com. (2013). History of Coast Guard flags. https://www.military.com/coast-guard-birthday/history-of-coast-guard-flags.html United States Space Force. (n.d.). United States Space Force symbols. https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/USSF-Symbols/ US Flag. (2009). US Air Force flag. https://us-flag.net/military/air-force/ US History. (2024). Flag timeline. https://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagfact.html
Military Chaplains: Their Vital Role in Our Military
(334) 844-3299 MilitaryREACH@auburn.edu HOME ABOUT MILITARY REACH LIBRARY UPDATES RESOURCES SEARCH 13 NOV 2023 MILITARY CHAPLAINS: THEIR VITAL ROLE IN OUR MILITARY By Bri GordonEditors Kate Abbate; Erin Cooper The Continental Congress established the first Chaplain Corps in July 1775 by providing one chaplain for every unit in the Continental Army (U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, 2015). Because of this, chaplains can be found wherever Service members are, and they have served with regiments in every American war (Otis, 2009). Chaplains are dedicated spiritual leaders of all religious denominations and provide spiritual support to Service members regardless of their member's religious affiliation. Their responsibilities include providing spiritual guidance, conducting public worship services, leading religious study sessions, and ministering to the wounded and/or dying (Otis, 2009). To gain more insight into the role of chaplains, I connected with Captain (Capt.) Terry Gordon, who conveniently is also my father! A retired Navy chaplain, Capt. Gordon has 30+ years of experience serving Service members and their families. With many tours and deployments both overseas and domestic, he has seen how a chaplain’s roles and responsibilities have evolved over time, especially with the increased awareness of mental health. Although I accompanied him for only about half of his military career, I can attest to how his work impacted the Service members around us and how he grew within his role as a religious leader and counselor. With Capt. Gordon’s help, I gained even more insight into the roles and responsibilities of military chaplains, who has access to their services (and how to seek their services), how chaplains interact with others in the workplace, and some common myths and assumptions. Roles and Responsibilities A chaplain’s responsibilities typically extend beyond roles performed in similar occupations, such as mental health professionals. Chaplains are often used as a source for counseling, and it is typical for Service members with high levels of combat exposure and mental health concerns to seek support from chaplains (Morgan et al., 2016). While the roles of both chaplain’s and mental health professionals are very similar and often overlap, Capt. Gordon highlighted the differences: “Chaplains bring one unique component in, which is purely a faith-based component. Many chaplains have higher education in counseling or social work, however, they’re not there to solely be a counselor but to be an ordained religious leader. Chaplains can be trained in certain counseling techniques, but faith and spirituality counseling is the main focus.” Accessing Chaplain Services Outside of who are military chaplains, how to seek out their services may be the second most commonly asked question. For Service members it’s a bit easier, considering their close proximity and initial contact with a chaplain during their basic training. Capt. Gordon explains: “For service members, it’s easy because there are chaplains in every phase of training upon entering the service. They meet their first chaplain at basic training and will have continued contact with them throughout that training. It is the chaplain's duty to explain their role as their chaplain, and how they and their families can contact them. Outside of training, a Service member and their family should always have ready access to a chaplain throughout their career.” For families, Capt. Gordon explained a process called “deckplate ministry.” This is a Navy term (also known as ‘walking the flight line’ for the Air Force, or ‘walking ministry’ in general) that refers to chaplains walking around their duty-station so Service members and their families can visually see them, and it provides an opportunity to talk. Capt. Gordon also emphasized the importance of chaplains participating in family programs. Chaplains can continue walking ministry at these events and informally meet with them in a relaxed atmosphere and provide them with resources as needed. Collaborative Model Approach to Treatment A collaborative model (i.e., the process of referring someone in need to other mental health professionals and working together as professionals to provide care) is a practice that many chaplains and military mental health professionals incorporate. Because chaplains serve alongside Service members and are in close proximity with them, they are naturally the first in line for providing support for mental health concerns (Howard & Cox, 2008). This may be because chaplains can build a trusting relationship with their unit members more easily. Chaplains provide initial services and refer Service members to trained mental health professionals when needed (Besterman-Dahan et al., 2012). Successful collaborative models include close collaboration between chaplains and mental health professionals from initial patient contact through termination of services (Howard & Cox, 2008). Capt. Gordon emphasized the importance of this model, saying: “Chaplains are there to compliment the counselor. Many chaplains will try to foster a solid relationship with the unit’s counselor [and] use it as a complimentary resource. If there’s something out of the scope of a chaplain’s abilities or vice versa, both sides should be able to use each other. A chaplain can pray for anybody, but a chaplain's counseling may not be enough compared to a professional counselor's technique.” Common Myths and Assumptions As is the case with many services, there are some common assumptions about military chaplains. Capt. Gordon has busted common myths throughout his career, the most common being that chaplain services are only available to a Service member: “That’s not true, we’re available to anyone who carries a military ID card. Could be a spouse, a dependent, a contractor; as long as you have a Department of Defense ID card, you will have access to our services.” Additionally, one barrier to accessing mental health services seen within the military is fear that mental health providers will disclose private client information, and that a Service member’s ability to progress in their career may be obstructed (Evans, 2021). Ethical standards involving confidentiality within mental health disciplines ensure the protection of clients’ privacy by not disclosing their personal information or therapy contents to others (American Psychological Association, 2017). However, Service member mental health care information may be revealed to commanders if one or more of the following criteria is met (Evans, 2021): 1. “Threats to personal or public safety (harm to self/others), harm to mission, or deployment readiness 2. Acute medical conditions that interfere with duty, including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and substance abuse treatment 3. Judicial, law enforcement, and administrative proceedings; special sensitive personnel; or specialized government functions 4. Personnel accountability” Chaplains on the other hand maintain “absolute confidentiality.” Capt. Gordon explained absolute confidentiality, saying: “Our confidentiality by law is absolute. This is because of the sacramental right of some faith traditions that confessions made in religious repentance are kept in total confidence with the chaplain. It’s an official policy and military law. There should always be someone a Service member can talk to without fear of repercussion. It is a powerful tool and ensures people are getting the help they need, and fixing problems before they become huge problems.” It is important to note that chaplains are equipped to maintain absolute confidentiality while still ensuring the safety of all the parties involved. For example, if a Service member plans to harm themselves, their chaplain can encourage them to seek services to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, their chaplain can continue to meet with the Service member until they are receptive to meeting with a mental health professional. A Chaplain's Presence and Impact Despite these negative assumptions about meeting with chaplains, there are many positive assumptions people have about the Chaplain Corps. While it can be easy to find the flaws within a system, Capt. Gordon still had a lot of good to say about his Corps: “A good assumption is ‘the chaplain is always there.’ There should always be a chaplain in every forward deployed unit, no matter what size. A good chaplain will boost morale and aid in lowering mental health problems. People assume we’re just spiritual folks, we’re just there to pray and we provide nothing else for the unit. Obviously, that’s not true. When a chaplain walks into a room, it brings a spiritual consciousness and a sense of the presence of the divine. It gets people thinking, and back to a reality that’s more than just a ‘warrior ethos’. We bring a sense of humanity back into the soldier. We’re there to keep the balance so they don’t lose sight of who they are as people. It’s a very good thing.” Chaplains continue to play a vital role in our military today. Whether performing religious services, mentoring Service members, or being advocates for Service members and their families’ wellbeing, it is safe to assume that chaplains are dedicated to improving our Service member and their families lives, and therefore the military, every day. To learn more about chaplain services or how to find a chaplain at your installation, check out Military OneSource guide, “The unit chaplain: Roles and responsibilities”. RECENT STORIES Related Stories in References American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code Besterman-Dahan, K., Gibbons, S. W., Barnett, S. D., & Hickling, E. J. (2012). The role of military chaplains in mental health care of the deployed service member. Military Medicine, 177(9), 1028–1033. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00071 Evans, C. (2021). Confidentiality, chaplains, and the military. Military Health System. https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Centers-of-Excellence/Psychological-Health-Center-of-Excellence/Clinicians-Corner-Blog/Confidentiality-Chaplains-and-the-Military Howard, M. D., & Cox, R. P. (2008, April). Collaborative intervention: A model for coordinated treatment of mental health issues within a ground combat unit. Military Medicine, 173(4), 339–348. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED.173.4.339 Morgan, J. K., Hourani, L., Lane, M. E., & Tueller, S. (2016). Help-seeking behaviors among active-duty military personnel: Utilization of chaplains and other mental health service providers. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 22(3), 102–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2016.1171598 Otis, P. (2009). An overview of the U.S. military chaplaincy: A ministry of presence and practice. The Review of Faith & International Affairs, 7(4), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2009.9523410 U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. (2015, January 28). The Army Historical Foundation. https://armyhistory.org/u-s-army-chaplain-corps/ MOBILIZING RESEARCH, PROMOTING FAMILY READINESS. Our Partners Auburn University University of Georgia Department of Defense US Department of Agriculture 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849 Military REACH Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (334) 844-3299 MilitaryREACH@auburn.edu Contact Us Website Feedback Stay Connected with Military REACH These materials were developed as a result of a partnership funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) between the DoD's Office of Military Community and Family Policy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA) through a grant/cooperative agreement with Auburn University. USDA/NIFA Award No. 2021-48710-35671. Last Update: 02/23/2022 2017 - 2022 All Right Reserved - Military REACHPrivacy Statement| Accessibility Plan
Moral Injury: What Is It and How Can Professionals Assist?
Moral Injury: What Is It and How Can Professionals Assist? Lily Annino, Undergraduate Research Assistant Imagine you’re a Service member. Your commanding officer has reason to believe that certain civilians are making bombs at home and will use them against the public. Your unit is tasked with breaking in and finding the bombs. Entering the home is necessary to the mission – but you’ve been told your entire life that breaking into a person’s home is wrong and a violation of their privacy (not to mention against the law). However, you have a mission to fulfill. So, you break in, regardless of your inhibitions. The above scenario is one example of an event that could lead to moral injury. Moral injury is any act, whether perpetrated or witnessed, that may conflict with personal morals or beliefs (Douglas, 2022). While we often think of this conflict in the context of war, other examples of potential moral injury include abuse, rape, and violence (Moral Injury Project, n.d.). And although moral injury may have lasting effects on someone’s life (Litz et al., 2009), it’s still a concept of which many people aren’t fully aware. This article will explain moral injury and discuss some ways that mental health professionals can help Service members and Veterans work through issues related to it. Moral injury is more common than we realize among Service members and Veterans, and it can lead to negative outcomes, such as co-occurring PTSD (Maguen et al., 2022). In one study, 41.8% of veterans reported experiencing at least one form of moral injury; the majority had been betrayed by others or suffered a transgression (Wisco et al., 2017). Dealing with extreme levels of guilt and regret without understanding what you’re going through can be confusing. At the same time, being able to talk to your provider about what you’re dealing with and learning that it’s not abnormal are helpful for Service members (Douglas, 2022). Professionals familiar with the concept of moral injury and with therapeutic approaches that focus on acceptance and self-forgiveness can be beneficial for people working through the effects of moral injury (Maguen & Norman, 2022). Find the best therapist for you. Finding a therapist is like test-driving a car – it’s okay to take your time finding the best fit. It’s important for you to express your experiences freely without having to constantly explain details (e.g., defining acronyms, describing job-specific duties) that are well-known to those in the service (Douglas, 2022). Seek out a therapist who understands military culture and your unique experience as a Service member or Veteran. Connect with your chaplain. Therapists and counselors are trained to help Service members work through moral injury. In addition, military chaplains (i.e., U.S. military’s educated, religious leaders who provide services to Service members and their families) will talk with you regardless of your faith or beliefs. Chaplains combine their knowledge of military culture with their own resource awareness to help those in need. Connecting with a chaplain could benefit you during your healing process. Surround yourself with your support system. According to Chesnut and colleagues, moral injury can lead to the potential impairment of social well-being, social support, and social relationships (Chesnut et al., 2020). Re-engaging with your communities, friends, and family, and increasing your social support may help you in your struggle with moral injury. Moral injury is difficult to deal with due to its negative psychological effects. Nonetheless, there are ways to work through the challenges – such as receiving mental health services – and continue moving forward. If you feel you may be struggling with decisions your service requires of you, surround yourself with your support system and know that there are trained professionals who can help you work through these emotions. To continue learning about moral injury, check out the Military REACH library and access current research summaries, reports, and other educational resources, released monthly. References Chesnut, R. P., Richardson, C. B., Morgan, N. R., Bleser, J. A., Perkins, D. F., Vogt, D., …. Finley, E. (2020). Moral injury and social well-being: A growth curve analysis. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(4), 587-597. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22567 Douglas, C. V. (2022). A phenological study and investigation of moral Injury with veterans. [Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University]. Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3722 Litz, B. T., Stein, N., Delaney, E., Lebowitz, L., Nash, W. P., Silva, C., & Maguen, S. (2009). Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(8), 695–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2009.07.003 Maguen, S., Griffin, B., Copeland, L., Perkins, D., Richardson, C., Finley, E., & Vogt, D. (2022). Trajectories of functioning in a population-based sample of veterans: Contributions of moral injury, PTSD, and depression. Psychological Medicine, 52(12), 2332-2341. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720004249 Maguen, S., & Norman, S. B. (2022). Moral Injury. National Center for PTSD. 33(1), 1-9. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/V33N1.pdf The Moral Injury Project. (n.d.). What is moral injury? Syracuse University. https://moralinjuryproject.syr.edu/about-moral-injury/the-moral-injury-project/ Wisco, B. E., Marx, B. P., May, C. L., Martini, B., Krystal, J. H., Southwick, S. M., & Pietrzak, R. H. (2017). Moral injury in U.S. combat veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Depression and Anxiety, 34, 340–347. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22614
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
With all the changes and stress that come from frequent relocations and deployments, military families can sometimes feel isolated from their communities. However, being connected to the community can often help manage those very stresses and support the wellbeing of military family members. This article will discuss the benefits of community connections and list suggestions for how to successfully integrate into a new community. Benefits to Feeling Connected to Your Community Recent research suggested that military parents who felt more connected to their community were more likely to use resilient coping strategies when difficult situations arose, such as creatively adapting to the situation, or seeing difficult situations as opportunities for growth. In this study, when parents reported using more resilient coping strategies, their children showed greater well-being and their whole family felt more connected and ready to take on challenges. We have also learned that stronger community connections play a role in family well-being, even after accounting for important aspects of military life, such as Service member rank and number of deployments. When Service members have strong community connections, they have greater life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms, and furthermore, their families are more adaptive and emotionally close. Community connectedness can benefit Service members, their individual family members, and the whole family. Engaging in community may be an effective coping strategy, but it does require consistent effort to achieve and manage—especially for families that relocate frequently. Below is a list of helpful tips to make integrating into a community a smoother process, even amid a global pandemic. Ways to Cultivate Community Connections 1. Find a place you feel comfortable and confident. Do you enjoy workout classes? Go to church? Love art or music? Have active children? Any of these different sectors of life have community linked to them; therefore, you might just need to be thoughtful about how you engage with these activities. If you are completely new to your area, do a little Googling to see if your preferred types of gyms, places of worship, museums, events, or parenting groups/youth recreation activities are nearby. You can even search for virtual meetings to ensure you are able to maintain social distance! 2. Bring a friend! It is always easier to go to a new event/place if you have another person with you to make things feel more comfortable and fun! A friend could be a spouse or even your child. If no one is available, feel confident in going alone - you will not be the only person attending solo, especially in communities surrounding military areas where transition is so common! 3. Give the community a second (or third!) chance. It is easy to be turned off after one negative experience with a person, the feel of the room, or even the location of an event, but don’t dismiss an opportunity to join a community without testing the waters a few times. It is easy to call it quits after one uncomfortable encounter, but your impression of a group may improve with a variety of experiences within that community. 4. Be engaged in more than one community. It can be nice to be part of multiple, diverse groups of friends and organizations. Maybe you attend a place of worship or a Bible study with one group, have a workout routine with another, and play dates for the kids with yet another group — whatever the case might be, it is nice to have multiple outlets in your life. That way, you always have opportunities to add more community connection activities, and they always feel new and exciting because your groups are so different! 5. Include your family. Doing activities as a family will help keep things nicely familiar, even in a new place. Plus, experiencing the community together will help you to love it more! Find activities you enjoy doing as a family and commit to doing them on a regular basis. For example, make it a priority for the family to attend sibling’s sporting events to cheer one another on (most likely, they will be able to find kids their own age there too). You can attend your faith community together weekly, virtually or in-person, and make both social and spiritual connections there. Many communities have regular family events such as musical concerts or movie screenings (now frequently adapted to be outdoors and socially distant), so consider checking these out as a family, and even inviting other families to join! Military families face unique stressors, but luckily, they are not alone. The community surrounding military families can offer great support, both to individual family members and the whole family. As the saying goes, “People need people.” So, lean in, use those around you as a source of support, and be an active member in your community—you just may be the person someone else needs! References: O’Neal, C. W., Mallette, J. K., & Mancini, J. A. (2018). The importance of parents’ community connections for adolescent well-being: An examination of military families. American Journal of Community Psychology, 61(1-2), 204-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12222 Link to TRIP report: https://militaryreach.auburn.edu/api/v1/Report?_=7eed8aeb-96ed-4867-830f-e9aa21d8ce34 O’Neal, C. W., Richardson, E. W., & Mancini, J. A. (2018). Community, context, and coping: How social connections influence coping and well-being for military members and their spouses. Family Process, Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12395 Link to TRIP report: https://militaryreach.auburn.edu/api/v1/Report?_=fae96ab1-f613-46ff-8c45-503b6e960994