Category Archives: Guest Blogger

Alternative Therapies

Posted on September 15, 2010 by LL| Leave a comment

PTSD has been studied quite a bit these past few years and there is no one treatment that works to “cure” people of it. But there are therapies and different ways to cope. Medications, group therapy, individual therapy. And there have been attempts to look outside the traditional treatment sphere. I posted about how one doctor is studying nerve surgery to interrupt the autonomic responses a little. I’ve seen stories about companion service dogs used to help and help soothe those dealing with PTSD. As long as it is not detrimental, I think all of these can be used to help someone deal with symptoms.

The History MILITARY Channel will have a story about one of the alternative treatments. The show will air on Sunday, September 19th at 10pm and it is called Horse Sense and Soldiers. The man known as the Horse Whisperer, Monty Roberts, will help 3 PTSD stricken troops connect with wild horses, and in the process, help them connect with themselves. According to the press release:

Through an innovative yet experimental approach to coping with PTSD, Roberts shares his lifetime of experience and insight in non-violent training as he gently coaches each veteran to read the silent language of horses and reach the point of breakthrough, or “Join Up,” the moment at which a wild horse will trust and accept human contact. It is an emotional and striking metaphor for how these soldiers can work through and cope with their debilitating depression and anger.

I own pets and have loved animals all my life, so I know how that sort of unconditional trust and love can be a calming influence, even on a stressful day. I’m sure it can help for those willing to be open to that type of therapy. Anything to help relieve and settle the soul is a good thing in my book.

Anyway, you might want to check it out on Sunday. Below is the trailer for the show.

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Guest Post: Day at the Beach [Part 3]

Posted on September 15, 2010 by You Served Editorial Staff| Leave a comment

C-17 cargo jet by Ack Ook

We recently opened YouServed.com for contributions from all Military members and Veterans. SGT Hovertank, a nine-year Army Reserve Veteran and now a VA Mortgage Center.com Loan Officer, is our first taker.

Each week we post a new part of his article, “Day at the Beach,” recounting the Sergeant’s first-hand stories and observations from GTMO. Read part 1 & part 2 of the series.

This week: The path to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

January 5th 2002 and the C-17 cargo jet that carried me into my greatest adventure taxis to a stop on a dark airstrip in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

It’s been a harrowing experience for a reservist from rural Missouri. As much as I love the military, I will never understand the scale of inefficiency necessary to turn the 2-hour flight from Southern Texas to Cuba into a 23-hour ordeal. Elian Gonzalez probably made the trip faster in a waterlogged bathtub with a Shrek Umbrella for a sail.

I don’t remember all of the stops that night. I mostly remember being huddled in my tiny jump seat, which incidentally would only accommodate one butt cheek at a time. My M-16 and M-249 beside me, I was hoping the “real soldiers” on the plane didn’t laugh at us when they realized that we were not only reservists but Intel guys to boot. I couldn’t help but wonder how my dad felt in a similar seat over 3 decades ago when he rode a C-130 in to the jungles of Vietnam. He had to be wondering how many of the seats would be empty on the return trip home; wondering more specifically if his seat would be empty.

No such concerns for me. Honestly my biggest fear was a slow awful death from skin cancer. It was impossible to find the high-octane sunscreen at Wal-Mart in January.

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Why Serve?

Posted on September 14, 2010 by You Served Editorial Staff| 1 Comment

MAJ Keith D. McManus with R. Lee Ermey moments before detonating 10,000 pounds of explosives.

You Served.com Editorial Note: MAJ Keith D. McManus, of Command and General Staff College, ILE Class 10-003, Fort Belvoir, VA, emailed You Served with an essay of his on why he joined and what has motivated him to continue serving.

The question of whether or not to serve one’s country by joining the military certainly crosses the minds of many people these days. When people find out that I am in the Army, many inquire as to why I joined and if I recommend others to join as well. Though I am certainly not a recruiter, I always try to share the positive aspects of my experiences and try to highlight the benefits of joining the military. My reasons for joining are not necessarily the same as my reasons for staying and making the Army a career. The common thread, however, is that the opportunities I have been afforded since joining the Army are unparalleled in any civilian career field. I serve because the things I am able to do in the Army are interesting, inimitable, and indispensable.

The reasons that I joined the Army are pretty common among young recruits: free education, regimented living, physical rigor, the allure of adventure and excitement. My initial choice was to enlist in the Army. However, when I told this to my Latin teacher she told me that I should go to Annapolis. I had never heard of the Naval Academy and I asked if the Army had an academy as well. After gathering more information about the United States Military Academy at West Point, I started the long, arduous process of applying for a Congressional nomination and an appointment to the Academy. Once I got into West Point, I realized that what I would be doing for the next ten years of my life was fairly fixed. To a seventeen year old this might seem scary and it did seem that way to many of my friends. However, I saw this as a benefit. Specifically, I would graduate from a top-rate school without any student loans, have a job with decent pay and benefits as well as quick promotion, have the chance to see the world, and most importantly, I would have the opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters.

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Posted in Guest Blogger

Guest Post: Day at the Beach [Part 2]

Posted on September 8, 2010 by You Served Editorial Staff| 3 Comments

Apache AH-64 Longknife Squadron, Fort Hood by High Above Texas

We recently opened YouServed.com for contributions from all Military members and Veterans. SGT Hovertank, a nine-year Army Reserve Veteran and now a VA Mortgage Center.com Loan Officer, is our first taker.

Each week we’ll post a new part of his article, “Day at the Beach,” recounting the Sergeant’s first-hand stories and observations from GTMO.  Click here to read part 1.

This week: From 9/11 to selection in an active duty element from Southern Command

There are no words for me to describe my feelings on September 11th. I often hear other people tell their stories about where they were and what they were feeling. I have to be quiet, because my emotions will betray me. That day I knew one thing for sure. The United States was going to do something about those murderous cowards, and I was going to be there when they did. A family friend died that day when falling pieces of the first tower struck him in the head while evacuating. He left behind a grief stricken wife and two little boys. It was the first time he had ever visited NYC.

I remember feeling sympathy for every person not in the military. Their resolve for justice was no less than mine, their anger no less righteous. The difference was that mine had an outlet. No hand ringing for me. No uncertainty about what I could do to help. That afternoon I starched my uniforms and polished my boots anew. When I pinned my rank to my collar that day my eyes were moist. I knew the next time I donned that uniform, the uniform of my father and uncles and grandfathers, it would be with a purpose. It would be for the greatest purpose that I would ever lend myself to on this earth.

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Guest Post: Day at the Beach

Posted on September 1, 2010 by You Served Editorial Staff| 3 Comments

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba by JTF Guantanamo

We recently opened YouServed.com for contributions from all Military members and Veterans. SGT Hovertank, a nine-year Army Reserve Veteran and now a VA Mortgage Center.com Loan Officer, is our first taker.

Each week we’ll post a new part of his article, “Day at the Beach,” recounting the Sergeant’s first-hand stories and observations from GTMO.

I’m not much of a writer but I’ve been kicking myself forever for not taking the time to jot down some of my experiences and the blog was a great excuse. I should probably say that I hope someone else enjoys reading my observations or is somehow enriched because I’ve chosen to share my memories. Frankly, that would be a lie. I’ve amused myself so much retracing these steps and remembering all of these people that I’m not terribly concerned anymore if anyone even reads it, much less likes it. Just in case, however, here is an intro to get everyone up to speed.

The most exciting and rewarding job I have ever had was working as an analyst in the interrogation cell at JTF-170. I was fortunate enough to be one of the original 20 people who stood up the interrogation facility in GTMO in 2002. I was literally there when the Seabees built the first tool shed intended as an interrogation booth. I was there when we got to treat our foreign guests to blaring renditions of “Back in Black” and “God Bless America” every morning. You’ll have to forgive me if some of my dates or unit designations are incorrect. All of this has been written down many years after the fact and I’m sure to get some things wrong. I have changed all names, but if you happen to recognize yourself from any of my descriptions please feel free to burn me (in writing) in effigy.

It’s appropriate to give some background for my assignment to JTF-160/170 Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and how an insurance salesman was briefly an NCOIC in the most highly scrutinized facility on earth.

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Last Week’s Show

Posted on June 2, 2010 by LL| Leave a comment

I was fortunate to guest co-host last week’s podcast (CJ was traveling to spend time with his family and Troy had a family commitment also, so it was just the Redshirt and myself) and I wanted to talk about the guests a little and point you towards their websites and projects.

I have never spoken to a more gracious, poised and sweet young woman as Taryn Davis. She was widowed at the age of 21 and she is a strong advocate for her group, The American Widow Project. She and American widows everywhere were honored at the Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC. Please take the time to listen to the interview and hear what her group does. It is an important message and the group does amazing things to help each other. Also, take the time to read the stories of our nation’s widows who struggle each day without their beloved husbands and partners. Make sure to have a box of kleenex nearby.

The other guest was Donald Overton, of Veterans of Modern Warfare. He has an impressive list of credentials, but more importantly, his group is structured to help veterans from Desert Shield/Desert Storm onward. I have met and worked with the local Vietnam Veterans of America group and I know how tight-knit they are. The VMW was mentored by the VVA as a group and they have some great ideas to help veterans from the more recent conflicts. I was very impressed with their idea of a chaplaincy program and Mr. Overton explains their goals in the interview. This is another good listen and if you served in the Gulf Wars, please consider joining this vet’s organization and maybe starting a local chapter to help organize and advocate for each other!

I want to thank our guests and thank Marcus for his patience. It was a great experience and I truly enjoyed speaking with both Taryn Davis and Donald Overton.

Listen to this episode:

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Posted in Guest Blogger, Podcast, You Served Radio

Send Lubin Back to Afghanistan

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Troy| 2 Comments

If you have ever had the good fortune to meet and know Andrew Lubin, then you easily know what a great American he is and what great things he has done through his own service, supporting his son’s service and through his years of tireless reporting and embeds.

Andrew is a milblogger, accomplished and recognized author and has worked very hard going back and forth to Afghanistan and helping get the word out. There are others in the new media space that have done a lot of time in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. Some of them have burned bridges, lost their embed status and in some opinions have lost touch with reality.

Andrew is too well grounded and also well connected in the Corps and in Afghanistan. The Marines have the utmost respect for him just like many do for Ollie North and they always treat him well when he can get over there.

Getting over there is the issue and this is where Andrew needs your help. His trips are largely self-funded and he needs your assistance. Before I wrote this posting, I led by example as the Army always trained me to do and went to the link below and pledged some money to Andrew myself.

So if you believe in what Andrew is doing, want to support, and would like to hear from him and get the real story from the front lines in the Global War on Terrorism (yes I still call it that, because that is what it is), then go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1363540186/send-andrew-back-to-afghanistanand make a pledge.

Andrew Lubin has been a guest on You Served Radio and Podcast a couple of times and plans to be back on in the next few weeks.

Originally posted on www.bouhammer.com


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Posted in Charities/Contests, Guest Blogger, Patriotism

Budgetary Preparation

Posted on April 13, 2010 by LL| Leave a comment

Going back to the founding of our nation, we have always borne the financial responsibility of taking care our disabled troops. We do it with gratitude and grace because our military members deserve that and more.

The White House has released a 5 year plan to increase the base funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs by $25 Billion. Sadly, I think that is not nearly enough to fund the programs that will become increasingly strained over the next several years.

The Chicago Tribune has written an interesting piece addressing the costs of treatment for PTSD. They based a lot of the numbers on claims filed with the VA. But if you look at the first man profiled in the story, Eric Johnson, it took him NINE YEARS to be diagnosed. For all the current claims in the system, how many men and women are struggling with PTSD without treatment because they either don’t recognize the symptoms, they don’t want to deal with the VA, they don’t want to acknowledge they have a problem, etc?

As budgets are done each year and as ridiculous, spurious, and wasteful entitlement spending sucks up greater portions of our tax dollars, we out here in the public have to be vigilant and aware and LOUD about making sure that our veterans are completely taken care of. They are not an “addendum” type thing. They are a solid funding requirement. Period.

I’ll try to do occasional updates on this topic as I have time, but I’m counting on all of you to help me when/if it comes time to call out politicians. I have little faith in the government at this point, but I have great faith in the citizens of the United States. We’ll make sure we uphold our obligations to those who fight and die for us.

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Posted in Guest Blogger, Uncategorized, Veteran Benefits

Exploiting Wounded Warrior Benefits

Posted on October 26, 2009 by tmunson| 2 Comments

I recently was alerted to a situation of a “wounded warrior” .. now this shouldn’t really surprised you because of  my work with HASMO. I was a little ticked off because of all the soldiers I see who fight for higher disability ratings, services, etc.

This situation definitely had NOTHING to do with combat related injuries much less even being in the Army. This soldier was listed under the Warrior Transition Brigade by the Army. I’m not sure why but I’m assuming that the Army didn’t know how to classify him.

I can’t go into the various specifics for several reasons, including privacy reasons… but this soldier was diagnosed with a disease during Individual Entry Training (Basic/AIT) . It had nothing to do with anything that he did or was asked to do during that time.  The Army paid for all his medical care and treatment in order for him to get better, so that he could serve.

I understand the reasons why the Army placed him in the WTB unit but should the Army have to pay disability for this soldier? We hear stories of so many warriors with combat related injuries who don’t get what they need. They deserve to have what they are asking for. They went to war and fought for their country.. they did what the country asked them to do.

Why are we giving special benefits,etc to soldiers that don’t have combat or mission related injuries. I have read or heard some many stories of soldiers who are dealing with the effects of PTSD and other issues  and can’t get what they need.

This particular soldier, let’s call him Jason… is getting out of the Army and got a job that was specially created for “wounded warriors”. How is this fair? He’s not a wounded warrior… he doesn’t have a physical or mental disability. He was given a clean bill of health and can get almost any job he wants. He is using these particular benefits of the Army’s Wounded Warrior program to his advantage because I’m guessing he feels the Army owes him something.

The kicker is that this soldier didn’t get sick because of anything that the Army or his country asked him to do.  While I feel bad for him and his specific situation, but I don’t think its fair or the right thing to do.

I think its a load of horse hockey.  I feel that the benefits of being in WTB and the wounded warrior job program should be available to those that are just that… WOUNDED warriors. (mentally and physically)

What do you think?

Tammy Munson is an Army Wife whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan. She is also mom to 2 daughters, blogger, social media geek and lover of techie stuff. You can read more about her at her blog, ArmyHousehold6.com

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Donations needed for COIN Reference Library

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Troy| Leave a comment

The Counterinsurgency Academy is located in Kabul, Afghanistan at the base of the ruins of the Queens castle. The purpose of the Academy is to teach and expand the doctrine of population centric concepts for operations in Afghanistan, and beyond. The contributions the Academy is making to Gen. McChrystal’s strategy can not be understated, nor can the challenges of implementing an expanded doctrine of population centric operations.

In an attempt to support the operations of the Academy, as well as the many soldiers that attend and instruct here, I have developed a "wish list" on Amazon.com of books in hopes of creating an Honorary Counterinsurgency Learning Library made up entirely of donations from our communities back home. The intent is to further expand the awareness of culture, methods and operations that promote the end goal of national unity, governance and security for the people of Afghanistan.

To find the list, all you need to do is log into Amazon.com, click on "Wish Lists" and then on the right side of the page in the search window for "Wish Lists" type in:
counterinsurgency.institute@gmail.com
The name of the wish list is: COIN Library – Kabul.

I am continually being asked about donations for soldiers and items of need. This list, though only in the initial phases of development, is something that will have a lasting use and impact on the soldiers here at the Academy and the students of the Academy who eventually take what is learned here and apply the concepts downrange. If the interest is there to support the soldiers by way of donations, I would encourage you become involved in this effort through Amazon.com. The shipping address is listed through the "Wish List." If you wish to donate another book for the library not listed on the list, or wish to purchase a book from another source other than Amazon.com, the same mailing address applies. For reference, the mailing address here at the academy is listed below:

Scott Kesterson
COIN Academy
Camp Phoenix
APO AE  09320

Thank you all in advance.
Scott Kesterson.

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Posted in Guest Blogger, Military Strategy, Patriotism

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