SAFE's Don McCasland Addresses PTSD on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate our military heroes' journeys before and after their service to our country. Hear from men and women who are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; grandparents; siblings; and loyal friends. Hear members of the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy share personal stories and highlights from their military careers. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their rarely discussed acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners.

On Saturday, August 17, 2013, tune in hear from Iraqi Freedom Veteran turned Social Worker Don McCasland. Listen as Don share about his experience as a soldier who was deployed multiple times prior to his retirement. Hear him discuss the mental health issues they can plague active duty and the veteran community.

Don will also debunk the controversial article that appeared in the Leaf Chronicle on August 11 and discuss the message the article sent to the men and women at 101st Airborne. Don will share the focus of SAFE and how the Clarksville, TN based non-profit works with members of the military and their families who are fighting "for inner peace, their souls, and the desperate need to feel whole again." 

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST. 

More About Don McCasland

Don McCasland retired from the US Army after 21+ years of service in August 2009 as a Sergeant First Class. He served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm as well as 3 Tours in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, twice with a Field Artillery unit, and once with an Infantry unit. During his deployments to Iraq, he lost over 20 friends, and during his final tour, following years of combat trauma it was his experiences as the NCO in Charge of his units' Remains Recovery Team that were the breaking point for him. 

Following six years of unresolved mental and emotional trauma, he began to lose control of his life. On the verge of losing his family and everything important to him, he finally sought out counseling. With hard work and the support of a loving family, he came to grips with his PTSD. Though he still suffers from PTSD, he has the tools and skills to manage it so it no longer interferes with his life. In June of 2010, Don helped found The Lazarus Project, a non-profit that provides free counseling services to active duty, veterans and their families.

In January 2012, The Lazarus Project merged with SAFE (Soldiers and Families Embraced). SAFE offers professional mental health training specific to military psychology, workshops for family members, as well as free counseling, client advocacy, and education regarding veterans issues to the community at large. 

Don has earned his Bachelors and Masters in Social Work at Austin Peay State University. He is the Program Director at SAFE, and also offers counseling to at-risk military children at a Clarksville Middle School. In addition, he started SAFE's justice system outreach program, which offers support and advocacy for clients who are navigating the court system or are incarcerated. He has been married for 17 years to Joanne, who is also a Social Worker and they have a daughter and a son. 

More About SAFE (Soldiers and Families Embrace)

Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE) offers individual and group counseling services, as well as peer support groups for active duty, veterans and their families. These services are provided at no cost, and no insurance is required. We are a non-profit organization funded through grants and private donations. We will not deny services to any person on the basis of age, sex, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation.

SAFE’s mission is to serve as a resource for the community to ease the readjustment and reintegration of military members returning from our current wars and their families, as well as veterans from previous eras. We work towards peace and healing by providing the services required, advocating for clients, assisting the community at large in finding these services through other agencies, or facilitating the creation of programs by individual organizations. In addition, we strive to help develop future mental healthcare professionals who work with our demographic by offering internships and other professional development opportunities. In this way we are able to directly address the constantly growing need for well-trained providers to our community.

We offer individual and group counseling services, as well as peer support groups for veterans. All are conducted in a “safe place” where veterans can feel free to discuss any issues or problems without fear of judgment. Our peer support groups will allow veterans to speak with others who have “been there, done that” and understand what it’s like to have the same feelings and challenges. In addition, we offer individual counseling and support groups to the families and friends of veterans.  Our belief is that by strengthening and supporting those who struggle to live with and love those veterans, we can begin the healing and strengthen the community that will need to be able to unbind these veterans and let them live again. These services are provided at no cost, and no insurance is required.

SAFE will always respect the integrity and welfare of our clients. Each client is treated with respect, acceptance and dignity. The client’s right to self-determination is protected by SAFE. We recognize the client’s right to receive or refuse services. We also recognize and build on client strengths.

Client confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us at SAFE. Many, if not all of our clients are motivated to seek our services because they want privacy from University Staff and Faculty or unit Chain of Commands, Department of the Army, and Fort Campbell for fear of adverse actions, effects on Security Clearance status and/or promotions. Our staff will protect the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). SAFE will inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship. If it is suspected that danger or harm may occur to the client or to others as a result of a client’s behavior, we will act in an appropriate and professional manner to protect the safety of those individuals.

We are exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information about our nonprofit status, please visit our givingmatters.com profile here or our guidestar.org profile here.


Photo credits: SAFE and Don McCasland (used with permission) 


 

Iraqi Freedom Veteran turned Social Worker Debunks Study that Debunked Combat-Suicide Link

Guest Post By Don McCasland

As a 3-Tour 101^st Airborne Division Iraqi Freedom Veteran and current Director of Programs at Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE) in Clarksville,Tennessee. I read the article titled “Combat-Suicide Link Debunked” (August 11, 2013) with a mixture of shock, horror, frustration, and anger. This article, as well as the military PTSD study published in the JAMA cited failed to address PTSD in a meaningful way.

We should take note that the study was commissioned and financed by the Department of Defense, and conducted by active duty and civilian researchers and psychiatrists. Not exactly an impartial, third-party group. The DOD researchers have a vested interest in disputing PTSD claims. What did the study indicate? In summation, it states that the multiple deployments, the military’s handling of the aftermath of year after year of deployments as well as related stressors, and a lack of proper mental healthcare do not contribute to increased suicide rates. 

Another issue with this flawed “comprehensive study” is the data referenced is now outdated. According to the article, “…people from all branches took part, including active-duty service members, reservists and retirees, and they were followed from 2001 to 2008…”. Researchers used data from 2001-2008 to address military suicide rates in 2013. The Department of Defense is touting this study as definitive proof that they have been right about the issues of suicide all along by using a study that draws from surveys and numbers that are five to six years old? I can assure you, even an new undergraduate student at APSU writing a research paper knows better than to use data over five years old when there is more recent information available.

As I continued to read in dismay at the study's findings, the author stated, “At the same time, there was an increase in the number of people with mental illness in the military. The reason for that is unclear." The lack of clarity is not a mystery to any who have served in combat. There is a direct link to life stressors and mental health. Being in the military in a war zone is a major life stressor that will affect your mental health. 

In a study published by the US Army in 2010 called “Army Health Promotion, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention Report 2010” GEN Peter Chiarelli, the Army Vice Chief of Staff from 2008-2012, stated in the introduction that in 2009 “…we had 160 active duty suicide deaths, with 239 across the total Army (including Reserve Component). Additionally, there were 146 active duty deaths related to high risk behavior including 74 drug overdoses. This is tragic!”

 He goes on to say “…Some form of high risk behavior (self-harm, illicit drug use, binge drinking, criminal activity, etc.) was a factor in most of these deaths. When we examined the circumstances behind these deaths, we discovered a direct link to increased life stressors and increased risk behavior. For some, the rigors of service, repeated deployments, injuries, and separations from Family resulted in a sense of isolation, hopelessness and life fatigue.”

This same 2010 report clearly states- “…While 80,403 entry-level waivers occurred from FY 2004 – FY 2009, the number of entry-level separations decreased dramatically. This, in essence, created a net gain of approximately 10,000 Soldiers who might not have been eligible for entry into the Army before 2004. Of the 80,403 waivers granted, 47,478 were granted to individuals with a history of drug, alcohol, misdemeanor crimes, or serious criminal misconduct”

Interesting to note, these are figures are from the same time period that the “new comprehensive study” was conducted. And yet the authors of the study claim they were "unclear" as to the increase in mental health issues in the military.
  
In 2008, a RAND study stated that “…Of those who have a mental disorder and also sought medical care for that problem, just over half received minimally adequate treatment.”  Currently, there is an abundance of evidence that shows us that when people can not seek treatment for whatever reason, the first reaction from many is to “self medicate” by using drugs or alcohol to lessen the pain or to help them forget in a desperate attempt to cope with traumatic life events and stressors. Many active duty and veterans struggle with this constantly.

Members of our military are lost everyday to bombs and bullets in war zones. Those who survived the war come back to the "safety" of home but continue to fight internal life and death battles every day. In 2013, we have lost almost one veteran every hour to those battles...23 per day. Verterans who survived war are being lost to mental and psychological battles. They are seeking (and not finding) inner-peace, their souls, and the desperate need to feel whole again. These mental battles are the results of combat trauma and experiences that are the related to serving our country. Even after returning home, they have not "come home". Many who have served are admitting after returning home, their communities can seem like war zones and with "combatants" everywhere.

This study is presented as the “end all, be all” with no regards to the reasons for the ever increasing military-wide suicide rates. I am taken aback at the irresponsibility and insensitivity of the headline stating that the combat-suicide rate connection has been once and for all debunked. 

I served with the 101^st for 7 years before my retirement after multiple deployments. I personally know three individuals I served with who committed suicide. Now, in my role as a Social Worker, I see many clients and their family members who are on the brink of committing suicide or have actually done so. 

At a time when suicides are taking a toll on the 101st Airborne, what glaring headlines do we read from the Leaf Chronicle? "Combat -Suicide Link Debunked". Yes, a base that is struggling with the aftermath of being at war for two decades is told that combat trauma is not the cause of the suicides.The Leaf-Chronicle's article told those of us that have served our country that we are dealing with personality failings, addictions, and the inability to maintain a healthy relationships.

Shame. Shame on the military for attempting to shift the blame to people who served honorably and bravely. Shame on the Leaf-Chronicle for failing to dig deeper and ask the most basic of questions prior to publishing this article. Shame.

Photos: Don McCasland (used with permission)

Sources sited for this article: Army Research Laboratories (ARL), the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM), National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), the RAND Corporation and the Veterans Administration.

Military Health Expert Dr. Evelyn Lewis on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

In 1999, Congress designated the month of May as Military Appreciation Month to recognize and reflect on the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who serve and have served this great country of ours. This month is to celebrate and honor the contributions of those who are a part of and have been a part of the US Armed Forces and the contributions they have made in preserving our way of life. Many organizations and communities around the country are celebrating this month in various ways to recognize our Active Duty members and their families, our Reserve Component members and their families and our Veterans and their families.

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate the lives of men and women of our military. We will hear from active duty and veterans who will share personal stories and highlights from their military careers and the next chapter in their lives. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their many acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners.

 On Saturday, May 25, 2013, tune in to hear from CAPT.(sel) Evelyn Lewis&Clark, USN Retired, who served  twenty-five years in the Navy as a medical doctor. Hear her share about her career as a Navy family physician and the work she does now addressing post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Listen as we will learn how the military, families, communities, and leaders must become more educated and engaged about mental health among our veterans and active duty members of our military.

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, streaming live on line at UStream.TV and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST.


More About Dr. Evelyn Lewis&Clark

Spelman's Dr. Bell with Dr. Lewis

Dr. Lewis&Clark earned her medical degree from the University of the Health Sciences, The
Chicago Medical School and completed a residency in family practice at Naval Hospital
Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL. She completed a two-year faculty development fellowship at
Madigan Army Medical Center and Pacific Lutheran University with a Masters degree in the
Social and Behavioral sciences. In June 2003, Dr. Lewis retired from the United States Navy
after 25 years of service. During the next six years, Dr. Lewis &Clark was Director Medical
Policy World Wide Public Affairs and Policy for Pfizer, Inc.
.
Currently, she serves as Deputy Director, W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association Health Institute, Chief Medical Officer of the Steptoe Group, LLC, and President and CEO, Evelyn Lewis International Consulting. She also holds appointments in the departments of Family Medicine and Medical and Clinical Psychology Uniformed Services University (USU).

During her years of active service, prior assignments and appointments included Deputy Vice President for Minority Affairs, Director of the University Health Center, Director, Family Practice Clerkship, Vice Chair, Department of Family Medicine, Associate Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, and teaching faculty at several residency-training programs. Her professional and research interests include the impact of culture and cultural competency on healthcare outcomes, assessment and treatment of PTSD and TBI,education and training of healthcare professionals and allied health team members, health management and disease prevention, community outreach and engagement, weight management (obesity and overweight), health and healthcare disparities, healthcare policy, clinical trials and minority participation, and cultural competency.

Dr. Lewis&Clark is a member of several medical associations to include the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board, the National Medical Association (NMA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the AMA/NMA Commission to End Healthcare Disparities.

Her military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement. Joint Meritorious Unit, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” (two awards), National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service, Navy Sea Service Deployment, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service with bronze star, Coast Guard Special Operations Service and the Navy Expert Pistol (with silver “E”).

For More info about Dr. Lewis&Clark click here.

Other stories about our military featured on Living Your Best Life and Genmaspeaks:
Colonel Many-Bears Grinder 
Colonel Jacqueline Nave
Dr. Betty Moseley Brown 
FlyGirl Vernice Armour
Lt. Colonel Daphne Young
A Conversation with A Marine
Full Circle
Faces of Patriotism: Women in the Military

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Special Thanks to Arnie Joseph for help with this show.