Grace Under Pressure: A Chaplain Reflects on Suicide Prevention

By Dana McCullough, Health.mil Staff

“Warfighting first.  Be ready to fight and win today, while building the ability to win tomorrow.”  Navy Chief of Chaplains (Rear Adm.) Mark L. Tidd shared this creed in an interview with health.mil to underscore September’s nationwide focus on suicide prevention.

Tidd observed that the same tenets that guide decision-making among seamen of all ranks apply to achieving a state of spiritual and mental well-being.

However, the battlefield of the mind, unlike the combat environment, is a painfully private terrain for some service members.  Some of our country’s bravest men and women struggle with personal demons, perceived failures and seemingly unanswerable life questions that, in the end, leave them desperate.  This is where Tidd and others like him, working closely with service members, their loved ones and medical providers, can step in.

 

 “We’re there, available, and accessible,” Tidd said, adding, “That time becomes an opportunity to have those important conversations…ones that often lead to conversations with family members.”  With a combination of scholarship and humor, the Chaplain explained, “We call that deckplate ministry because we walk the deck plates of the ship.  I call it ‘redeemed loitering’.”

For many, chaplains are known for providing religious services.  Tidd stressed, “The opportunity to practice one’s faith is a readiness issue.  The provision of religious ministry, meeting people’s religious needs is key to helping them toward resiliency.”  He added that, “We [chaplains] care for all, regardless of religious commitment, faith or no commitment.”

Additionally, spiritual counselors can work in tandem with members of the medical community to weigh options for well-rounded approaches to healing.

Tidd characterized the chaplain/physician collaboration as a partnership with the fundamental goal of achieving overall good health for the service member.

In Times of Doubt, Find Healing in Pastoral Care

By Jayne Davis, DCoE Strategic Communications

The soldiers were pinned down, taking heavy fire and casualties from what they determined was a lone gunner behind a protective wall. Finally, one soldier broke from the group, made his way to the wall and in a fervent burst of gunfire took the sniper out — it was an 11-year-old boy.

Later, that scene in the soldier’s head kept him from sleeping, played on his spiritual beliefs and made him question his moral compass. He felt unworthy of his religion, unworthy of his family. He knew he needed to talk to someone. He went to see a chaplain.

“Chaplains are often the first line of defense for service members wrestling with issues of moral and spiritual concerns,” said chaplain and Navy Cmdr. Raymond Houk, who related the sniper story. Houk is assigned to Pastoral Care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and works at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.

“The unique relationship between chaplain and service member creates a pocket of trust wherein we can help with issues like forgiveness, grief, survivor’s grief and inner moral conflicts — issues that stay with people after experiencing difficult situations and making life and death decisions. Often what’s needed is for them to accept that they made the best decision under the circumstances,” said Houk. “In those cases, we offer support and compassion to help them forgive themselves.”

Chaplains can be in the unique circumstance of having to counsel a service member on both spiritual and psychological loss — and be able to distinguish differences.

In many parts of the world where deployed units are on smaller ships or isolated outposts, behavioral or psychological health care providers are not commonly attached to the units, but most often chaplains are. That puts them in the position of also being the first line of defense for service members having psychological concerns, such as posttraumatic stress. Although some behaviors are common to both spiritual and psychological concerns, chaplains are trained to identify symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “We’re trained to know when the service member needs to seek behavioral health care so we’re very familiar with sleeplessness, intrusive thoughts, nervousness and anger issues,” said Houk. (Read this post about one chaplain’s personal experience with PTSD.)

A spiritual assessment is often the first step for a chaplain faced with helping service members showing signs of PTSD. An assessment helps identify spiritual needs important to their psychological health care, said Houk. “It may include faith practices or beliefs that give their life purpose, meaning, depth and value — beliefs that can impact their behavioral health,” said Houk.

At military treatment facilities chaplains can read, make notes to and include the spiritual assessment in electronic records. “Knowing that a spiritual assessment is not separate from treatment but an integral part of the healing plan encourages the patient to be more forthcoming about their spiritual beliefs, and raises their awareness that their beliefs can be a source of strength and healing during the recovery process,” said Houk.

Houk pointed out that it’s critical for the patient to understand that the chaplain is part of the medical team. Historically, chaplains have had close relationships with medical personnel. “From my perspective, the process of moving service members from spiritual counseling to provider care is handled well, but chaplains still need to be intentional about keeping proactive relationships with health care providers,” said Houk. “Providers need to be aware of chaplains’ capabilities and trust them to make solid referrals.”

Chaplains can find support and resources in this fact sheet and through the Chaplain Working Group hosted by Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. Contact the group for details.

ECSG Sailors, Marines Participate in Athens Project Handclasp

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Britney Epps, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

ATHENS, Greece (NNS) -- Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ECSG) Sailors and Marines helped support the organization Doctors of the World, March 29, as part of the Navy's people-to-people program, "Project Handclasp."

Fifteen Sailors and Marines from aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Lt. Eddy Logan, guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg's (CG 69) command chaplain, teamed up to help those in need and foster a positive community relationship.

The organization has been located in Athens for nearly 15 years and its original mission of supporting women and children quickly turned into helping less fortunate families, immigrants, refugees and local communities in need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.

"Greeks love Americans and this project creates a great image that can be seen as 'Simply amazing,'" said U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Assistant Dimitria Lucas.

Volunteers involved helped with sorting and packing pharmaceuticals. Social workers and the organization's director were thankful for the efforts of the participants, who packed more than 100 boxes and cleared space for future use.

"When out and off the ship, it feels good to be able to give back to a community other than my own," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sarah Coleman, an Enterprise Sailor.

Vicksburg, a part of the ECSG, donated 1,500 medical items ranging from disposable adhesive bandages to cold wraps and other supplies necessary to maintain this non-profit organization.

This was the first visit to Athens by Enterprise in more than 49 years, and the second visit by the U.S. Navy since Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) visited several years ago.

According to Enterprise volunteers, Sailors and Marines are always willing to help out, and in the end, it pays off and makes them want to do more whenever they are given the opportunity to do so.

"The pride and satisfaction you get from being able to make a difference is fantastic and rewarding," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Steven Dufresne, an Enterprise Sailor.

Doctors of the World asked for help from the Navy and Sailors and Marines came together so the mission could be accomplished.

Navy Chaplain Recalls Journey in Latest Real Warriors Campaign Video Profile

 “You can’t go back to what you were … you have to adapt to what you are.”

     —Lt. Cmdr. Steve Dundas, U.S. Navy chaplain

With 30 years in the military, the last 12 with the Navy, Lt. Cmdr. Steve Dundas thought he was sufficiently familiar with and steeled against the impacts of war. A deployment to Anbar province, Iraq, where he supported service members stationed in remote areas, changed his mind: literally.

As a trauma department chaplain, Dundas had seen death. He had studied post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ministered to Marines diagnosed with it. But on this mission, he experienced the full impact of what Marines were exposed to—sights, sounds, smells and sheer exhaustion; traveling through some of the most hostile and inhospitable areas in Iraq; and coming under attack, the constant awareness that chaplains were a favorite target of al Qaeda.

When he returned home he felt disconnected from the life he knew. He questioned his faith. Constantly angry, depressed and on-edge, Dundas felt at-odds with his life and his spiritual calling.

A medical officer recognized his PTSD symptoms. With help from a therapist, Dundas started a journey of self-discovery, processing his combat exposure, spiritual crisis and life experiences through writing.

Dundas returned to his profession with new perspectives and a heightened awareness that for some who seek his help, seeking psychological health care may be the best advice he can give.

In this new Real Warriors Campaign video profile, Dundas delivers a clear message of hope and understanding to service members coping with psychological health concerns: while life may have changed for them, they can find a path forward by reaching out for help.

“It’s not something where we’re going to be better overnight [from seeking help] but it will be … a step on the way to healing … a step on the way to integrating those [combat] experiences with our daily life now,” said Dundas.

Real Warriors video profiles stand as testimony to the strength shown by service members who’ve reached out for psychological health care and support. View all of the videos and find information and resources at realwarriors.net.

Bataan Participates in Community Relations Projects

From USS Bataan Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) volunteered for community relations (COMREL) projects while in Rota, Spain, Jan. 17.

Sailors and embarked Marines participated in two separate COMRELs during the ship's visit. Volunteers chose to give up some of their liberty to visit a local home for the elderly, while another group played a soccer game against a local Spanish team. A total of 17 Sailors and Marines of all ranks attended the events, which help to forge stronger bonds with the local community.

"COMREL events give our Sailors and Marines a chance to interact with people from another country," said Cmdr. Russell Graef, a Navy chaplain, Religious Ministries department head and coordinator of the COMRELS. "This helps to create good will between the U.S. and the international community. It builds bridges of understanding between people who would otherwise never get a chance to meet."

At the first COMREL, Sailors played guitar and sang for the residents at one home run by a Spanish convent.

"That put a smile on their faces," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Randy Howe, a participant in the music COMREL. "We let them know that people really care. It makes me proud seeing my fellow sailors give up a little of their liberty to help others."

Residents at the retirement home thanked the volunteers with a standing ovation.

A second group of 13 volunteers also played a soccer game against a local Divisional Two team from Rota. Although the American team lost to the more experienced Spanish team, Sailors agreed the game was still an excellent way to let off steam from a long deployment, and to have some fun.

"We had a chance to meet and play against some really great soccer players," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) Morden Joyles, who participated in the game. "We usually don't get a chance to practice onboard ship, so this was an excellent outlet."

Both of the COMRELs were considered a success by those who gave their time.

"We do COMREL projects because it gives all interested personnel a great opportunity to interact with civilians and military members from foreign countries in a venue that may not otherwise be available," said Graef. "There are many people on Bataan who want to give of themselves. They want to do things for others."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Enterprise Sailors and Families United Through Reading

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Religious Ministries Division (RMD) aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) began offering the United Through Reading program to all crew members while underway for COMPTUEX Jan. 13.

United Through Reading is a program designed to allow service members to keep in touch with their children by reading to them on video.

"The United Through Reading program is an awesome tool used to connect Sailors, Marines and other service members to their children and families while on deployment," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Terry A. Burrell, RMD's leading chief petty officer and United Through Reading coordinator on Enterprise.

Participation in the program is relatively simple. RMD Sailors record the reading session in a private location, copy it to DVD, and then give it to the participating service member to mail home.

The program has proven to be quite successful.

"On the last deployment we had around 1,000 recordings," said Burrell.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class George N. Cintron, the assistant leading petty officer of the ship's bow catapult, and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Bonita R. Huffman, a customer service supervisor, participated in the United Through Reading program during Enterprise's last deployment.

"My son was one-year-old and it was important to me to have him hear my voice and see my face so that when we returned from cruise he would know who I was," said Cintron.

"I participated in the United Through Reading program last deployment and it was awesome," said Huffman. "After I sent my video off to my son, my mom said that they watched it and listened to it every night."

Burrell said that children will gain experience with words, letters and sounds through the program so when participants are reading they should try to show the book to the camera. He also said one of the program's missions is to motivate and inspire children to read and develop a love for reading.

The ship's library has a variety of children's books for participants to choose from while preparing for their session.

"My son is six-years-old," said Huffman. "He actually asked my mom to buy the books that I read in the video so that he could learn them and read them to me when I got back."

"A lot of the books I read were Dr. Seuss books, and four to five page beginner books featuring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck," said Cintron. "I tried to find books with a lot of pictures so that I could interact with him (my son) as best as I could."

Crew members who are interested in participating in the United Through Reading program can sign up and schedule an appointment with RMD. Appointments are available in 30-minute increments. Anyone serving aboard Enterprise can participate regardless of whether or not they have children.

Burrell, Cintron, and Huffman agreed the program is a great way for service members to keep in contact with any family member.

"I think my wife enjoyed it too," said Cintron, "I feel like anyone with a loved one, but especially a child, should participate in this program."

Face of Defense: Chaplain Ministers to Many Faiths

By Marine Corps Cpl. Kenneth Jasik

1st Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Aug. 25, 2011 – Navy Chaplain (Capt.) Michael A. Mikstay was just a small boy when he first heard the calling to become a priest.

“I began to be interested in priesthood in second grade,” said Mikstay, a Canton, Ohio, native who serves here as the head chaplain of the 1st Marine Logistics Group. “I went to Catholic school, and I saw the priests very involved in the lives of people.

“At that point, I thought that would be a wonderful thing to do,” he continued, “and I believe as I got older, that calling and attraction got stronger and was affirmed by numerous people.”

Mikstay, now 56, realized his dream, and served as a civilian priest for several years, until the first Gulf War.

“I had been a priest in the town of Poland, Ohio, and we had a number of parishioners whose family members were being activated in reserve and Guard units,” Mikstay said. “It became a very difficult time, so I felt a need to respond to the crisis that the nation and the world was experiencing.”

Mikstay, then 37, joined the Navy’s Chaplain Corps in 1992. He was too late for Operation Desert Storm, but he found himself in the middle of a different fight just a few months later.

“My first unit was with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit -- we went to Somalia,” he said. “Six months out of chaplain’s school, in downtown Mogadishu, I found myself praying, ‘Oh God, what did I do?’”

In Somalia, Mikstay traveled between his ship and forward operating bases in the region to provide services, along with religious and spiritual guidance and counseling.

“I had a whole lot of opportunity to get around,” Mikstay said. “I went around with all aspects of the MEU.” In addition to providing religious services, Mikstay said, he helped to distribute food and water to residents of Somalia.

After service with the 24th MEU and Somalia, Mikstay served with 5th Battalion, 10th Marines, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.; 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.; and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Serving in the military has helped his growth as a priest, Mikstay said.

“[My service in Somalia] set the stage for my life in the military,” he explained. “Being at the MEU level was a great experience, and it allowed me to be involved in many of the operations that the Marine Corps is involved in.

“Civilian ministry and military ministry are different in many ways,” he continued. “Civilian ministry is geared toward a denomination, church or parish. Military chaplains serve people of all faiths.”

Mikstay may be a Catholic priest, but as a Navy chaplain he facilitates religious services for troops of all beliefs.

“When you get down to it, the primary reason we have military chaplains in any of the services is because our nation is adamant about the fact that we provide for the free exercise of religion,” Mikstay said. “It’s one of our constitutional rights to be able to exercise our religion, and chaplains are here to guarantee that, regardless of what faith you believe in, or even if you have no faith whatsoever.”

Mikstay said becoming a Navy chaplain is a calling, much like the priesthood, noting he enjoys sharing his experiences.

“It’s a response to your faith,” he said. “At this point, I’ve been promoted to a position that is supervisory, so I now have an opportunity to pass on to younger chaplains and [religious program specialists] my experiences and knowledge.”

Navy Chaplain Teaches Soldiers about Suicide Prevention

By Robin Holland, Training Support Center Hampton Roads Public Affairs

Norfolk (NNS) -- A Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) Navy Chaplain taught the importance solidarity plays in suicide prevention to soldiers at the Army School of Music in Norfolk, Va., May 5.

TSCHR Chaplain Lt. Leo O'Boyle began his briefing by telling a story about baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Peewee Reese.

O'Boyle spoke of Robinson who was the first African-American to break the color barrier as a player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In one particular game in Cincinnati, Robinson played and endured racial slurs while one irate fan threw a beer bottle at Robinson. In this particular incident, Reese, who played shortstop, walked over to Robinson and put his arm around his shoulder.

"Now you might say this wasn't anything extraordinary, but remember the time, climate and the tension; Peewee Reese was making a stand both as an individual and as a teammate," said O'Boyle. "Later in life, Jackie Robinson commented in his biography that if it wasn't for Reese's actions, he would have hung up his spikes forever. This just goes to show you, we never know, at times, the impact a measure of solidarity has in another person's life."

Additionally, O'Boyle showed a clip from the movie "A Scent of a Woman," starring Al Pacino who plays Frank Slade, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. Frank is blind and impossible to get along with. Chris O'Donnell plays the role of Charlie Simms, who agrees to look after Frank during the Thanksgiving holiday. Since Charlie is trying to save up a little money so that he can make it home for Christmas, he agrees to look after Frank only to learn that Frank has plans of committing suicide.

After the video, O'Boyle and the students analyzed the clip, and then listed the target audiences for suicide. Men are four times more likely to kill themselves or to die from suicide than women, and yet women attempt suicide more often than men. The number one target audience is between the 15-25 age range in which suicide is the third leading cause of death. Retirees, just like character played by Pacino, are also very likely to commit suicide. In closing O'Boyle shared with the soldiers a two minute video called "Just Ask," which teaches that by just asking if someone is ok, one could help save a life.

"You might notice alterations in personal behavior or changes in attitude that are just very different from how you know that person," said O'Boyle. "If you sense something is wrong, one of the greatest things you can do is say, 'Hey, how are you doing? Or you don't seem yourself?' Just Ask is our motto. That may open an opportunity for a person to express what's going on in their life, and the last thing you want to do is to think you missed that opportunity."

"Chaplain O'Boyle's suicide prevention brief was very effective," said Staff Sgt. Freddie Valenzuela, Army School of Music platoon sergeant. "He engaged the students by showing them video clips they could relate to. We will definitely invite him back."

For those who would like a copy of the "Just Ask" DVD, contact O'Boyle at (757) 492-6648.