PTSD Awareness and Support

The January 15, 2015, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with former Marine Captain and Afghanistan War Veteran, Brad Jones the author of Black Walls Turn Gray.

Program Date:  January 15, 2015

Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC

Topic: PTSD Awareness and Support

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2015/01/15/ptsd-awareness-and-support

About the Guest

Brad Jones is a "former captain and a Marine veteran of the Afghanistan War. Born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, he grew up in Salt Lick, a small town in Northeast Kentucky. He graduated from Morehead State University, University of Louisville and Sullivan University with degrees in Political Science and Business. Joining the service in October 2000, he served in the 1st Battalion 6th Marines and in the 6th Marine Regiment, and was deployed to Okinawa, South Korea, Japan, Liberia and, in 2004, Afghanistan. He is a member of a local Marine Corps League detachment. Today, he resides in Lexington and is the father of a 7-year-old daughter. Writing this book was a transformative experience for him, and he hopes to help other veterans and their families by using this novel to spread awareness and support for PTSD. He is available for interviews and events."  Brad Jones is the author of Black Walls Turn Gray.

According to the book description of Black Walls Turn Gray, "combat veteran Brad Jones is a novel about the consequences of modern warfare and the struggles that soldiers face when readjusting to civilian life. Young, fit, and from a military family, Corporal Quince Magowan sees serving his country as his patriotic duty. Unfortunately, fighting in his generation's war proves to be more than just a physical battle. With the enemy blending into both the shadows and the crowds in Afghanistan, Quince and his fellow Marines never have a warning of when or where the danger will appear.

When he returns home to his wife and young daughter, Quince finds that he has lost more than his sense of security. Though he is healthy by all appearances, darkness has trapped him in a painful prison, and he doesn't believe that anyone can understand his mental anguish. He is reluctant to admit to his struggles, but his tough yet compassionate father (who is a veteran of the Vietnam War) persuades him to seek treatment at the Lexington VA hospital, where doctors tell him he has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Quince finds that the path to healing is complicated and difficult, but is supported through this journey by those he loves.

This is a compelling story of filial and romantic love, of friendship, duty and heroism, and of America's challenges in treating its veterans for the invisible wounds of modern warfare. Author and Afghanistan veteran Brad Jones brings this great American dilemma home in Black Walls Turn Gray, his first published novel."

About the Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

           

About the Host

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen from the Archive: http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/ptsd_support_awareness.html

Program Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/565230616910514

"Iron Nickel" Returns to San Diego for Final Time

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin Knight, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5) returned to Naval Base San Diego Dec. 24 from a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

Upon return, the ship will make preparations to decommission in March after 34 years of service, 17 deployments and more than a million miles transited, and as the last remaining Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship.

During the ship's deployment Peleliu, its crew, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Three, Special Purpose Marine Task Force Three and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014 as part of U.S. 3rd Fleet. Upon assignment to 7th Fleet, the ship embarked Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and joined USS Germantown (LSD 42) to form the Peleliu Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG).

While deployed, the ARG conducted security and stability operations and exercises throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to include Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 15 and other maritime cooperation exercises with partner nations.

"Peleliu and her crew performed superbly throughout the deployment, serving as our flagship for the Amphibious Readiness Group," said Commodore Heidi Agle, commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven. "I am proud to have served with such outstanding Sailors and Marines during the ship's final deployment."

U.S. Pacific Fleet announced in February that USS Green Bay (LPD 20) will be forward deployed to replace the decommissioned USS Denver (LPD 9) in Japan. Peleliu deployed to the Western Pacific to mitigate the gap in amphibious presence.

The ship visited numerous ports including, Apra Harbor, Guam; Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan; Subic Bay, Philippines and Singapore. During the visits, Peleliu competed against partner nation teams during various sporting events and participated in community relations projects.

"Through community relations activities, Peleliu extended efforts to support strong relationships with both U.S.-based partners as well as regional allies and friends throughout the Western Pacific," said Cmdr. Jack Carver, the ship's chaplain. "They also offered our Sailors and Marines the opportunity to learn and develop an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage."

Over the course of deployment, Peleliu transited more than 25,000 nautical miles, conducted the safe launch and recovery of more than 50 Landing Craft Utility, 30 Landing Craft Air Cushion, and 25 Amphibious Assault Vehicle ship to shore movements, as well as carrier and deck landing qualifications and operations for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft squadrons, U.S. Army 160th Airborne and foreign aircraft from Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Argentina.

Peleliu is named for the Battle of Peleliu during World War II where 1,256 Marines gave their lives to take Peleliu.

"The crew routinely stepped up and exceeded my expectations during this challenging final deployment and I know that would not have been possible without the enormous support of our families and friends back at home" said Capt. Paul Spedero, commanding officer of Peleliu. "I'm proud of this crew and their dedicated families."

Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Hagel Calls Service Members on Christmas, Thanks Them for Service to Nation

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today called service members taking part in U.S. operations around the world to wish them a Merry Christmas, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby.

In a DoD News Release, Kirby said “Secretary Hagel expressed his appreciation for their service in defending the United States, and supporting our allies and partners.

“In each of the calls, Secretary Hagel noted that he knows how difficult it is to be away from home on this holiday and thanked the service members and their families for their sacrifice for the nation,” Kirby said.

Hagel spoke with representatives from each military service, including:

- Army Spc. Randolph A. Priest, of Barren Springs, Va. Priest is a communications specialist serving in Afghanistan, who is responsible for ensuring reliable communications between the headquarters and soldiers.

- Air Force Capt. Laura A. Klepper, of Palmdale, Calif.  Klepper is an F-15E weapon system officer deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility, providing combat airpower in support of regional missions. She was selected as her squadron’s flight commander of the year.

- Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas A. Vasko, Jr., of Medina, Ohio.  Vasko is an infantry advisor in Afghanistan, training allies in how to conduct patrols to prevent enemy freedom of movement and indirect fire attacks. He is also an assistant patrol leader.

- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Taylor A. Porter, of Dayton, Wash. Porter is deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility and leads an 11-person team in ensuring aviation equipment is maintained and safe for flight. She was selected as her squadron’s maintainer of the year and led the stand-up of a unit supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

“The secretary was delighted to be able to reach these service members, forward deployed as they are, and to wish them his best for the holiday,” Kirby said. “He asked that each pass on his best wishes to their units as well. The secretary was very grateful for the time these young leaders gave him.”