Spur Ride

 

Virginia National Guardsmen participate in a spur ride at Fort Pickett, Va., Aug. 11, 2021.

Jungle Ops

 

Army Cpt. Thelma Teal participates in jungle operations training at East Range, Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2021. Soldiers take the course to become familiar with jungle operation tactics, techniques and procedures required to fight, win and survive any tropical jungle environment.

Immediate Response

 

Soldiers assigned to the Immediate Response Force mobilize at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., August 14, 2021.

Safe Slumber

 

An Afghan child sleeps aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, kept warm by the uniform of the C-17 loadmaster, during an evacuation flight from Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 15, 2021. Service members helped facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

Commander’s Arrival

 

Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, arrives at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2021.

Vaccine Ready

 

Army Spc. Dorien Lewis, a combat medic with Division Sustainment Troops Battalion MEDOPS, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, administers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to an Army soldier at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 17, 2021. Medics across Camp Arifjan held a COVID-19 vaccine drive for personnel that are not fully vaccinated.

Moderna Vaccines

 

U.S. Army combat medics across Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, administered the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to soldiers and civilian contractors at Camp Arifjan, Aug. 16-17, 2021. A COVID-19 vaccination drive was held for personnel to have the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Supply Drop

 

Sailors aboard the USS Kearsarge receive supplies from an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 9, 2021.

City Lights

 

An F-16C Falcon fighter jet prepares for takeoff during Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Aug 4, 2021.

Smiling Soldier

 

A soldier smiles through a yellow smoke grenade during Exercise Garuda Shield at the Baturaja Training Area, Indonesia, Aug. 12, 2021. Garuda Shield brings together U.S. and Indonesian armies to train on jungle warfare.

Power Pull

 

Airmen pull a light medium tactical vehicle during training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2021.

Navy Jack

 

A sailor lowers the Navy Jack aboard the USS Monterey at the Port of Djibouti, Aug. 6, 2021.

Oral Care

 

Army Sgt. Stovall Volanta teaches a young girl during a partnership oral hygiene class in Djibouti, Aug. 11, 2021.

Freedom Freefall

 

A service member participates in a swim call aboard the USS John P. Murtha in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 17, 2021.

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Department of Defense Offers Mental Health Resources for Service Members and Their Families

 Aug. 18, 2021

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You are not alone. Remember that what is happening now does not minimize or negate the experiences of all who served overseas. Countless service members answered the call of duty and did what was asked of them. Service is never for naught. Think about the times when valor and courage changed lives for the better. Focus on the present and what feels meaningful to you in this moment. Our veterans served honorably and completed missions as required and as necessary – protecting our freedoms and we are forever grateful for their service.

Talking can be very therapeutic, whether it’s to a local chaplain, psychologist or someone you served with in the military. Do what feels right for you. There is not one way to think or feel or act. The important thing is to take advantage of the numerous mental health care resources that are available to you.

Remember that this is one moment in time and regardless of what comes next, we will get through it together. Arctic. The Department is currently determining the appropriate location for the center.

The following resources are available:

The Real Warriors Campaign aims to break down the stigma associated with mental health care and encourages service members to reach out for help when they need it. Find articles with support resources, video profiles with service member and veteran stories, and materials to download or order at www.health.mil/RealWarriors

The Psychological Health Resource Center is available 24/7 for service members, veterans, and family members with questions about psychological health topics. Trained mental health consultants can help callers access mental health care and community support resources in their local area. www.health.mil/PHRC or call 866-966-1020 for assistance.

The inTransition Program is a free confidential program that provides specialized coaching and assistance for service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and retirees who need access to mental health care when relocating to another assignment, returning from deployment, transitioning between active duty and reserve component, preparing to leave military service, or any other time they need a new mental health provider, or need a provider for the first time. www.health.mil/inTransition  or call 800-424-7877

The Military Crisis Line, text-messaging service, and online chat provide free VA support for all Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and all Veterans, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.  Call: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.  Text: 838255  Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat

TRICARE offers mental health care to all its enrollees. Find out how by visiting https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/GettingMHCare. This website also contains links to mental health providers through the TRICARE network.

Military Medical Treatment Facilities often provide mental health services, including integrated behavioral health clinics. Contact your primary care manager to see if this resource is available at your local MTF. If it is, you can schedule an appointment same day. Find out more by visiting https://www.tricare.mil/Military-Hospitals-and-Clinics

Military OneSource can provide access to confidential Military Family Life Counselors in your community: www.militaryonesource.mil  or by calling 1-800-342-9647.

Military OneSource also provides resources so you can manage stress and access benefits and tools that will help you stay strong in body and mind. This page provides access to self-care mobile applications developed within the Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs and other partners. All mobile applications are free and for iOS and/or Android devices. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/recommended-wellness-apps

Military Health System Web Pages.  There are two sources of information on the Military Health System websites.  Specific links listed at the bottom of this page.  They are: www.health.mil/mentalhealth and www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth

Wing Runner

 

An Air Force cadet holds up a glider wing as it takes off at Davis Airfield in Colorado Springs, Colo., Aug. 10, 2021.

Sparring Partners

 

Marine Corps Cpl. Yanet Rivas, left, and Sgt. KerShon Manciel participate in a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program class at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va, Aug. 17, 2021.

Colors Ceremony

 

Sailors wave two American flags during a colors observation ceremony at Officer Training Command Newport, R.I., Aug. 17, 2021.

Screening Test

 

Army Sgt. Nini Puello of the 7202 Medical Support Unit instructs Army Sgt. Brandon Whittemore on how to use a nasal swab for a COVID-19 screening test at Fort McCoy, Wis., Aug. 9, 2021. Many Army Reserve soldiers are returning to the field and in-person training after a year of virtual battle assemblies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 7202 Medical Support Unit tested soldiers participating in Combined Support Training Exercise and Global Medic to ensure the safety of personnel.

Temperature Check

 

Air Force Airman 1st Class Chelsea James, right, a medical technician with the 23rd Medical Group, checks an airman’s temperature at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Aug. 17, 2021. The Defense Department, Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are partnering to provide vaccines for DOD personnel.