MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Stress is a part of everyday life. However, due to increases in operational tempo and multiple combat deployments many Marines face a greater risk of developing combat stress, post traumatic stress disorder and survivor’s guilt.
To promote awareness and reduce negative outcomes, the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regimentis spearheading efforts for a basewide discussion on the rigors of “CombatStress, PTSD and Survivor's Guilt.” Thediscussion will be held at Little Hall Auditorium, Jan. 24, from 1-3 p.m.
Thelecture was initially established by the Wounded Warrior Regiment’s MED Cell toprovide a strong foundation for all Marine Corps Base Quantico leaders as theyseek to clearly understand the factors surrounding combat stress, PTSD and theunderpinning of survivor's guilt. Understanding these subjects fully may prove beneficial for optimalsupport to injured Marines returning from theater facing a new battle -- the one from within.
My experience with the Wounded Warrior Regiment for the past five years confirmsmany combat weary Marines are assigned to Quantico as they fulfill theirmandatory B Billet requirement. Forsome, there may be an underlying element of combat fatigue, coupled with afamily under stress, which may set the stage for undiagnosed combat-relatedstressors to become apparent for the first time to their command leadership, their medical team and for supportive family members.
Promoting thecontinued health and resiliency of service members and their families remains atop priority for the Regiment’s Med Cell and is essential to preserving thefoundation of our nation's fighting forces. Marine leaders must ensure that onemessage is clear: Seeking help for issues such as combat or operational stressin not a sign of weakness. It takescourage and strength to ask for help.
Thelecture is open to all military and civilian medical providers, Navy case managers,interested family members and Marine Corps leaders aboard Quantico-- thoseprimarily charged with supporting their Marines’ successful transition backhome from war. Speakers have beenselected from the Wounded Warrior Regiment, Wounded Warrior Battalion East,Weapons Training Battalion and Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Established in 2007, the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment was createdto provide and facilitate non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded,ill, and injured Marines, and sailors attached to or in direct support ofMarine units and their family members in order to assist them as they return toduty or transition to civilian life. The Regimental Headquarters element,located in Quantico, Va., commands the operations of two Wounded WarriorBattalions located at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., andmultiple detachments in locations around the globe.
Formore information about the Wounded Warrior Regiment go to: www.woundedwarriorregiment.org, http://Facebook.com/wwr.usmc or call the Sgt. MerlinGerman Wounded Warrior Call Center 24/7 at 877-487-6299.