It's one thing to be reading a USA Today article on the rising divorce rates among servicemembers while in the Atlanta Airport waiting for the plane here. It's quite another to watch a 22 year old young man sob, soiled after a 14 hour night mission, after he's just been informed the divorce papers are waiting for him when he gets home to what used to be a happy, suburban family. I send up a silent prayer to God thanking him for the most precious woman I could've ever dreamed for.. Miranda Jean Atkins and especially for HER warrior spirit and HER intimacy, encouragement, thoughtfulness, and steadfastness during this time in our relationship.
For three days straight I hear the story surface in at least 14 male soldier's lives who came into the program for counseling... that of broken hearts. In one case, a good worker, a strong soldier, a man who loves his wife and three little boys, learns that the stressors of repeated combat tours has become too much for his wife. He is a Cavalry soldier... a rank with traditions ranging back to our Army fighting on horseback. "Stay Cav" is the motto of these dedicated and strongly trained soldiers. With tears in his eyes, he shares that in the past five years, he has only been home for 2 of them, split into three 7 months gaps which consisted of primarily ramping up for the next 12 month Iraq mission. He informs he doesn't even know his 1 1/2 year old, who was born one month before this deployment began. "She says she's fallen out of Love with me... but then that she's confused and doesn't know if we can have a future.. doesn't know if she can take this stress anymore". In another case, a more seasoned soldier finds now in the middle of his first deployment, his wife has wandered... and slept with another man. Though she wishes to stay with him, and expresses remorse, he doesn't know if he can do it... if he can go back to a tainted bed... to an unfaithful heart that he needed so desperately to Love with all of his heart at his lowest points as the Platoon Sergeant, leading 40 young men every night into enemy territory outside the wire. Now, with the weight of America's young men on his shoulders, and the broken heart in the aftermath of unfaithfulness, he trys to find hope in our words together. I challenge him to count his blessings, to reframe the situation, change his perception, stay active and involved in self-care, combat the depression and negative thoughts.... the same drill of cognitive behavioral strategies I have begun to use over and over and over with these young men, as my Psychiatrist colleagues work with them in a Pharmacological manner.. something, anything to take the edge off. In some of their cases, not even interventions like ours involving physical and cognitive gymnastics will be able to alleviate the natural depression of losing the love of your life.
Four days go by. 20 cases involving marital issues and pending divorces. Coincidentally, almost every single soldier informs me in haunting repetition of one another.. "I've served my time. I'm not re-enlisting. It's time for me to get back to being a father to my children. Goodbye Army". "The Army is My Job... by it's not my life. I've been here four times already and personally, that's three times too many", a 23 year old infantry soldier informs me, after sharing that something bad happened last week. He shot and killed an Iraqi "insurgent". He looks barely 18, and definitely not old enough to have spent 4 of his young years in a middle eastern combat zone.
I do a quick search outside of this pressure cooker of an alternate universe to see what I can find as an explanation for it all.
"Defense Department officials in 2005 had announced a huge jump in the divorce rate, saying cases doubled from 5,658 to 10,477 between 2001 and 2004 among active-duty Army officers and enlisted personnel. "
"Army officials reported 10,477 divorces among the active-duty force in fiscal 2004, a number that's climbed steadily over the past five years. In fiscal 2003, the Army reported fewer than 7,500 divorces; in 2002, just over 7,000, and in 2001, about 5,600. "
Numbers, numbers, numbers. Well, it's 2007 now in Iraq, and I've just learned something horrific. A young man at our base has just pulled the trigger of his 9mm while holding it to his temple, after learning his wife had multiple affairs during his first very intense combat tour.
No Divorce certificate available to track. Suicide statistics for soldiers in Iraq in 2007 just rose by one. For me, knowing the dynamics of the case... a 3 year old little girl just lost her daddy.
Last straw... time to do something about it.
Since I've not the power to end this conflict, reduce troop numbers, or to reduce deployment times (which were just increased from 12 to 15 months for all active duty soldiers), I, instead am beginning a "Long Distance Relationships" group. If these soldiers can begin connecting emotionally with their spouse from afar in month 1.. my prayer is that they will be able to maintain intimacy, communication, active listening, empathy, and commtiment from afar in months, 6, 12, and hopefully by month 15... return to one another's arms having been refined by the fire. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, however this place can potentially have a reverse effect unless a relationship is worked on. Deployments can make the heart wander.
I turn to the work of Dr. John Gottman, marital researcher out of the University of Washington, and find the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide. That's exactly what these young couple's need preventatively BEFORE the explosive break-up... principles, and a practical guide! John Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage by using rigorous scientific procedures to observe the habits of married couples in unprecedented detail over many years. Here is the culmination of his life's work: the seven principles that guide couples on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. Packed with practical questionnaires and exercises, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential.
I've designed a group for the soldiers here. Tuesday, December 11 will be our first meeting. It's a discussion group, called "Long Distance Relationships". In this 7 week group, we will go over Gottman's 7 principles in the book together with these soldiers. Principles like "Nurture your Fondness and Admiration", and "Turn Towards Each Other...not away". It IS possible to turn towards one's spouse.. even if they are a half a world apart. Their spouses, at home, also having a copy of the book, will go over the same information, and together, from afar, complete the relationship building activities for emotional connectedness.
The problem is, as you may guess, we need more books.
If you would like to partner in helping soldiers and their spouses connect with one another as we enter the new year.. and in the process possibly help save a marriage, here's your opportunity.
The book can be purchased new at $10.17 or used at around $6-$7 at
http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0609805797
Please mail one (or as many copies as you can afford this Christmas) to:
CPT Chris Atkins
785th MC CSC
APO AE 09344
Meanwhile, my thoughts drift to my loving wife, as she is sick in bed at 3:15 a.m. her time, hopefully quietly sleeping. When she awakes, she has no help from me. She must take the children to school, carry heavy loads of laundry up the stairs while several months pregnant, take them to their multiple activities of piano, gymnastics, and other fun activities as she keeps them busy so their minds and hearts don't wander too much and allow a child's pain in missing their daddy half a world away. All the while, sending me regular love letters, a stocking for Christmas with presents crisply wrapped, and even sandals to replace my broken ones having been broken down by these rocks. She turns towards our relationship and not away, she nurtures me with fondness, she knows my Love language. She is proud of me, and expresses it. I pray that I may meet her needs in every way from this forsaken place.
I cling to her words for they provide hope, and in crashing reality I see how these young men contemplate suicide. In a place of such pain... Love is the only remnant for peace and hope.
Thank you, Sweetheart from your Soldier in Iraq. You give me such hope.
I will now share it.
Long Distance Relationships Discussion Group
December 11, 2007
1900 hrs
Camp Liberty Combat Stress Clinic
Girl Scout Cookies and Coffee are on us...
Godspeed, Soldier Marriages.
Godspeed.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Uncomfortable Christianity
It's funny how we are here.
I look back to my earlier posts after I first arrived in this place a month ago. In awe at the war machines and the horrific tragedies these men have endured, and the eminent risk of the demise of my patients and myself following several recent rocket attacks, and the delivery the Lord has made in my life.. I clung to God in my writings, knowing that he had a plan, and closely walked with him... praising him daily and delved into the word for answers. Then something happened.
I have grown quite comfortable with my surroundings.
There hasn't been a mortar or rocket attack for weeks. Several thousand soldiers have moved out of our area, and a new group of several thousand infantry soldiers, having just arrived are settling into their new work buildings and trailer living areas, and have yet to feel the stressful effects of battle and separation from family... so for many hours of the day the combat stress clinic is empty. Halliburton's KBR continues to serve divine cuisine at the contracted $25 a plate gladly paid for by the Department of Defense. We like to say, "I'm worth it". 5 buffet lines to be exact.. if it was your fare you could select from Alaskan Crab, shrimp cocktail, fish, Eggplant Parmesan, every vegetable imaginable, eggrolls, crepes, build your own omelet, or perhaps some Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream? Your portions are huge, and if you so choose you can take 3 to to-go plates with you and two drinks with each to-go plate! There are Christians at my clinic, and as if together, they too have slowly moved from a reverant awe and praiseful appreciation to a very comfortable, fat, happy, selfish place. Bank accounts are healthfully growing, as are safety, tummies, and friendships. These are all good things, or are they? Prayer and Bible study moved to daily conversations with God as I walked to work and looked heavenword, to the last two days, when I realized with a startle I hadn't spoke with God much at all. It happened with a startling realization.
I return from the latrine, walking on the large, loose, stones which form walkways around our trailers. I have become quite use to them as if all walkways around dwellings should be made of large loose stones that you must slosh through as if deep northern snow, as if all dwellings should be 10 by 15 foot trailers with two beds, each with a metal wall locker. Quite comfortably normal really, when it's the habit of your life.
I am blinded by a light above almost before I hear the thundering sounds resonating through the sky. Two blackhawks not more than 50 feet up, with floodlights pointed directly to the ground roar overhead and scare me literally half to death. They are en route to a mission... and in the distance towards the city of Baghdad I cast my eyes expectantly at what I know will come next... flares. Ground troops signal in their red and blue flares their position. As chu-chu-chu-chu of the blades fades quickly towards the enemy my eyes stay fixed on the sky. There is literally a halo around the moon.
In Exodus 14 the children walk across the bottom of the Red Sea as the water towers on either side of them, held back by the hand of God. They then watch their former captors and slaveowners of the Egyptians Perish in that same sea as the waters are dropped by the hand of God.
Exodus 15:
1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
"The Lord is my strength".. they cry. I distinctly remember shouting those words, too, one month ago when I arrived to this new middle east land too, immediately clinging to the Lord.
How quickly the Isrealites wander. How quickly I did wander. How quickly we all seem to step away from the ever powerful presence of our God, and suddenly we're not clinging to God as much anymore we begin clinging...................to ourselves. It took me only 3 weeks. Maybe due to the Israelites having seen a couple hundred thousand gallons of water suspended in mid-air, it took them 6, but nonetheless they do it.
Exodus 16:
1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."
They had seen the wonders of God unleashed in that place they were slaves.. their firstborn had been saved at the Passover by the blood of the lamb from certain death, and they and their families once again delivered through the water... but now they have set aside God's promises, his glory, and goodness and wish now they would've died there because they don't have any food. Surely a God who is faithful to move the elements of the Universe in their favor can send over some food should they reach up to him in faith! But so quickly we forget the powerful hand of God and what dark valleys of our lives he has helped us through only to lead us to a glorious mountain top on the other side.
What happens next to the Isrealites is what I suddenly realize has just happened to me. Though I wandered from his side... the Lord quickly filled me.. connected with me... met my needs and sends me a glorious sign of his Love... a halo around a moon and a still small voice.
The Lord goes above and beyond for the Israelites too.... he rains down tasty Quail meat at night... and honey wafer tasting Manna to cover the ground in the morning!
God wants us by his side every step of the way. And just when we think we want to step out on our own and complain or take things into our own hands without involving him as our best friend and guide...... all we must do is, like the Israelites, remember our chains, where we came from (in slavery), and know that it is because of God that we have come to the place of freedom, hope, and joy that we can live in now with him.
The final warning to us in the last book of Revelation is clear....
We must listen closely... for he is talking to US.
Revelation 3: 14-22
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
It's time to start getting into a little uncomfortable Christianity. To cling to Christ when we want to cling to ourselves... to walk at his pace when we want to run blindly at ours, grumble against him... when we should be humbly and faithfully coming before him.
And suddenly... we're embraced by his Loving arms.
I look back to my earlier posts after I first arrived in this place a month ago. In awe at the war machines and the horrific tragedies these men have endured, and the eminent risk of the demise of my patients and myself following several recent rocket attacks, and the delivery the Lord has made in my life.. I clung to God in my writings, knowing that he had a plan, and closely walked with him... praising him daily and delved into the word for answers. Then something happened.
I have grown quite comfortable with my surroundings.
There hasn't been a mortar or rocket attack for weeks. Several thousand soldiers have moved out of our area, and a new group of several thousand infantry soldiers, having just arrived are settling into their new work buildings and trailer living areas, and have yet to feel the stressful effects of battle and separation from family... so for many hours of the day the combat stress clinic is empty. Halliburton's KBR continues to serve divine cuisine at the contracted $25 a plate gladly paid for by the Department of Defense. We like to say, "I'm worth it". 5 buffet lines to be exact.. if it was your fare you could select from Alaskan Crab, shrimp cocktail, fish, Eggplant Parmesan, every vegetable imaginable, eggrolls, crepes, build your own omelet, or perhaps some Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream? Your portions are huge, and if you so choose you can take 3 to to-go plates with you and two drinks with each to-go plate! There are Christians at my clinic, and as if together, they too have slowly moved from a reverant awe and praiseful appreciation to a very comfortable, fat, happy, selfish place. Bank accounts are healthfully growing, as are safety, tummies, and friendships. These are all good things, or are they? Prayer and Bible study moved to daily conversations with God as I walked to work and looked heavenword, to the last two days, when I realized with a startle I hadn't spoke with God much at all. It happened with a startling realization.
I return from the latrine, walking on the large, loose, stones which form walkways around our trailers. I have become quite use to them as if all walkways around dwellings should be made of large loose stones that you must slosh through as if deep northern snow, as if all dwellings should be 10 by 15 foot trailers with two beds, each with a metal wall locker. Quite comfortably normal really, when it's the habit of your life.
I am blinded by a light above almost before I hear the thundering sounds resonating through the sky. Two blackhawks not more than 50 feet up, with floodlights pointed directly to the ground roar overhead and scare me literally half to death. They are en route to a mission... and in the distance towards the city of Baghdad I cast my eyes expectantly at what I know will come next... flares. Ground troops signal in their red and blue flares their position. As chu-chu-chu-chu of the blades fades quickly towards the enemy my eyes stay fixed on the sky. There is literally a halo around the moon.
In Exodus 14 the children walk across the bottom of the Red Sea as the water towers on either side of them, held back by the hand of God. They then watch their former captors and slaveowners of the Egyptians Perish in that same sea as the waters are dropped by the hand of God.
Exodus 15:
1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
"The Lord is my strength".. they cry. I distinctly remember shouting those words, too, one month ago when I arrived to this new middle east land too, immediately clinging to the Lord.
How quickly the Isrealites wander. How quickly I did wander. How quickly we all seem to step away from the ever powerful presence of our God, and suddenly we're not clinging to God as much anymore we begin clinging...................to ourselves. It took me only 3 weeks. Maybe due to the Israelites having seen a couple hundred thousand gallons of water suspended in mid-air, it took them 6, but nonetheless they do it.
Exodus 16:
1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."
They had seen the wonders of God unleashed in that place they were slaves.. their firstborn had been saved at the Passover by the blood of the lamb from certain death, and they and their families once again delivered through the water... but now they have set aside God's promises, his glory, and goodness and wish now they would've died there because they don't have any food. Surely a God who is faithful to move the elements of the Universe in their favor can send over some food should they reach up to him in faith! But so quickly we forget the powerful hand of God and what dark valleys of our lives he has helped us through only to lead us to a glorious mountain top on the other side.
What happens next to the Isrealites is what I suddenly realize has just happened to me. Though I wandered from his side... the Lord quickly filled me.. connected with me... met my needs and sends me a glorious sign of his Love... a halo around a moon and a still small voice.
The Lord goes above and beyond for the Israelites too.... he rains down tasty Quail meat at night... and honey wafer tasting Manna to cover the ground in the morning!
God wants us by his side every step of the way. And just when we think we want to step out on our own and complain or take things into our own hands without involving him as our best friend and guide...... all we must do is, like the Israelites, remember our chains, where we came from (in slavery), and know that it is because of God that we have come to the place of freedom, hope, and joy that we can live in now with him.
The final warning to us in the last book of Revelation is clear....
We must listen closely... for he is talking to US.
Revelation 3: 14-22
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
It's time to start getting into a little uncomfortable Christianity. To cling to Christ when we want to cling to ourselves... to walk at his pace when we want to run blindly at ours, grumble against him... when we should be humbly and faithfully coming before him.
And suddenly... we're embraced by his Loving arms.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Half my Heart's Back in Tennessee
I always tell the soldiers I work with at the combat stress clinic that whatever they're going through that they've got to get it out... draw it out, talk it out, run it out, or write it out.
One day last week I was really really missing my wife.. really missing actively being a husband for her. I decided to take my own advice... practice what I preach as it were. Pretty soon a song was born called Half my Heart's Back in Tennessee. Check out the lyrics below... and then the link to the Music Video filmed in front of General Petreus' Palace is below via YouTube.
Hope you Enjoy....
Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
By CPT Christopher Atkins
Camp Victory, Iraq
Recorded 10 NOV 2007
Dust Kicking Up, Soldiers Mount Up
Getting Ready for the Battle Tonight
Been Here Three Weeks in Iraq
Missing Your Sweet Touch and Holding you Tight
Walking with my Battle Buddies Smile on my Face
Thinkin’ About our Baby Growing Inside you Now
Little Gracie's 5 now, Silly Hannah's 8
Hope I'm Home in Time to Hold that Newborn in my Arms
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Right Before I Close my Eyes at Night
I Hear the Soldiers Roll Out in Humvees
But I Know that I’m Comin’ Home Safe to You
And Our Two Hearts Will Be Made Complete
As I write these lines I send up a Prayer
That the Good Lord will Hold you Tight
Until I fly Home to my Beautiful Bride
So I can hold you, protect you, put my arms around you for the rest of our lives
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Baghdad, Iraq
One More Bomb Attack
On Soldiers Going Outside the Wire
But You and Me Stand Strong
We Just Cannot Go Wrong
Cuz We've Been Tried through the Fire
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Can't Wait to Hold our New Baby
I’m Forever Yours Faithfully
Bringing my Heart Back to You… in Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnc0doHKJdE
One day last week I was really really missing my wife.. really missing actively being a husband for her. I decided to take my own advice... practice what I preach as it were. Pretty soon a song was born called Half my Heart's Back in Tennessee. Check out the lyrics below... and then the link to the Music Video filmed in front of General Petreus' Palace is below via YouTube.
Hope you Enjoy....
Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
By CPT Christopher Atkins
Camp Victory, Iraq
Recorded 10 NOV 2007
Dust Kicking Up, Soldiers Mount Up
Getting Ready for the Battle Tonight
Been Here Three Weeks in Iraq
Missing Your Sweet Touch and Holding you Tight
Walking with my Battle Buddies Smile on my Face
Thinkin’ About our Baby Growing Inside you Now
Little Gracie's 5 now, Silly Hannah's 8
Hope I'm Home in Time to Hold that Newborn in my Arms
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Right Before I Close my Eyes at Night
I Hear the Soldiers Roll Out in Humvees
But I Know that I’m Comin’ Home Safe to You
And Our Two Hearts Will Be Made Complete
As I write these lines I send up a Prayer
That the Good Lord will Hold you Tight
Until I fly Home to my Beautiful Bride
So I can hold you, protect you, put my arms around you for the rest of our lives
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Baghdad, Iraq
One More Bomb Attack
On Soldiers Going Outside the Wire
But You and Me Stand Strong
We Just Cannot Go Wrong
Cuz We've Been Tried through the Fire
I'm Serving Here in the Middle East
But Half my Heart’s Back in Tennessee
Sending all of my Love to you through the Starry Night
'Til I Feel Your Arms Wrap Around Me
Can't Wait to Hold our New Baby
I’m Forever Yours Faithfully
Bringing my Heart Back to You… in Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnc0doHKJdE
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Two Roads Diverged in a Desert Wood
Up and down the brown, packed clay dust my fellow soldiers run, .
It is a strip of dirt road here at Camp Liberty, the teeth of the rhinos and other war machines having clawed divots into the ground you can trip over. You will run past trailer after trailer and other metallic buildings. A depressing, dusty run as your lungs fill with the fine dust. You see, around the work buildings and living trailer areas of Camp Liberty there is a 'If it Grows... it Goes" policy. I have many times seen bulldozers literally come in and bulldoze around our living and work spaces to assure nothing but the light brown dirt will comprise the space. If shrubs and other desert fauna begin to grow they are eradicated. I somehow know there is a more scenic run.. one that would prepare a soldier psychologically for the 10-12 hour day or nights work that awaited them. I ventured out to find this road. First I ran down the brown road and to my right.. far off... could it be?
YES, it was. The distinctine outline of palm trees all in a line. As I ran and picked up speed, I suddenly saw form a series of beautiful structures... grass thatched canopies over picnic tables... a beautiful lake... bullrushes lining the edge of it, and I immediately imagine little baby Moses, 5000 years earlier, his basket floating in them... bobbing, just before Pharoah's daughter finds him and a Christian legacy begins. As I run several miles along this beautiful stretch I return to dirtland and also to a stark realization about soldier's experiences here.
There are soldiers who, under the stressors and demands placed upon them, make choices on their own behalf which are of a destructive nature... picking fights with their senior enlisted or officers, or destroying or stealing property belonging to others or the government. When we see these soldiers at the clinic, many do not see alternatives to their past poor choices, and sometimes, our guidance towards another path will go in vain. Others, however, even those who engage in the most traumatizing or stressful of occupational specialties (mortuary affairs, IED (bomb) disposal, military police) make a very profound decision. It is part of one of the classes our fitness center offers. If one can change their environment to a more positive one, do so. If this is not possible at the present time, change your perception from within the stressful environment you find yourself in. One POW in the Vietnam war would survive Psychologically after torture and starving by holding 9 inning baseball games in the sand of his cell, intricately crafting players, bases, and stadiums out of twigs and smooth stones. He couldn't change his environment, so he changed his perception. One soldier here began by cursing the Army that he was voluntarily drafted, lost $20,000 annual salary, and separated from his wife and children, while becoming so embittered he began cursing his wife from here, quarreling about the smallest things daily! When challenged to change his perception and turn it on it's head... he finally understood that he must accept his fate and make the very best of it. Not a 40 or 50% effort, but a literal give it all you got 100% effort. He chose to find ways to connect and bond with his wife even from afar. He went to amazon.com and purchased two books... one for he, and one for his wife of the same inspirational copy. They then read together or on their own and over the phone discussed perspectives and daily thoughts and dreams on their reading and most important, each other. It strengthened and revitalized their marriage. Soon they will come together in 17 days.. stronger than they ever were before. Here.. in a place where explosions are heard throughout the day and night, and choppers fly overhead constantly.. we can make the very best of a bad situation, or led the bad situation beat any last inkling of joy out of you. I choose the former. I choose not to run the dusty brown road... because another environment is available and it revitalizes my spirits... where I can imagine I am on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii perhaps.. and just around the corner from this lake is the ocean surf. (Won't happen.. but hope wins out and the day begins with a prayerful peace and serenity which carries me for hours and hours). In the words of one war-torn infantry soldier in the last two weeks of his 16 months here... "I had two choices here. Get busy living, or get busy dying. I choose living". So many people that see dying just begin to do the same to themselves since it's so familiar. The less common path is living life physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually to it's absolute healthiest, fullest, potential. Physical vitality, socially lifting others up, emotional health and genuineness, and a daily walk with God.
It reminds me of the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken..
=TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
He Lay Down His Life... Godspeed
Camp Liberty, Iraq
My eyes flutter open. A dream involving an ocean, my wife and girls, and an incredibly large, expensive yacht slowly fades as my eyes adjust to the dusty, brown paneling on the wall to my right. Oh yes...
the brown paneling
in the 10 by 14 two man trailer room
encased within the 10 foot tall stone monolith barricades
surrounded by walkways of large rounded rock
across the street from the 10 soldier Combat Stress Liberty "Fitness" clinic
within the 50,000 soldier United States Army Camp Liberty
on the western banks of the Baghdad metropolis
Iraq
There will be no family time on an ocean yacht today, though my heart aches to wrap my arms around the warmth of my girls, wife, Miranda, and daughters Hannah, 8, and Gracie 5, a mission awaits.
I'm walking to work with my Psychiatrist and Psychologist colleagues to address some of the most intense client psychological reactions to stress than I have witnessed in my career as a mental health provider, that of soldiers returning from "crossing the wire", and journeying into a 360 degree battlefield. That coffee can turned towards their HUMMWV on those steps to the right may not contain coffee. It may instead have been packed with C4 by the determined hands of an extremist operative, with the opening capped with a concave piece of forged metal such as copper, creating an EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrator) after detonation. The copper, once propelled becomes a liquid bullet, able to penetrate their vehicle, their armor... themselves.
I meet up with Private Stevens (pseudonym) at the clinic. He appears to be a high school senior, and in fact was just five months ago. Private Stevens has brown hair, ruddy good looks, and a solid frame. He, like many here, is an infantryman... but something is amiss. He extends his hand to greet me respectfully. "Hello sir, I'm here to talk about some things that happened to me". His words are forming, but the left side of his mouth, and much of the inner half of his cheek muscles are not moving. He continues, "I was in the rocket blast, Sir", the one that hit two weeks ago at the DFAC?", he summarizes matter of factly. Not wanting to stop the momentum of his story only to inform I had arrived a mere 5 days ago, I nod interestingly for him to continue. We sit together. "I just remember the flash... and... it knocked me off of my feet backwards onto the ground". I saw stars, and heard ringing, I remember that, but I wouldn't let it stop me. It's not the way I was raised, Sir, just to lie down and die, because I saw all those fallen wounded around me. I stood up to it. Like my dad would. Like grandad would. I helped the wounded like I was taught, Sir. I helped them have a change at life". As he spoke, a far off look appeared in his eyes. "Suddenly, I knew then that something was wrong with me. Something was very wrong". PVT Stevens would find after evaluation that he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a mild concussion, something more and more common in soldiers within this conflict finding themselves face to face with explosions. Within my own mind, I imagine this soldier with a mild concussion, shaking off the stars and screeching shrils in his ears... grabbing his issued first aid kit, and tending to the physical wounds of those who lay around him. I remember having just read of the mid-October rocket attack on Camp Victory just across the Bridge and over the lake which my "PAD" or block of trailers and barricades sat.
The Associated Press BAGHDAD Oct 11, 2007 (AP)
A rocket or mortar attack on the main U.S. base near Baghdad killed two members of the U.S.-led coalition forces and wounded 40 people, the military said Thursday.
The attack occurred Wednesday at the Camp Victory, a sprawling garrison that houses the headquarters of American forces in Iraq, according to a statement.
Two coalition force members were killed and 38 wounded, the military said. It also said two "third country nationals" were wounded. It did not identity them further, but military spokesman Lt. Col. Rudolph Burwell said the term usually refers to foreign contractors and not Iraqis or Americans.
The attack is under investigation, the statement said.
Most troops stationed at Camp Victory are American but other coalition soldiers are based at the complex near Baghdad International Airport. No further details on the attack were immediately released.
Camp Victory and other U.S. bases in Iraq have frequently come under fire, but attacks with such a large number of casualties are rare.
A rocket or mortar attack on the main U.S. base near Baghdad killed two members of the U.S.-led coalition forces and wounded 40 people, the military said Thursday.
The attack occurred Wednesday at the Camp Victory, a sprawling garrison that houses the headquarters of American forces in Iraq, according to a statement.
Two coalition force members were killed and 38 wounded, the military said. It also said two "third country nationals" were wounded. It did not identity them further, but military spokesman Lt. Col. Rudolph Burwell said the term usually refers to foreign contractors and not Iraqis or Americans.
The attack is under investigation, the statement said.
Most troops stationed at Camp Victory are American but other coalition soldiers are based at the complex near Baghdad International Airport. No further details on the attack were immediately released.
Camp Victory and other U.S. bases in Iraq have frequently come under fire, but attacks with such a large number of casualties are rare.
As I sit with Stevens, I imagine that I have taken a giant microscope to one of the news stories that we as Americans are so inundated with during this conflict "13 soldiers die in weekend IED attacks in Mosul province", "24 soldiers ambushed by insurgent gunfire in Ramadi".
Here with me, more than just "Oct. 11 Camp Victory mortar attack wounds 40", is Sergeant Stevens, one of the 40 wounded, one of the many selfless, courageous, respectful, and DUTIFUL soldiers I have met in the past five years serving as a combat stress officer. I grow frustrated within me at the media for the big picture death tolls... for the stories they've chosen not to print... "Today's Hero, PVT Stevens, fights falling unconscious, clinging to the wisdom of his patriarchs, risking eminent death from a second rocket, to care for his wounded fallen comrades". More at 11. Rather than spread fear and sadness through the reporting of death tolls and pending attacks, zooming in on the details of stories like PVT Stevens would allow for the reader to experience the raw emotions of hope, admiration, love, and even tears of joy for the strength and perserverence of the human spirit.
After this long day, at 1700, it is dusk. I make my way towards PAD 11, across the dusty road of Camp Liberty, waiting with reverant patience as 5 armored HUMMWV's (HUM-vees) pass filled each with 5 18 year old privates. Four seated beneath, one gunner stands above, his head extended just above the top hatch, behind his M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Several young faces turn to me, this lone medical officer, as they prepare to "cross the wire", into the unknown... their night mission. One boyish man not more than 18, through the small bullet proof glass window of his 300 pound HUMMWV door nods a respectful nod in my direction, his eyes wide with expectation, fear, adrenaline? I return the nod... displaying the mutual connectiveness that we are two soldiers sharing a common experience in an alternate reality we may never fully understand, but have grown to accept the inevitability of our place within it. I watch the dust trail from his vehicle as it nears the north exit gate bordering the city streets where urban warfare is waged. "Godspeed", I whisper under my breath in their direction.
"Godspeed".
The verse comes to me easily... for it evidenced by every young soul that walks briskly kicking up dust in this place... the largest Forward Operating Base in the world... Camp Liberty and Camp Victory.
12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:12-14 (New International Version)
No wonder heroes like these men strike a chord of warmth, joy, and peace... it is reminscent of the sacrifice and selflessness and courage of another friend.. another who gave his life so others may live, too, when he, like Stevens was hurting, and scared, but yet pulled himself up to the cross.
His name is Jesus.
I pray this prayer tonight...
May the angels protect you, young men and women, as you go out tonight in the spirit of your maker. May you not be one of the 135,374 lives lost, but one of the hundreds and thousands of faces that triumph over this time of adversity with a story to tell, and a song to sing. Godspeed.
CPT Atkins
Camp Liberty
Iraq
Friday, October 19, 2007
There's Power in the Blood
As I climb the chipped concrete steps to enter the troop medical clinic, down the dusty road roars the white school bus, filled with what I know to be 44 soldiers all in the pixelated digital print of the ACU (Army Combat Uniform). The print appears as if the designers became inspired while staring at a magnified image of a television or computer monitor.
I read from a Popular Science story on the bandage:
What happened next was moving, and incredibly thought provoking at the same time. The minute the soldiers exited the bus, I knew they were DEmobilizing, or returning from combat, as opposed to mobilizing like many of the hundreds at this location. The first tell tale sign was the almost stonewashed whiteness of their ACU's, a dozen shades whiter than than the brown and green pixel pattern... theirs now barely able to see the pixels themselves past the light shades in the fabric. Their eyes wider than ours who had grown accustomed to the preparatory routine, as they were alert to their surroundings, excited to see their families after 12, some of them 18 months away, most with the hyper-altertness of combat still with them, as they prepare to transition from the battlemind to the civilian mindset.
I hold the door for them... it's the least I could do for these young men.. or boys to men as they have become over the past several years of their 18-20 years. Soldiers file by, rendering a crisp salute to this lone officer, greeting with a "morning, sir", or "thank you, sir".
One soldier halts the line. One thing in the military you seldomly do in mass movements is stop a line.. it halts progress, causes others to wait, hinders the mission at hand. Something was more important than this unspoken rule.
"Please take this, Sir", as he urgently thrusts a silver package into my hand.. as it falls from a return salute to the man who passed before him. Tears well in his eyes, as he explains why. "Sir, this might save your life, and if not, it might save your buddy's life.. if you've crossed the wire.. downrange... got to stop the bleedin'... and this will do it... use it, Sir". I looked to the men behind him, they nodded agreeably, a sense of such urgency on their face. I looked to their left arm, which housed their unit patch, and I quickly identified the badge of crossed rifles as an infantry unit. These men were 11Bravos, the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) for "rifle infantryman". They had seen action, and as a result knew how to stay alert to stay alive, and knew the medical means by which to survive should they come under attack.
I quickly uttered a "thank you, Soldier"... and continued on, believing that what I held in my hand had saved one of his friend's lives. Later that evening, I researched this silver, vacuum packed 10cm by 10cm HemCon bandage that was handed to me...and quickly learned of this miraculous battlefield medical discovery...
I read from a Popular Science story on the bandage:
Half of all deaths on the battlefield are due to uncontrollable bleeding. And though gauze is often no match for spurting wounds, the bloodthirsty HemCon Bandage is: It contains positively charged chitosan molecules, extracted from shrimp shells, that attract negatively charged red blood cells. As the cells are pulled into the bandage, they create a tight-fitting plug over the wound. "You can have a hole in your heart and 60 seconds later it's sealed," says HemCon inventor Kenton Gregory. The bandage made its debut in the 2003 Iraq war and was FDA-approved for nonprescription use in August. At $100 for a 4-by-4-inch square, it may sound expensive, but if the situation calls for it, we're guessing it'll seem like a serious bargain
The day after my encounter with the soldier I receive a medical training on saving lives in combat.. and of course the bandage was premiered...where a video was played showing the bandage clotting a several inch wide, deep wound in the thigh of a pig, profusely spurting blood . Within 1 minute, as the story had informed, with the HemCon bandage packed in the hole, no blood whatsoever exited the wound.
As with many things lately, the story immediately had spiritual implications, aside from the fact that the shells of these small water scavengers, crafted by God, held such life saving properties.
We are hemorrhaging as sinners, and when our flesh is in charge and our worst side comes forward, those around us can be looking at us with the urgency and wide-eyed concern that those soldiers showed to me as we talked together. However, like the soldiers, their faces relaxed, and a peace came about them as soon as the answer was referenced and clutched in their lead soldier's hand in that silver package. The miracle bandage that would stop the bleeding, that would save us from our hemorrhaging wound in such a drastic and critical life-saving way that we must share this miracle with others... even complete strangers is within the grasp of any who would choose to live life and live life more abundantly.
Jesus is our miraculous, share with a stranger, keeps us from certain death, got to have with us at all times.. and like the HemCon Bandage.... we were bought at a very high price.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.1 Peter 2:23-25
By his wounds we are healed because he took our sins into his body on that tree. What a savior.. what a friend...what a miraculous, urgent message we must share with the world.
We can't keep this life-saving information to ourselves...
It's time for us to start sharing Jesus. With urgency.
13 hour flight to Iraq tomorrow. I'm taking my HemCon Bandage with me. I'm taking Jesus with me. Both will save lives.
There's power in the blood,
CPT Atkins
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Brought through the fire
I have prayed a prayer that each day the Lord would bring one person into my life who I could either share God's love with, or I could connect with in a spiritual manner. God introduced me to Special Forces soldier Specialist Abraham on Monday, October 15, after a long day of IED training "aka How to Identify Improvised Explosive Devises in things such as coffee cans, animal carcases, or in planted in actual curbsides".
As I stood there with this one lone soldier outside the Warrior Inn Dining Facility at Ft. Benning, we realized we had missed the 1800 (6:00 p.m.) cutoff for dinner. Realized that he struggled walking with one crutch supporting his right side, I asked what had happened to him. At that moment, a van pulled up with "WTB" on the side. I knew then that he belonged to the Warrior Transition Battallion... a group of courageous soldiers, the "Wounded Warriors", some amputees, some haven taken bullets in firefights. He invited me to join him for dinner, as we journeyed to another facility open later.
Specialist Abraham informed immediately that Jesus had rescued him from what should've been certain death. Originally from Turkey, he knew the language of the people of Iraq, and was assigned to a Special Operations unit conducting searches of homes suspected to harbor insurgents throughout the country. On one mission just after dusk, his small unit stumbled across an "IED Factory", which was essentially a bomb making facility in a home in suburban Iraq led to by an informant. After Abraham informed the home's occupants to "Leave the Home Immediately, by order of the United States Military", five AK-47's popped from the windows of the home and opened fire on Abraham and his fellow soldiers. A round immediately went directly through his knee. Suddenly he could not feel his leg... and realized he had been shot. Since then, Abraham has returned home, able to walk while assisted with his crutch, and in physical therapy, counseling for post traumatic stress following the incident, as well as consulting with a speech therapist on stuttering that has begun since the event. As Abraham continued to speak about God's goodness, one part stands out above all others. "I was Muslim for 14 years, and Allah never did anything to reach me... no matter if I made the pilgrimage to Mecca, or no matter what food I sacrificed for Ramadan, but when I gave my heart to Jesus four years ago, God immediately gave me a big hug, and without asking anything from me but my heart, has given me the most beautiful peace I or my family has ever known".
I finished dinner with Abraham, and wished him well. I know that God has stories to tell through these brave men and women... stories of faith, of courage, of hope, survival, and the protective hand of an Almighty Savior.
All throughout our American communities there are men and women who have powerful testimonies to share with us and supercharge our Christian walk... look for that person today and you might be surprised who you encounter!!
Acts 1:7-9 (New International Version)
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
In His Peace,
CPT Atkins
As I stood there with this one lone soldier outside the Warrior Inn Dining Facility at Ft. Benning, we realized we had missed the 1800 (6:00 p.m.) cutoff for dinner. Realized that he struggled walking with one crutch supporting his right side, I asked what had happened to him. At that moment, a van pulled up with "WTB" on the side. I knew then that he belonged to the Warrior Transition Battallion... a group of courageous soldiers, the "Wounded Warriors", some amputees, some haven taken bullets in firefights. He invited me to join him for dinner, as we journeyed to another facility open later.
Specialist Abraham informed immediately that Jesus had rescued him from what should've been certain death. Originally from Turkey, he knew the language of the people of Iraq, and was assigned to a Special Operations unit conducting searches of homes suspected to harbor insurgents throughout the country. On one mission just after dusk, his small unit stumbled across an "IED Factory", which was essentially a bomb making facility in a home in suburban Iraq led to by an informant. After Abraham informed the home's occupants to "Leave the Home Immediately, by order of the United States Military", five AK-47's popped from the windows of the home and opened fire on Abraham and his fellow soldiers. A round immediately went directly through his knee. Suddenly he could not feel his leg... and realized he had been shot. Since then, Abraham has returned home, able to walk while assisted with his crutch, and in physical therapy, counseling for post traumatic stress following the incident, as well as consulting with a speech therapist on stuttering that has begun since the event. As Abraham continued to speak about God's goodness, one part stands out above all others. "I was Muslim for 14 years, and Allah never did anything to reach me... no matter if I made the pilgrimage to Mecca, or no matter what food I sacrificed for Ramadan, but when I gave my heart to Jesus four years ago, God immediately gave me a big hug, and without asking anything from me but my heart, has given me the most beautiful peace I or my family has ever known".
I finished dinner with Abraham, and wished him well. I know that God has stories to tell through these brave men and women... stories of faith, of courage, of hope, survival, and the protective hand of an Almighty Savior.
All throughout our American communities there are men and women who have powerful testimonies to share with us and supercharge our Christian walk... look for that person today and you might be surprised who you encounter!!
Acts 1:7-9 (New International Version)
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
In His Peace,
CPT Atkins
Friday, October 5, 2007
Three Months Later... An Awakening...
With my overseas deployment halted to address a medical condition... I found myself the last several months in an interesting position... working for the Army full time out of Nashville, Tennessee conducting mental health assessments on soldiers having returned from Iraq... as well as assisting within a Mobilization Team sending additional medical units into the country. Much was learned, as more and more soldiers were assisted along their journey preparing to heal the other soldiers over there, or in assisting soldiers themselves to heal psychologically after their time of service had come to a close.
As I write this, I sit in the Conus Replacement Center at Ft. Benning, Georgia, a short drive west of Atlanta. I will enter Iraq soon... my Combat Stress mission will be the same, however now there is a new perspective that I have... vocationally... socially... spiritually. It is one that has prompted me to change the name of the Blog Site. For, these soldiers are not children of the war, as the title would imply. No, on the contrary, as I have talked more and more to these men and women, even in the worst of times while there, they learned to seek out the small miracles, the joys, the blessings.. and in doing so, it made all of the difference. Blessings from Baghdad, as it were.
This blog will serve as my testament to those Blessings. To small glimpses at the character of a Loving God working through the hearts, souls, and minds of the American soldiers serving selflessly their families and their country in a foreign land. Snapshots of scenes in these soldiers lives during these conflict, that prove that even in the roughest of times, we can triumph over adversity with help from the Almighty, and come out five times as strong on the other side.
As I write this, I sit in the Conus Replacement Center at Ft. Benning, Georgia, a short drive west of Atlanta. I will enter Iraq soon... my Combat Stress mission will be the same, however now there is a new perspective that I have... vocationally... socially... spiritually. It is one that has prompted me to change the name of the Blog Site. For, these soldiers are not children of the war, as the title would imply. No, on the contrary, as I have talked more and more to these men and women, even in the worst of times while there, they learned to seek out the small miracles, the joys, the blessings.. and in doing so, it made all of the difference. Blessings from Baghdad, as it were.
This blog will serve as my testament to those Blessings. To small glimpses at the character of a Loving God working through the hearts, souls, and minds of the American soldiers serving selflessly their families and their country in a foreign land. Snapshots of scenes in these soldiers lives during these conflict, that prove that even in the roughest of times, we can triumph over adversity with help from the Almighty, and come out five times as strong on the other side.
Monday, July 2, 2007
A Missionary
It was so sad the first day here. I missed my girls and wife deeply and longed to return to civilian life. I wrestled with God . I asked him how I could adjust to this new way of life, active duty combat... his anser was clear, "Be my Missionary".
Today I awoke embracing what my mission is here... as appointed by the Army and by God. To address the stressors in one's lives, and to resonate the Peace of our Savior to those who need it the most . It is only 10:34 a.m. and I have brightened 6 peoples. A sargeant feeling down because he missed his 2 1/2 year old son, and cannot go with us to Iraq because and injury. A Specialist who, with tears in his eyes, was exuberant to hear that soldiers like me are in Iraq. "I just returned from there, and we need people to talk to when times are rough", he said. "I'm going home now, and I'm honored that you are now going". If I talk to God... and absorb his peace, my interactions with these hurting soldiers will be life-changing. Only with the Almighty is this possible.
When one has everything they know changed around them... that person has two choices... move into depression... or look to the almighty above .
I choose the latter... and the future looks bright.
Thank you Miranda for helping me realize that . I Love You.
Today I awoke embracing what my mission is here... as appointed by the Army and by God. To address the stressors in one's lives, and to resonate the Peace of our Savior to those who need it the most . It is only 10:34 a.m. and I have brightened 6 peoples. A sargeant feeling down because he missed his 2 1/2 year old son, and cannot go with us to Iraq because and injury. A Specialist who, with tears in his eyes, was exuberant to hear that soldiers like me are in Iraq. "I just returned from there, and we need people to talk to when times are rough", he said. "I'm going home now, and I'm honored that you are now going". If I talk to God... and absorb his peace, my interactions with these hurting soldiers will be life-changing. Only with the Almighty is this possible.
When one has everything they know changed around them... that person has two choices... move into depression... or look to the almighty above .
I choose the latter... and the future looks bright.
Thank you Miranda for helping me realize that . I Love You.
Friday, June 29, 2007
About the Sons and Daughters of War
Dear Friends and Family:
I am writing to say Farewell for awhile.
Throughout the summer I began to be more frequently placed on orders to debrief soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and broker resources to them in my role as a Captain in the Army Medical Corp. The above picture with Hannah and Grace was taken during one of those weekend debriefings.
My next Army mission is one to where my children cannot follow.
I have recently been placed on Active Duty as a Captain in the United States Army, mobilizing for 400 days starting July 1 to ultimately go to Iraq after first training for a few months at our Mobilization Station in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. I will be attached to the 785th Combat Stress Control Company based out of Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. Ours is a mental health mission, where Army Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Chaplains, and Clinical Social Workers work collaboratively to holistically address the daunting stressors facing the soldiers in theater. We respond preventatively, educating troops in large groups on managing anger and stress, coping with depression and loneliness, trying to resolve marital relationship problems, handling redeployment issues, learning techniques to sleep better, etc.
We also serve in an individual counseling capacity in two "restoration stations", which ideally serve, as their title indicates, to restore soldiers who are experiencing post traumatic shock, suicidal ideation, or homicidal tendencies.
My wife Miranda, and daughters Hannah and Grace are holding up as well as they possibly can. We have arranged as best of a system we can of communicating via webcam while I am gone, exchanging small surprises and craft projects we work on from afar, and some neat ideas gathered from Army Family Readiness, like pre-recorded bedtime stories and a jar of hershey kisses which allow my daughters to count down the next time they see Daddy via a "kiss a day". :) My wife a strong and beautiful woman... for the first time she drove a 1300 mile round trip to Michigan this weekend without me all by herself. I Love and Admire her.
This blog exists to tell the story of the soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.. the Sons and Daughters of Veterans of Wars Past.. and the Sons and Daughters of recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. It will tell of their highest hopes, and it will tell of their deepest hurts. The stories of these men and women must be told.
I am the son of PFC Alan Atkins, Combat Medic having served the Army Medical Corp. during our nation's conflict with Vietnam (1968-1970). I am CPT Christopher Atkins, Army Social Worker in the Army Medical Service Corp now training to serve in our nation's Operation in Iraq. Vaya Con Dios. I go with God . I will share and embrace His Peace during a time when people need it the most.
I am writing to say Farewell for awhile.
Throughout the summer I began to be more frequently placed on orders to debrief soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and broker resources to them in my role as a Captain in the Army Medical Corp. The above picture with Hannah and Grace was taken during one of those weekend debriefings.
My next Army mission is one to where my children cannot follow.
I have recently been placed on Active Duty as a Captain in the United States Army, mobilizing for 400 days starting July 1 to ultimately go to Iraq after first training for a few months at our Mobilization Station in Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. I will be attached to the 785th Combat Stress Control Company based out of Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. Ours is a mental health mission, where Army Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Chaplains, and Clinical Social Workers work collaboratively to holistically address the daunting stressors facing the soldiers in theater. We respond preventatively, educating troops in large groups on managing anger and stress, coping with depression and loneliness, trying to resolve marital relationship problems, handling redeployment issues, learning techniques to sleep better, etc.
We also serve in an individual counseling capacity in two "restoration stations", which ideally serve, as their title indicates, to restore soldiers who are experiencing post traumatic shock, suicidal ideation, or homicidal tendencies.
My wife Miranda, and daughters Hannah and Grace are holding up as well as they possibly can. We have arranged as best of a system we can of communicating via webcam while I am gone, exchanging small surprises and craft projects we work on from afar, and some neat ideas gathered from Army Family Readiness, like pre-recorded bedtime stories and a jar of hershey kisses which allow my daughters to count down the next time they see Daddy via a "kiss a day". :) My wife a strong and beautiful woman... for the first time she drove a 1300 mile round trip to Michigan this weekend without me all by herself. I Love and Admire her.
This blog exists to tell the story of the soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.. the Sons and Daughters of Veterans of Wars Past.. and the Sons and Daughters of recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. It will tell of their highest hopes, and it will tell of their deepest hurts. The stories of these men and women must be told.
I am the son of PFC Alan Atkins, Combat Medic having served the Army Medical Corp. during our nation's conflict with Vietnam (1968-1970). I am CPT Christopher Atkins, Army Social Worker in the Army Medical Service Corp now training to serve in our nation's Operation in Iraq. Vaya Con Dios. I go with God . I will share and embrace His Peace during a time when people need it the most.
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