[Vision2020] Unloading Soldiers' Burdens

[Tom Hansen]

>From the November 12, 2007 edition of the Army Times -

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Unloading soldiers' burdens

Troops heal through the supportive group process chaplains provide
By Chaplain (Capt.) Glenn Palmer

I served as the chaplain for Task Force 2-70, a combined arms unit out of
Fort Riley, Kan., during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. We served in
places like Abu Ghraib, Amariyah, Yusafiyah, Lutifiyah and Mahmoudiya (the
triangle of death). Thirteen of our soldiers were killed and 100 were
wounded in action. 

My chaplain assistant was among the wounded during OIF III and I was on the
receiving end of four improvised explosive device attacks and a suicide car
bomber, simply by being a pastoral "presence" where the soldiers were.

I came home with a Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star and two hearing aids.

A friend of mine was killed two feet from me, and during the invasion I
buried an 8-week-old baby girl caught in the crossfire. I went on a rescue
mission into a "hot" village after our scouts had shot some civilian women
being used as human shields by the Saddam Fedayeen.

During my two tours in Iraq, I led more than 100 critical event debriefs
with more than 400 soldiers. I have seen and experienced war and its effects
up close and personal.

Chaplains who are well-versed in the effects of war on people are in a
unique position as one part of the overall team to care for soldiers.
Chaplains are trained in many of the mental health tactics, techniques and
procedures, as are other providers. We know that war can rob a person of
meaning. We build on that knowledge by representing a God who is with and
for the soldiers, one who lets them know how much he cares, and one who
carries their burden and pain for them, especially when that "rucksack" is
heavy.

Chaplains are always available. We go where the soldiers go and do what they
do, albeit unarmed.  The chaplain who has experienced the same horror of war
as the soldier offers credibility and empathy and a safe, sacred,
confidential space and environment in which the soldier is free to share his
story. God is present even if never mentioned.

I came to Yongsan (Seoul) Garrison in South Korea in July 2006 with my
family, a few months after returning from OIF III. It became obvious to me
that I needed to find someone to talk with about my experience in Iraq. I
was raw. I was experiencing dreams and nightmares, was having trouble
sleeping and felt angry much of time.

Soldiers who had also been downrange and who were experiencing many of the
same issues started coming to me for counseling. Many were suffering in
silence, not necessarily comfortable talking with those who, while well
meaning, hadn't seen combat.

So I contacted the Family Life chaplain, also a veteran of two tours
downrange, and we started an OIF/OEF Soldiers in Arms Support Group. This
group meets weekly and has been an absolute blessing.

Even though the two of us who lead the group are chaplains, the soldiers who
attend (E-4 through 0-4) for the most part are not churchgoers. They are
combat veterans, warriors who plan on staying in the Army, who have a place
where they can come and openly share and process their experiences and their
response to war, homecoming, reunion and reintegration.

The supportive group process facilitates healing, transformation and
battle-buddy-like bonding, enabling the soldiers to "reframe" their
experience as something that happened to them and not something about them.

Through the reframing process, these warriors have learned to relax, open up
to loved ones, manage their anger and be honest about the guilt we feel that
our buddies are on their third tours while we enjoy garrison life. We
discuss ways in which we can prepare and steel our hearts, spirits and souls
for future deployments. 

I have watched the members of the group heal. I have watched them "let go"
and become "better, not bitter" husbands, fathers and soldiers.

I have witnessed their "edge" being rubbed off, as well as my own. I have
watched the members grow in their relationship with God and others as they
journey to a place of calm, acceptance and growth. 

I have watched these warriors, through the supportive group process, find
relief, hope, renewal, energy, identity and meaning - taking steps toward a
fuller and richer life, and experiencing victory over the trauma of war. 

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The writer is an active-duty Army chaplain with 12 years of service as both
an enlisted soldier and an officer. He served two tours in Iraq, and is the
chaplain for the 41st Signal Battalion, Yongsan, South Korea.

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And the beat goes on . . .

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil
and steady dedication of a lifetime." 

--Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr.