Team 19! - Eighth Army - U.S. Army

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NEWS Warrior’s Huddle: A safe zone for combat veterans Photo by Sgt. Lee Jae-won Warriors Huddle meets at Camp Walker Chapel every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. All combat veterans are welcome and are invited to share and discuss their own stories related to deployment. Sgt. Lee Jae-won 19th ESC Public Affairs Office Almost everyone who has spent time in Iraq or Afghanistan has experienced the effects of operational stress. It is evident there are many challenges for veterans and military families to overcome caused by the transition from combat to home station. The Warrior’s Huddle, a support group for combat veterans, provides an opportunity for open discussion and a place for Soldiers to share their deploymentrelated experiences in a confidential environment. Master Sgt. John W. Proctor, Command Chaplain noncommissioned officer in charge, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, serves as the military moderator of the group. He explains that the reunion phase of deployment is critical for the veteran, his or her family, and to others to reestablish the foundations of key relationships. “Warrior’s Huddle was started to provide a forum for combat veterans to share their experiences in a safe environment and to assure veterans that they are not alone,” said Proctor. “It really helps to share our personal experiences which can help veterans to minimize post-deployment stress and put those experiences in perspective.” Common symptoms of post-deployment operational stress are anger, avoidance, isolation, sleep disturbance, excessive drinking, and depression. Some veterans experience major disruptions in marriage and family relationships. “These symptoms are normal,” says Proctor. “War changes you – even if you never leave the(forward operating base. Some of us walk around for years not realizing the impact our combat experiences have had on us.” Chaplain Capt. William E. Graham, USAG-Daegu Chaplain’s office, asserts that Warrior’s Huddle is clearly distinguished from other post-deployment healing groups. “Warrior’s Huddle is not a therapy or medical treatment activity,” said Graham, “neither is it related to any religious ministries but, if a participant would like religious help, then we provide that support.” Melissa Dashen, Area IV Social Work Services care manager, encourages Servicemembers to visit the Warrior’s Huddle to find out that “you are not alone,” and that there are other veterans right here in Area IV who have similar experiences and feelings. “I ask veterans to visit the group at least once to find out what we are doing,” said Dashen. “I am convinced this is a great place for veterans to share their experiences and receive acceptance and encouragement in a safe environment. If any members are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, we refer them to the next level of care.” Warrior’s Huddle meets at Camp Walker Chapel every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Lunch is provided for participants. All combat veterans are welcome and are invited to share and discuss their own stories related to deployment. For more information, contact Proctor at DSN 768-7556. Team 19! Newsletter 10 Dec. 18, 2009
By Pfc. Adrianna N. Lucas 19th ESC Public Affairs The scent of freshly baked cookies greeted Soldiers of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command while they formed up in front of the barracks Nov. 20. Daegu Girl Scouts got an early start on spreading holiday cheer as they passed out homemade cookies to Soldiers to show support to the Army community here in Daegu and to ask for help. Daegu Girl Scouts have never been able to attend an annual trip to Japan that other Girl Scout troops here on the peninsula have been able to attend due to lack of funding. The Girl Scouts are a non-profit organization; the only way to support the events they are involved in is to hold fundraisers, said CW2 Diana P. Burks. “I believe the lesson the girls will learn is that we can work as one to make a difference.” Daegu Girls Scouts have not yet attained the funds necessary to attend the trip, but will be holding numerous fundraisers. The Girl Scouts will host a bake sale during the Christmas wrapping event, and some of the proceeds from the Christmas wrapping event will also provide funds to- NEWS 19th ESC wraps gifts for fundrasing event By Pfc. Adrianna N. Lucas 19th ESC Public Affairs The Daegu Spouse’s Association sponsored the annual gift wrapping fundraiser and 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command HHC participated on Dec. 2 and 8 at the post exchange. All proceeds are divided among the organizations who participated to include, family readiness groups, military units, and the Daegu American School. All of the money donated during the duration of the gift wrapping fundraiser are combined and then divided between all the organizations who volunteered. Any organization that volunteered for more than one day will receive their dividend multiplied by the number of days volunteered. “I was a military spouse for over 23 years and know firsthand how difficult it can be for Soldiers and families alike when they make the sacrifice of moving all over the world to protect our nation,” said Rosa I. Martinez, 19th ESC Family Readiness Support Assistant. “I want to do whatever possible to make this tour for the Soldiers and family members a great one. Raising funds for the FRG enables us to be able to help others and to make the FRG a success.” The fundraiser provides funds for various events. “In our case, we volunteered to raise funds to be able to have the FRG holiday dinner, and to provide stocking stuffers for the single and unaccompanied Soldiers to include all KATUSAs in HHC, 19th ESC,” said Martinez. “We also purchase items for newborn babies within the unit and gift certificates at the commissary for families in need. The money we raise goes right back to the Soldiers, Family members and civilians,” she added. Photo by Pfc. Adrianna N. Lucas Mother to be, Spc. Anisah K. Sterling gently wraps a gift Dec. 2 at the post exchange, as lunch hour turned into costumer’s rush hour to buy holiday gifts. Daegu Girl Scouts bake cookies for the Soldiers wards the trip. Girl Scouts Cookies will be on sale January and February; exact dates are yet to be determined. “The trip would provide the girls an opportunity to meet and learn with other girls about what it is to be a girl scout and to have great self esteem in themselves,” said Burks. The camping trip would provide the girls with workshops on leadership and motivation. “We made over 200 cookies to thank the Soldiers for all that they do for us,” said Cadet Kyana R. Goodmen, Troop 49, daughter of Burks and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Burks. “I am proud to be a military kid.” This December the Girl Scouts will also send care packages to Soldiers down-range in Iraq and give away eight food baskets to Soldiers in Area IV for the holidays that USO will help to fund. “As a mother and a Soldier I felt good (watching my daughter present cookies to Soldiers) because children normally don’t have a way to give back and this was a big deal for me and for the girls in the troop,” said CW2 Burks. “We understand this is only a small token, but we are very grateful.” Team 19! Newsletter 11 Dec. 18, 2009
Page 1 and 2: ‘09 Winter Formal 19th ESC celebr
Page 3 and 4: CG MESSAGE Headquarters, 19th Exped
Page 5 and 6: NEWS 19th ESC HHC greets new comman
Page 7 and 8: NEWS Community sounds of charity co
Page 9: PHOTO PAGE 2009 Winter Formal photo
Page 13 and 14: FEATURE Ms. Park’s Place Ms. Park
Page 15 and 16: FEATURE Family Life Chaplain Maj. J
Page 17 and 18: EDITORIAL The Army Distributed Lear
Page 19: • • • • • Submit your sto

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