Other recommendations include reading about trauma, engaging in physical activity, and practicing relaxation methods. Often these methods will reduce the severity of the stress reactions, which will fade over time. Sometimes though, these normal stress reactions persist and require professional assistance.
Step Three: Finding Professional Help
Professional help is needed when combat stress reactions interfere with service members' personal relationships, everyday lives, or job performance.
According to Slosky, "The sooner the service member seeks assistance, the easier it can be to resolve the issues, and the less likely he or she is to experience disciplinary problems."
Help is available through the VA. Significant levels of PTSD can qualify for VA disability compensation.
Responses to Abnormal Conditions" video:
"He wouldn’t think twice about going [to the doctor] if he had broken an ankle. … His buddies are counting on him. … He must come forward in order to get better. If he lets combat stress continue to fester inside of him, it will only get worse."
Traumatic memories cannot be erased, but with knowledge, patience, and professional assistance, the stress they cause can be managed.
Column writers from each Co. needed for per issue column (3 x per year) … one column per Company would be great…
Have the time? Contact Doc Hoppy!
3/3 RVN Ass’n Vol 1 Issue 2 01/01/2005
Remember Reunion 2006 Colorado Springs Page 3
Picture and text removed by request:
Below:
Wendell Thomas awarded the VCG w/Star
in Vietnam, 1969
From the Veterans Report (with modifications)
Coping with the Aftereffects of Combat
Step One: Recognizing Combat Stress
It is very common, normal, and expected for service members exposed to traumatic events to display combat stress reactions. These reactions are not signs of weakness, lack of discipline, or insanity. They are normal reactions to abnormally stressful situations. They can appear a few hours, days, or even months or years after the traumatic event. According to the "Combat Stress Reactions: Normal Responses to Abnormal Conditions" video, symptoms may include but are not limited to:
Physical reactions, including rapid heart rate, trembling hands, headaches, and chest pain.
Cognitive reactions, including nightmares, heightened alertness, elevated startle response, intrusive images, (dreams day or night) and difficulty concentrating.
Behavioral reactions, including withdrawal, isolation, appetite change, increased alcohol consumption, problems with authority figures, marital dysfunction and drug use.
Emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, guilt, grief, denial, anger, outbursts, irritability, and depression.
Step Two: Coping With Combat Stress
Service members should not try to block stress reactions (especially recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks) or numb the pain with alcohol. These are normal responses and will decrease over time. Talking is recommended, according to Leslie H. Slosky, MSW, LCSW, Treatment and Intervention Unit Program Manager at MCAS New River. She explains, "One of the proven mediation factors for combat stress is the ability to process the experience with others who have been through the same experiences."
Wendell “Tom” Thomas served with Kilo 3/3 in 1969. His son ran into Kilo 1969 alumnus Ollie North shortly after arriving in Iraq. Coincidence or fate?
Tom was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star for actions in RVN.
The lineage of warriors continues.
KILO 3/3
The legacy continues:
