Note from the Doc

As you may be aware, the military has developed proactive programs to treat combat stress and related psychiatric issues on-site in combat zones in order to avoid more complicated and severe problems that might develop down the road.  One of them is the Combat Stress Team, which in ideal situations is forward-deployed right along with combat units. 

The stigma of mental health care still exists, but  with the support of Soldiers' Angels, more than one doc has found a way around the barriers.  "Doc S" wrote this morning from Afghanistan, currently the toughest combat environment for our troops (soldiers will appreciate the hat-tip that follows):

Dear Soldiers' Angels:

For those of you who don't know me, I am a psychologist and the OIC (officer in charge) of a combat stress team embedded with several Army units in Afghanistan. I've been assigned a huge area of Afghanistan that includes several FOBs and COPs (Forward Operating Bases, Combat Out Posts). Some of the locations in my AOR (area of responsibility) are relatively secure and armed with some of the comforts of civilization; the rest are tiny, isolated, constantly attacked, and primitive in the living conditions. My job is to provide mental health services to the soldiers, and...well, you can imagine that during war someone in my position is often very busy.

My team used to include MSgt [redacted], the previous point of contact for care packages, who was injured in combat late in [redacted]. His injuries were significant, but the medics, MEDEVAC crews, and forward surgical team we have out here are scary good at their jobs. MSgt [redacted] is currently back at his home station recovering and will be able to remain on active duty - albeit with a wicked scar and a Purple Heart. If anything, he is frustrated that he wasn't able to finish off his deployment; he loved being with the soldiers and he has my profound respect for going to where the need for our services was, even though it was dangerous. His abrupt departure on a medical flight and the need for me to push on as the sole mental health asset out here as been hard.

MSgt [redacted] and I are in the Air Force, but the mission we are filling has us embedded with the Army. Getting to know their world, walking in their shoes, and helping them fulfill their missions has been an awesome experience. After seeing what I have seen and how they persevere despite incredibly difficult situations, the United States Soldier has my unwavering admiration.

The downer is that [redacted] and I made a great team, and frankly, I miss my partner. Covering the battle space of our AOR by myself has been tricky, but I am not about to slow down now; my utmost desire is to finish strong, continue to pour my skills into Soldiers and the Chain of Command as they perform their missions, help prepare these soldiers for their eventual return back to the States, and to set up the next Combat Stress Team for success. To that end, I can honestly say that the items that all of you have sent our way have helped me accomplish that mission.

I keep the shelves in our connex well stocked and have nurtured a reputation as the go-to guy for food, snacks, and hygiene items. I regularly have soldiers stopping by for food or to stock up prior to their departure on a mission, and once I have them bedazzled by the goodies, I weave in good mental health into our conversations. The food and snacks function as a wonderful ice-breaker, and guys that would normally be wary to talk to a psychologist like the fact that they have "an excuse" to be seen around me. And it never ceases to amaze me the hear the issues and concerns that come up during our conversations. The military purposely deployed people like me to locations such as this because they know that we can catch problems early, and the sooner that a soldier is treated, the healthier they and their families are. And what can I say: Soldiers talk over food.

I also intentionally forward about half of the boxes I get to the other FOBs and COPs that I am responsible for. The feedback that I get from those soldiers is that it is easy for them to feel forgotten and left out, given how far forward they actually are (we don't really have "front lines" in this war, but if we did, they would be several paces beyond that line), so when they get care packages and tastes of home, it is a huge morale boost.

Doc S goes on to list items that he finds are in high demand.  He reports that "it is very helpful to have individually wrapped / sized packages, the kind that soldiers can stuff into their pockets prior to heading out on a mission."  This is a concrete way stateside Americans can support the emotional/mental health of those who serve in our place.  If you would like to help this way, please keep reading...

FOOD:
Energy Drinks [e.g., Monsters, Redbull; Doc S says, "Dear Lord are they popular!!!")
Meal replacement bars (e.g., Powerbars, Cliff Bars; granola bars)
Beef Jerky
Trail Mix
Pre-packaged food that does not need a microwave (individual packages of tuna and crackers)
Peanut Butter
Crackers (e.g., Triscut, Ritz, Goldfish)
Prepackaged noodles that only require hot water (in cups, not bags)
Coffee (ground, please!)
Creamer
Coffee filters (all sizes)
Coffee Mugs (sealable, non-leaking)
Breath mints
Sunflower Seeds / Pistachios
Drink mixes (e.g., indvidiual Crystal Light packages that can be added to water bottles)
Candy and Cookies

HYGIENE ITEMS:
Shampoo / Body Wash (travel size)
Shaving Cream
Disposable Razors
Individual-sized packages of cotton swabs (not cotton balls!)
Baby Wipes
Deodorant (e.g., Gillette, Old Spice, etc.)
Kleenex

Doc S closes with this note:  "I've said it before, and I will say it again: folks, I am blown away by the generosity that you all have consistently shown. Thank you so much for the items and packages you send our way!   Proud to Serve - Doc S"

Information on how to send the items above can be found at Soldiers' Angels.