Brigham and Women's Hospital’s Post

I just read a chapter in a mission transition book that I can't stop thinking about: Understanding Who You Are. The time and season I'm navigating through currently is my transition from military service to civilian life. I can't help but relate this to my survival instruction days, keeping the lone Lieutenant from getting lost in the field! Transitioning from the military to civilian life has often felt like navigating with my compass that's a few degrees off...I think and hope I'll get there, but I'll have to see when I arrive at my destination. The phrase "hope is not a course of action" rings true in my ears, as hope alone will not get me there. The chapter I just read points out that Veterans often face challenges, like loss of identity and purpose, lack of structure, social isolation, and employment hurdles. Moreover, most of us suffer in silence as we are not quite sure how to materialize and communicate what's happening on the inside. It's important to note that rescue is not coming...we have to self-recover on this one. It's crucial to reassess, re-orient ourselves, and find new purposes. This week, I've reflected on my values, set new goals, sought support from my network, and am in the middle of building new routines to re-align myself to MY true north. I'm here to tell the community, you are not alone! #VeteranTransition #NewBeginnings #FindingPurpose

Some of the principles and practices we learn in the military CAN be damaging or counterproductive when we leave military service — no matter how long or where one served. Perseverance, pushing through all obstacles, unit cohesion, “sucking it up” and not asking for help may not serve us — or our families — well when we’re no longer part of a unit with battle buddies to our left and right. We were taught to overcome many things but not EVERYTHING. You weren’t alone during your service and you’re not alone now. There are people in your life — those who served alongside you and those who didn’t — who love and care about you. They may not always see the signs but they want to help. Just ask. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it — especially when you think you have no other or better options. No one should suffer in silence. And no one is ever expected to do it all on their own. If you’re struggling, reach out a friend, a battle buddy, or call 988. Service members and veterans, demonstrate the traits of honor, commitment, and caring leadership to help someone in need.

Eight years ago, I took off my Marine Corps uniform for the final time. Where has that time gone? As the pictures popped up as a reminder yesterday and I looked at some of the pictures from my military retirement ceremony, it brought a smile to my face. I saw mentors, leaders, family, friends, and more who came out to celebrate my career. Many traveled to attend. That means a lot that people will stop what they have going on in life to celebrate my accomplishments. If it were not for Nila, I would have skipped having the ceremony altogether. I am so thankful that she insisted that I have one. It was wonderful and if I had skipped having one, I would be regretting that decision forever. Listening to your spouse is a good idea most of the time. Sometimes you need to allow people to show you the impact that you had on them and the appreciation for your service. It was a weird day for me. I am not good at taking compliments or having that much focus on myself. I was going through so many different emotions all at once. I am sure many were wondering what was wrong with me. I was quiet and shying away from talking. Even at the reception, I was off. I wish that I had prepared myself for the day better, but we do not know what we do not know. As time passes by, these pictures and memories hold even more value to me. For those considering skipping a military retirement ceremony... do not skip it! Have the day for not only yourself but for your family and friends that were a part of your journey. What has been your experience leaving a long-time role (military or other)? #military #veterans #militarytransition #transitioningmilitary #transitioningservicemembers #militaryspouse #militarylife

Fallen Soldiers March has been approached by Navy Seal Team members to write for FSM's Quarterly Newsletter when inspired, time allows and anonymity is protected. They will use the pseudonym "The Chief". Special Operations is different—and it isn’t. A certain type of man is drawn to the idea of being a soldier in the black ops. This phenomenon—a longing for a tragic amalgam of idealism, vigor, wanderlust, and duty—is as old as time. Across history, tyrants have used and manipulated this inner synthesis for horrifying evil. That yearning to become, to strive, to overcome, even to know true defeat rests in the hearts of young men who were created to serve a king and kingdom. But more often than not, they end up serving themselves and worse: corrupt governments. This pull in my youthful heart led me to test my resolve in the fires of special warfare selection. I thought I was tough, and I wanted to prove it. I wanted adventure; I wanted to do things that mattered; I wanted to be able to rely on the men next to me in life-and-death situations, and I wanted them to be able to rely on me. I didn’t want riches; I didn’t want fame; I didn’t want girls or parties or comfort. I wanted conflict. I wanted to be up to my neck in danger. I wanted to serve my country and rid the world of evil men. I wanted to fight, and, if need be, die for a worthy cause. Men join special warfare communities for a plethora of reasons, but those were mine. I know I wasn’t alone in those desires. Read on below: https://lnkd.in/enPpfdSh #SpecialForces #Veterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #BiblicalSoulCare #BiblicalCounseling #JesusChrist

Fallen Soldiers March has been approached by Navy Seal Team members to write for FSM's Quarterly Newsletter when inspired, time allows and anonymity is protected. They will use the pseudonym "The Chief". Special Operations is different—and it isn’t. A certain type of man is drawn to the idea of being a soldier in the black ops. This phenomenon—a longing for a tragic amalgam of idealism, vigor, wanderlust, and duty—is as old as time. Across history, tyrants have used and manipulated this inner synthesis for horrifying evil. That yearning to become, to strive, to overcome, even to know true defeat rests in the hearts of young men who were created to serve a king and kingdom. But more often than not, they end up serving themselves and worse: corrupt governments. This pull in my youthful heart led me to test my resolve in the fires of special warfare selection. I thought I was tough, and I wanted to prove it. I wanted adventure; I wanted to do things that mattered; I wanted to be able to rely on the men next to me in life-and-death situations, and I wanted them to be able to rely on me. I didn’t want riches; I didn’t want fame; I didn’t want girls or parties or comfort. I wanted conflict. I wanted to be up to my neck in danger. I wanted to serve my country and rid the world of evil men. I wanted to fight, and, if need be, die for a worthy cause. Men join special warfare communities for a plethora of reasons, but those were mine. I know I wasn’t alone in those desires. Read on below: https://lnkd.in/enPpfdSh #SpecialForces #Veterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #BiblicalSoulCare #BiblicalCounseling #JesusChrist

Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty: The Pentagon keeps tabs on the status and attitudes of military spouses. Its biannual survey asks about satisfaction with military life, finances, employment and a list of other factors. The post Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty first appeared on Federal News Network. #FederalNewsRadio #IDefense

This #madness again. At the risk of giving oxygen to a dead argument, let's be clear: the anti-#ForceDesign crowd who call themselves '#Chowder2', and their accomplices, continue to echo old, broken arguments that have long since been shown wanting by the evidence at hand. Moreover, the motivations of these retired GOs for what they say and how they say it are inseparable from their positions within the defense industry. 1. Insightful authors and serving #Marines who have been working this issue, fully informed by the threat and the guidance of the #SECDEF, have written on this effectively and repeatedly in the pages of War on the Rocks and elsewhere. I won't repeat those arguments here - it just shows how out of touch #Chowder2 really is. They are stuck on the same alleged grievance of not getting invited to red team some early war-games. The world has turned multiple times since then and #ForceDesign is light years ahead of where it was in 2019 . Write on a way forward for the way the world is now and how it might be tomorrow. 2. This author claims that serving #Marines who are critical of #ForceDesign cannot speak their voice because of repression of thought within the Corps that he ignorantly calls 'Stalinist'. Dare I point this author to the Marine Corps Gazette, the Corps' professional journal, which publishes content that is largely critical of the #MarineCorps across every area. Serving #Marines find issues wanting, they raise problems, and recommend solutions. Apple carts get shaken and overturned on the regular, Heck, they have an entire essay contest - the Chase Essay Contest - that is aimed at criticizing traditional practice. I'd offer that the #USMC probably has the most intellectually free culture of any U.S. military service. 3. One of the front men of #Chowder2, a retired GO, has communicated that many of the members of that team are associated with the defense industry, and that their positions on #ForceDesign are directly informed by these post-retirement jobs. In correspondence, this retired GO specifically noted risk to summer cruises and contributions to the college funds of grand children. Follow the money. There is low-hanging fruit for a great story on this for a savvy defense #journalist willing to put some obvious pieces together. Doubling down on this dead position just makes you look sillier every time. https://lnkd.in/e9vdA4SQ

Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty: The Pentagon keeps tabs on the status and attitudes of military spouses. Its biannual survey asks about satisfaction with military life, finances, employment and a list of other factors. The post Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty first appeared on Federal News Network. @Poseidon-US #FederalNewsRadio #IDefense

This. This is why a patient having a single, integrated health record matters. This is why we recruit talented people like Leesa Henderson, PT, DPT, Blanca Badgett, MSN, RN, Thomas M., James Ellzy and Patrick Debusha Sargent who have lived in the healthcare systems we serve, including the MHS, and can help ensure our intentions and outcomes align. This is why we partner with organizations like Military Family Advisory Network to gather insights and data so the one patient's healthcare journey that is improved can be repeated 9.5 million times. Scott Biggerstaff, Amanda Riechers, Ryan Gotsche, Victoria Fox (Nolph), LaToya Price, MBA, PMP, ITIL4 MSHI, RN-BC, Molly Mathews, MBA, Brandon Fureigh, Jenna Friesen, MBA, PMP, Nick Patterson Austin Lang, Vijay Nath

Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty: The Pentagon keeps tabs on the status and attitudes of military spouses. Its biannual survey asks about satisfaction with military life, finances, employment and a list of other factors. The post Military spouses tell what life is like in the world of active duty first appeared on Federal News Network. @Poseidon-US #FedearlNewsRadio #News