Real Warriors E-mail Update

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

www.realwarriors.net

Suicide Prevention Week

This week is Suicide Prevention Week. In honor of this event, the Real Warriors Campaign would like to share our suicide prevention-related resources and stories with you. Several service members have shared stories of their struggles with suicidal ideation with the Real Warriors Campaign:

The Real Warriors Campaign website also offers several suicide prevention related articles:

Additionally, the Active Duty forum in the Real Warriors Message Boards features numerous suicide-related posts, including one veteran's inspirational series entitled "U.S. Field Manual to Not Killing Yourself: 13 Reasons Why Not."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK. If you need help locating resources for psychological health, contact the DCoE Outreach Center at 866-966-1020 or by logging onto Real Warriors Live Chat.

New Articles

Five Resources for Returning to School

Many veterans decide to take advantage of the GI Bill and other education benefits in their post-military careers by enrolling in a higher education degree or certificate program. While this transition is often challenging, there are many exciting opportunities available to you. The five resources outlined in this article can help make the transition easier and provide the tools for academic success.

Accessing Benefits for PTSD is Easier Than Ever

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and now it’s easier than ever before. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it is providing an easier process for veterans of all conflicts seeking health care and disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder. This article explains the new rule and details how obtaining disability compensation is now faster and simpler for the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces and are now coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

New Shopping Cart for Ordering Materials

You can now order Real Warriors Campaign materials online! We recently launched a Shopping Cart feature on the Real Warriors website, which you can use to easily order campaign materials for use at your meetings, seminars and events. Materials and shipping are free and orders for bulk quantities are welcome. We recommend you order enough materials to cover a six-month time period. Put these resources to work for your organization and place an order today!

Upcoming Events

The Real Warriors Campaign will be exhibiting at the Yellow Ribbon Program Conference on Sept. 14–16 at the Marriott Orlando World Center in Orlando, Fla. The booth will be in the foyer outside the Grand Ballroom.

Stop by the DCoE booth at the following events to pick up free Real Warriors materials:

The Brain Injury Association of Canada: Sept. 30–Oct. 2; Regina Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. Dr. Lolita O’Donnell, Deputy Director of DCoE’s Clearinghouse, Outreach and Advocacy Directorate will be presenting.
Brain Injury Partnerships: NASHIA and NABIS in the Twin Cities: held by the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) and the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS): Oct. 5–8; Minneapolis, MN.

Partner Spotlight

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment and mental health services delivery system. SAMHSA recently partnered with the Ad Council and Inspire USA Foundation to create Reach Out USA, a national campaign aimed at educating teens and young adults about suicidal ideation and suicide prevention.

Capt. Emily Stehr Profile

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Sharing stories lets warriors know that they are not alone in dealing with a psychological wound or traumatic brain injury. Talking about the psychological effects of war on service members openly breaks down stigma. Learning what others are doing to address these issues creates new opportunities for healing.

If you are a Real Warrior and would like to share your story with the Real Warriors Campaign, please contact us.

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