Dr. James Bender is a former Army psychologist who deployed to Iraq as the brigade psychologist for the 1st Cavalry Division 4th Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Hood, Texas. During his deployment, he traveled through Southern Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad. He writes a monthly post for the DCoE Blog on psychological health concerns related to deployment and being in the military.

When most people hear the words “psychologist,” “mental health” or “shrink,” they think “mental illness.” After all, why should you talk to those guys unless you have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression? It’s unfortunate that some people think that way, because in addition to helping with serious conditions like PTSD and depression, behavioral health specialists can offer much more. A big part of psychology concerns itself with improving physical performance.

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	U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Tom Jones

Each generation of Americans witness, and some personally experience, “a date which will live in infamy.” These specific moments are etched in our minds and in the history of our country. They are periods of time recalled in an instant, by some more vividly than others. Where we were, what we were doing, what we were feeling — these powerful shared experiences bond each generation with the next.

Generations were witness to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the attempt on President Ronald Reagan’s life, and the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Never forgotten, always remembered.

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	DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg

Cmdr. Sarah Arnold is a physician trained in family medicine and preventive medicine. She served in the Navy for 14 years and completed two tours in Iraq. Five years ago, she lost her friend to suicide and was compelled to write about it, in part because she was the last person to see her colleague and friend before she died and also for her own healing.

Two police officers stood at my front door. As I invited them in, they asked if I knew the whereabouts of my friend Dawn (name changed) because she was missing from the hospital. Dawn, a Navy nurse, and I, a Navy doctor, at the time, worked together. We went our separate ways, as we all do in the Navy after a tour is over. I was now in a residency program, and she was stationed at another clinic. That’s why I was surprised to see her one day at the hospital where I was working.

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	Shaquille Vance, a U.S. Paralympian, trains at the fitness center track at RAF Lakenheath, England, Aug. 20, 2012. More than 50 U.S. Paralympians and hopefuls, including wounded and injured U.S. service members, were honing their skills and making final preparations for competition in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Connor Estes)

From the start of the London Olympics through the closing ceremonies, we watched American athletes compete every day filled with patriotism and excitement. But for some athletes currently competing in the London Paralympics, Aug. 29 to Sept. 9, they are doing more than just wearing the American flag – they are wearing or have worn a uniform.

Of the 227 members of the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team, 20 are active-duty service members or veterans, some injured during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. These world-class athletes are showing their countrymen and the world that it’s possible to overcome physical injuries, psychological health challenges and still excel.

The predecessor to the modern-day Paralympics was first held in England in 1948, for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. The Paralympics have since expanded to include athletes with physical, visual and intellectual disabilities competing in 19 sports – it’s now the world’s second largest sporting event after the Olympics, with a record 165 nations competing this year with 4,200 athletes.

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	A Backpack Journalist Hannah Rauhut poses with retired Sgt. Maj. Sam Rhodes, founder of Wounded Warrior Horsemanship program. (Courtesy photo)

Military kid Hannah Rauhut was given an assignment: create a multimedia presentation about a topic that was important to her. While some 13-year-old students might use the opportunity to discuss anything on their minds (my own “groundbreaking” middle school presentation addressed what brand of chocolate chips make for a tastier cookie), Rauhut had a more passionate approach — educate her peers on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Her presentation included facts, a video she made of the local Wounded Warrior Horsemanship program and a live interview with founder retired Sgt. Maj. Sam Rhodes on coping with PTSD. Not only did Rauhut get a perfect score and gratitude from her enlightened classmates, she’s now raising awareness nationwide as a journalist for A Backpack Journalist, a program that teaches military youth about resilience through creative expression. I spoke with Rauhut about the significance of raising awareness of PTSD, especially for youth.

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