Hi, I’m Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). Welcome to our DCoE blog! As a soldier and psychiatrist, I am privileged to direct DCoE to build resilience, foster recovery and enhance reintegration.

America is blessed with real warriors who are fighting real battles – on and off the battlefield – and adapting to a “new normal” resulting from wounds both visible and unseen. When they come home, America’s warriors need real support – beyond bumper stickers and standing ovations, as much as we truly do appreciate those gestures of support. This challenge demands a “Manhattan Project” level of national effort and urgency.

Navigating the warrior’s journey is difficult – fortunately, we stand on the shoulders of history’s giants – you are NOT alone. For those who have endured the adversity of war, life becomes precious in ways that others will never know.

Claiming this strength takes courage – to talk about your experiences with trusted buddies, loved ones and leaders – and to get back-up reinforcement if your best efforts need more firepower. Remember, we’ve got tools for you and your loved ones – check out afterdeployment.org – getting support is an act of courage and strength.

I invite each of you to post your comments. Please join our team. We want this blog to focus on what matters to you. I welcome your constructive candor. How can we serve you better? What are we getting right? Where else should we focus our efforts?

We are absolutely committed to keeping our eyes on the prize – the health and wellness of our warriors and their loved ones.

So please check in often, read what we post here, and let us know what you think. I look forward to your ideas – together, let’s keep after it!