Military Wife, Military Life

After the deployment......what happens next?

Operation Support Our Troops Illinois has announced that it's hosting an event on Friday, January 15th from 7-9 p.m.   It will be held at the Naperville Municipal Center.

Here is the information directly from Operation Support Our Troops:

 NAPERVILLE, Ill. (January 8, 2010) – Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois/FRST (Family Resource Support Team) and Dr. Janet Kamer  present “Military Families’ Post-Deployment Concerns and Solutions” Friday, January 15^th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL 60540.  

Military members, military families and friends are invited to join Dr. Kamer, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois, as she discusses the importance of post-traumatic stress and other post-deployment concerns. This is a free event, open to the general public. It will take place in the Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, which can be found on the first floor.

The evening includes a 25-minute, educational video, A Different Kind of Courage, followed by a discussion and Q&A with Dr. Kamer. The video features interviews with military mental health experts, chaplains, service and family members, and veterans.

"Many of us think that the worry and anxiousness will end when our loved ones return home from war. Once they come home, we realize that’s only the beginning of a life of

struggles, if the issues go unaddressed. I look forward to hearing what Dr. Kamer and other families have to say about identifying theses issues and how we can help,” said Maureen Keener, director of administrative affairs for OSOTIL and mother of an OIF veteran.

The goal of this event is to stress the importance of seeking help early if you or a loved one shows signs of mental health or alcohol disorders; encouraging individuals to self-identify symptoms, while creating an awareness of surrounding resources.

Parking is available on the upper parking deck - accessible from Webster Street and Eagle Street.  Specific directions can be found on the City of Naperville Website.

To take a free, anonymous self-assessment to see if you have symptoms of PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse and/or bipolar disorder visit www.militarymentalhealth.org or call 1.877.877.3647.

About OSOTIL: Since 2003, OSOTIL has supported members of the United States of America’s armed forces deployed in harm’s way through their care package program.  The program has shipped over 260 tons of comfort items, cards and letters of encouragement collected from the community. OSOTIL also provides education and resources to families of deployed troops and returning veterans as well as funding for Hines VA Hospital and the newly built Fisher House at Hines, as well as other veteran and military support programs. 

About Janet M. Kamer, Ph.D.: Dr. Janet M. Kamer is a clinical psychologist and clinical neurophysiologist, Director of Psychology for DuPage Medical Group since 2006, with experience and expertise in military psychology. She has worked at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL and maintains a private practice in Wheaton. Dr. Kamer is a Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves, and Command Consultant for Psychology, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command since 2007.

Do you know a Military Hero in Chicagoland?

    As we begin 2010, I would like to start by acknowledging and thanking all those who have served and sacrified for our country.   I know that includes those in the military, but I also know some families, spouses and children did not share the holidays with their military member because their loved ones are deployed or, perhaps, no longer with us.

My thoughts are with all of you.

As we start a new year, I would like to draw your attention to an awards program by the American Red Cross in Chicago.  They recently contacted me because they are looking for Military Heroes from our community.

.  Every year, they have a Heroes Breakfast to honor and recognize outstanding citizens throughout Chicagoland.  There are several Award Categories - including one for military members, vets and people who support the armed forces in Chicagoland.  Last year, Bob Adams won this honor.

 If you know a Military Hero, here's the Nomination Form to toss their name in the hat.  Nomination forms are due by January 29th.

I know there is a local Military Hero out there somewhere.  Maybe you know that person - and can share their story with the rest of us.