Being a Leader is Difficult

One of the major topics that has been coming up over the last couple weeks is the covid-19 pandemic and the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of mixed emotions in a lot of arenas including what it is to be a good leader. The ship’s Captain, Brett Crozier, was relieved of command for doing what he thought was right. The Captain pleaded for help outside his chain of command after being denied the ability to protect his troops from the covid-19 pandemic running ramped on his ship. It appears that the consensus among the veterans.

I know is the Captian did the right thing by trying to take care of his crew. A move that many veterans feel should not have cost him his career.

So many people struggle making sound decisions as leaders, in my opinion too many leaders choose their careers over what is best for their troops. According to the New York Times on February 26, 2020 defense secretary Mark Esper ordered combatant commanders to tell him before they took any action to protect their troops concerning the covid-19 virus. It was reported the directive by secretary Esper was given to commanders to prevent their decision from contradict the President.

According to reports from the Washington Post on March 29, 2020 Capt. Crozier and his superior officers were “struggling” to reach a consensus on a plan of action as his crew continued to suffer. Both Admirals in the conversation voiced their concern about removing the ship from its mission and no directive was given. After failing to get permission to help his sailors Capt. Crozier wrote an unclassified 4-page e-mail to 20-30 Naval officials the next day. The e-mail was directed to Naval officials both in and out of his command. The e-mail stated the disease is ongoing and accelerating, he needed approval and help executing his proposal to remove all non-essential crew from the ship, stating sailors did not need to die unnecessarily. As we know the letter was leaked to the news media by someone in the Navy, causing the incident to go public.

The problem is Capt. Crozier should have never been put in this position to begin with. He followed protocol by running the crisis up the “flagpole” and it was met with ambivalence by his commanders. It was evident that the captain did not feel that he had the time the Navy was seeking to help his crew. Capt. Crozier stated in his e-mail that we were not at war and it was unnecessary for his crew to suffer. The Capt. was relieved of command and later found out he too had been stricken with the virus.

Even with the captain's best efforts of those tested, 585 sailors from the Roosevelt tested positive for the covid -19 virus with one death. People are asking if the captain was relieved of command for political purposes. We appear to be in a political climate where people, in both parties, are not willing to stand up for what is right. It appears that everyone in power is trying to maintain or gain control whether that is right or wrong for the country. It appears that the Navy was trying to hide the covid-19 pandemic on Theodore Roosevelt for political purposes. I understand is not good to let your enemy, China, Russia etc. know that a major part of your war machine is out of the fight. It is still not right for the stricken ship to stay out to sea with the pandemic in full force when we are not in a full-blown war.

At the end of the day this always goes back to what is the right thing to do in a tough situation. All of us have been struggling with the coved 19 pandemic and the self-isolation. Fortunately, we are not stuck on a ship with the virus running rampant. At the end of the day we will have no say with what happens to the captain of the Roosevelt. The Navy is trying to decide whether to take further action on the captain, leave things as they stand, or place him back in command. I do know one thing, if the captain's placed back in command of the Theodore Roosevelt he will have the most loyal crew of any ship in the Navy, all because he put the health and welfare of his troops over his own career. This is something that is rare today. To me Capt. Crozier is a hero of this pandemic just like the first responders, medical staff, and doctors were battling it in the hospitals.

Not Getting Out is Hard on Military Veterans

One thing I can admit, I am on the fence with the social distancing and stay at home guidelines. I can see both sides of the issue, but I still get upset when people refuse to follow the rules while out. Wearing a mask while out in public has nothing to do with civil liberties, it is just common courtesy. Wearing a mask is like wearing clothes, we do not let folks go out naked, and do not call the requirement to wear clothing a threat to civil liberties, how is requiring masks a threat to your civil liberties, so look at a mask clothing. In my opinion if everyone would just wear a mask while out this whole thing would probably go away quicker. I know it is uncomfortable to wear a mask and it is a pain in the butt, but to those who have of have loved ones with compromised immune system it can be life or death. If you choose to not wear a mask you are not only putting your health in danger, you are putting me and my loved ones in danger too.I recently wrote a column about how the shelter in place order has been helpful to some with PTSD. But it is a struggle for others, especially those who suffer from depression, moral injury, and survivors’ guilt. Depression is a key element to PTSD and suicide, and what helps the most is socialization and exercise. The covid -19 pandemic has put a stop to both which is a problem for a lot of people who suffer from PTSD and depression.

As a mental health professional, I understand that the stay at home order is a struggle for us as humans. We are hard wired for connection and it is important to be around others for our mental health. Another important part to having good mental health is exercise, especially for those with PTSD and depression. That is why the comments made by the gym owner in Victorville caught my attention, he is correct in his assessment surrounding mental health and the need to work out.

As I was listening to the reasons the gym owner opened his gym, I thought to myself, he is right. Those with PTSD need an outlet, and often it is the gym is that outlet to keep them mentally healthy. Folks with PTSD need to have a release, and for many it is exercise. The ability to utilize a punching bag, run, lift weights, and personal exercise regiments are key to handling their frustration and anger issues. With the parks closed and feeling trapped at home it is a struggle for some and can cause them to have thoughts of suicide. Loneliness increases the thoughts of suicide for folks suffering from PTSD and depression. Where the stay at home orders are beneficial for some veterans, it can be a struggle for others. It is possible to open society back up, but we must follow the science and the rules.

Social distancing and wearing a mask are the key to safely opening society back up. It is true that this is not 100% effective, but it is a start. We cannot depend on the government, either state or federal to do what needs to be done. If you do not want the government in your life do what you need to do, social distance and wear a mask. If we can prove its possible to be responsible citizens, the economy will open back up using modifications. The key is following guidelines, it might be painful, but it will help our mental health. You have the right to protest, but you also have the responsibility to put society first. The inconvenience of wearing a mask and distancing yourself from others will help with completing the task you want to accomplish, opening businesses and going back to work. We must reach back to our time in the military and utilize the discipline we had to survive this mess. We all will need to modify our behavior to get back to work and some semblance of normal.

Lack of human contact is a struggle. In fact, we all need the human interaction. I believe what some did in Orange county once the beaches opened is going to set us back and keep us stuck in our homes longer. I will not feel totally safe until there is a vaccine or a proven treatment for this virus. I will continue to take precautions for myself, my family, my friends, and my fellow humans. Please do the same!

Veterans Need the Great Outdoors

Since June is PTSD awareness month, I thought I would discuss the need for folks with PTSD to get out of the house and get into nature. Presently it seems healthier to steer clear of anything that involves a crowd but getting into nature is a healthy way to handle depression and anxiety which are a part of PTSD. If we choose, we can be alone outside in nature, giving us the solace, we desire. We can also be with those we love if we choose, enjoying the time outside and building memories during these tough times. With the time we have on our hand’s veterans need to investigate getting out of the house and doing something that is healthy. The State Parks are starting to open back up allowing veterans to get back into nature. For a lot of veterans going fishing, hiking, hunting, shooting, or just flat getting out of the house does not involve crowds and is safe. You can go to local parks such as Mojave Narrows county park, the National Parks have started opening recently, and State Park just opened including Silverwood Lake State Park.

I know that some veterans are much happier not having to deal with people and would much rather stay at home than to venture out. With all the Covid -19 scare it gives some veterans a good excuse for to not want to attend birthday parties, social gatherings or go shopping. I often tell my clients who are suffering from PTSD that if they do not want to visit stores or anywhere there are crowds, they might want to look at getting outside and spending some time with nature.

Getting out into nature is one of the most relaxing things that someone with PTSD can do. The fresh air and scenery can be very relaxing and therapeutic. It has been proven that most folks that get into nature have fewer negative symptoms and live a healthier life.

Even though we love our families being at home with them 24/7 can cause a lot of stress. Tension can set in, frustration becomes the norm, and tempers can flare up. This is normal for a lot of relationships, especially for those with the third element, PTSD. Every person needs a break from their family from time to time. Parents need a break from their children, spouses need a break from each other even though we are social creatures, we are not designed to be together all the time. That is why getting some space and being outdoors is so important for folk’s mental health. It is difficult enough under normal circumstances to be together all the time but being forced to be together all the time can be a challenge to some relationships. That is why I encourage all couples to plan time to be with their friends, especially during this time of stress as we encounter the unknown.

Being stuck in the house is can be tough when dealing with PTSD. That opens a lot of folks up for depression. We know the best thing for depression is exercise and socialization, but the socialization piece has been semi-taken away because we fear being around extended family members and friends because of the pandemic. So that leaves exercise. I challenge everyone to get out of the house, go to the park, walk around in nature, and enjoy what is out there. It can be the best thing for your mental health. I also expect an increase of suicide during this time. I challenge everyone to keep in touch with loved ones and friends, make sure they are safe. Do not be afraid to ask them about suicide if your concerned for their mental health. This situation is tough on all of us, especially those who suffer from PTSD and depression.

Suicide hotlines or clinics:

Veterans suicide crisis line

1-800-273-8255 Press 1 or text 838255

Crisis Walk in Center (Victorville)

1-760-245-8837

National suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255 Or text GO to 741714

Traditions Go Awry During Pandemic

Its Memorial Day weekend and a lot of things have changed his year. The use of city, county, state, and federal parks has its limitations. The traditional Memorial Day cookouts are highly discouraged because of the crowds, and veterans we cannot honor our deceased comrades. As a veteran it is difficult to set back and watch as the tradition of honoring our own become another victim of the pandemic. Traditional Memorial Day celebrations are not happening, and we must accept that.

The biggest traditions during the Memorial Day weekend for most civilians and veterans alike is now considered dangerous. It is recommended that people not travel over the Memorial Day weekend this year for fear of spreading the virus. Traveling to see friends, family, going camping, having cookouts, and events at our National Cemeteries are now put off until next year.

Memorial Day is the customary beginning of summer, but this year it will feel different because of everything that is going on. It appears those in power are doing what they can to safely open the state. I know there are some of us who are struggling with the loss of tradition, but it appears to be something were going to have to suffer through. There are a lot of people who feel that this pandemic is not as bad as people say. Some believe it is media hype, some blame politicians, I am not sure if there is anyone to blame, but WE’VE GOT THIS, the pandemic will not destroy us because sacrifice is in a veteran’s DNA. We might have to stay at home, but it does not change who we are.

Traditions are a huge part of veteran culture. The military has a deep history and a lot of tradition. These traditions have been around for years. It is hard to not follow them because of something that we do not understand, we cannot see, and we fear. We have never seen something like this that has the potential to change the entire fabric of our traditions, our culture, and our society as we know it. It appears this Memorial Day we will have to put aside our traditional traditions and start creating new ones that can be passed down to future generations. This is our opportunity to bring the traditions back to those veterans who are too ill to participate or attend Memorial Day ceremonies, allowing them to participate from their homes virtually. Hopefully, this will lead to an expansion of the tradition where the events can be done live or virtually leaving no one out. There will be a lot of virtual Memorial Day events happening Monday. Even though we might have to forego attending the parades, visiting the national cemeteries, and getting together to honor our fallen, a new opportunity has arisen. Opening the virtual world can bring the Memorial Day celebrations to our homes.

One of the biggest flaws we have as older veterans is not accepting technology and what it can do for us. We have a tradition of being together on Memorial Day but that appears to be impossible this year. So, I challenge all veterans who want to honor those for Memorial Day to embrace what is available in the virtual world. There is nothing wrong with using technology to keep the Memorial Day tradition’s alive. It will feel different and odd, but it still meets the goals of honoring those who are dear to us. We need to accept what we have so we can move forward in these crazy times.

Should the Military Be Used for Protests?

Wow… what a month it has been! And we are barely half over. The biggest topics we have been facing is the use of force by police, and if the military should be used on peaceful protesters. I understand that many want the military to be used when there is looting and destruction going on, but does that fit into the constitutional scope for the use of the military? Will the use of the military create the same type of issue between US citizens and the military like it has with the police? The feelings are mixed. From the veterans I have talked to many feel the streets of America is no place for military troops to display force. The Constitution says, States retain the primary responsibility and authority to provide for civil order and the protection of their citizens’ lives and property, not the federal government. This is the overreach that many armed militias have been railing against for years. They should be out protecting the peaceful protesters and protecting their constitutional rights to protest, especially if the military is used. There are certain instances where I feel the military should be used, but they are limited to natural disasters where the military has the resources to save lives.

It appears when the topic of police brutality and the use of the military is brought up everybody digs in an chooses a side. It appears to me that there is common ground for us to discuss. Police are killing people for minor offenses, and it appears this is increasing. The use of force by police is not limited to minorities, but it appears that minorities are taking the brunt of the abuse. I feel we should all agree that the police need more training in utilizing non-lethal weapons and de-escalation. Shooting someone who is running away is not cause for a death sentence, so why are they shooting and killing them. Why are they pulling folks out of police cars once they are cuffed in their patrol car and killing them? If the police would stop using unnecessary deadly force, there would not be a question about the use or the military to police their own citizens.

Generally, the US military is not trained to police the streets of our country. Yes, there are the military police who have some training but are not trained in the use of nonlethal force the way the police are supposed to be. I understand that police officers are in fear for their life at times, so are military members in war zones, but that is their job. But the police are doing some jobs they are not trained to do. Dealing with homeless folks, many with mental disorders, and drug abuse calls is not in their scope. Police should not be called out to deal with these situations. This should be dealt with by someone with a social services background who knows how to handle drug use and mental disorders. Police should not be called in for child abuse cases, that should also be social services. Calling 9-11 should offer several options including social services folks and drug abuse counselors. If the other options, social services or drug and alcohol counselors need police they can call them. This is not the job for military folks either and their use is prohibited by the constitution.

What many folks have feared has started to come true in many situations. Police have started using the surplus military equipment that they received on their own citizens. This equipment was supposed to be used to fight terrorism and has been turned on the public. Police tactics have gone from fire truck shooting water, dogs, and tear gas to using armored vehicles, rubber bullets, tasers, and military tactics. I know some are going disagree with me and that is OK. Discussing this topic is important. It is way more complicated then it appears on the outside. History has proven that bringing in the military to handle a domestic situation has trouble written all over it.

Many military members are uncomfortable being used on American streets. My guess is the use of military members to combat peaceful protesters will do the same thing to our military that is happening the police force, the loss of respect and trust from our citizens. It is possible folks would leave the military because it is not what they signed up for. The generals in the military who make the decisions to follow the constitution or the President might have to fall on their sword. It appears some generals have decided that the use of military folks when dealing with domestic situations are unconstitutional and pushing back. As a veteran myself, I am concerned we are moving away from our constitutional purpose. The use of military on the streets of the US for this purpose does not fit that constitutional threshold.

Protecting our Troops is the President’s Job

With the 4th of July weekend here, I am deeply disturbed by the recent revelation that the President of the United States knew Russia had a monetary bounty on our soldier’s lives, and then did nothing about it. The story has been reported by the Military Times and multiple news organizations, giving the story credibility. It has also been reported that he had possibly known for a year, this infuriates me and should affect anyone who is associated with the military in any way. The President has failed at the most important job as the commander in chief, minimizing the danger to our troops. If the President knew the Russians had a bounty on our soldiers and did nothing about it is a dereliction of duty at a minimum. If he was not told or briefed, he needs to take accountability for his administration’s failure. Any way you look at it, taking accountability for the actions of your troops is what leaders do, it appears that this President has failed to protect our troops and should have consequences. I, for the life of me cannot understand how a sitting US President could allow this to happen with no repercussions, or even attempts at repercussions to those who had a bounty on our troops.

One of the biggest things I have trouble with is hypocrisy. Being a student of history, I know the United States has often placed bounties on terrorist and other enemies. I understand that this is war and these kinds of things happen. I know that the US has placed bounties on leaders, high-ranking military members, and terrorist but not every day military troops. Terrorist are not “officially” a part of a country’s military and therefore treated differently. But generally, this type of bounty has consequences. It appears that there were no consequences for Russia’s actions that I am aware of or has been reported.

Some say the President did not know about the bounties, OK I can go that route; it still does not negate that the fact that it happened. The White House did not deny the incident until days later and their story has been boldly inconsistent. If the President truly did not know about the bounty, then he needs to fire someone. If nothing else this is pure incompetence by the Presidents administration. Unfortunately, that is the best-case scenario we are talking about. If it comes out the President did know there has to be a price for the President to pay.

As an American military Veteran, I struggle with is this even being a question. I want to give the President the benefit of the doubt and believe him when he said he did not know, but I just cannot. The President has shown a consistent pattern of lying and the inability to take any responsibility for anything when it makes him look bad. I just cannot remember another President where this type of action could have ever taken ahold. If this had come out in another Presidency the public would have wanted their head on a stake, but not to this administration for some reason. We all know President's lie to get themselves out of trouble. We also know that past Presidents skirt the truth and lie through omission, that is a given. For many people though this is not even a question, its believable because of this Presidents history of blatant lying while in office. The President has lied so many times and so often we do not believe him even if we want to. I would like to think that there is no one in this country that would sell out our troops for their own benefits. But it feels to me that this is what happened. I know one thing for sure, I would hate to be in the military right now and feeling my government does not have my back.

I can only imagine what is like to be in the military now. To read in the Military Times that the President of the United States, Commander in Chief of our armed forces would feel it is OK for a foreign government to have a bounty on our troops head is beyond comprehension for me. When the Military Times runs the story it hard to call it “Fake News”.

If it were time from my re-enlistment or deciding whether to get out of the military or not, I believe this would answer that question. If I were intending to enlist into the military, I would question that also. This has done nothing but weaken our military and cause our troops to have a doubt in what they are fighting for. I know I have anger at this revelation. It does not matter whether I am a supporter of the President or not. What matters to me is our troops get the most support that they possibly can by the President of the United States and our government. I do not see how anyone who has ever served in the military be OK with this, if it did happen, and I believe it did.

Veterans Struggle with Divisiveness of Country

So many of the veterans I work with today are really struggling with how divided our country has become. In the past we have not seen politics brought into the veteran community like we have today. Many of the veterans I work with are of color and really struggling with how things are. Some blame society, some blame Congress, but many blame the President because of his comments and actions. Whether we like it or not politics has crept into the veteran culture.

It appears that disdain for the President from veterans who dislike him started during the peaceful protest in Washington DC. The use of the National Guard and tear gas for a photo op really upset a lot of veterans. After this show of force, it was discovered that the President has known about bounties on our soldiers in Afghanistan for up to a year. The dislike for this President by veterans has not been verbalized this loud in my lifetime. I guess I am struggling to understand how our country has become so divided. It appears that this has been a long time coming. The last time anything happened like this was back in the 60s.

It appears that more veterans are making a stand alongside the peaceful protesters across the country. The type of divisiveness we are facing in the US is not what military veterans fought for. Most folks in the military have lived, ate, and slept beside all races and religions. Most of us feel we should be treated as equals. We all depended on each other to have our backs in combat. The more I think about it the more I am worried about where we are going as a country. It appears the peaceful protests are bringing out the radical folks on both sides and struggling to separate peaceful protest from the troublemakers.

There is a difference between peaceful protesters, looters, and the folks who bring weapons to intimidate. I am seeing more veterans participating at supporting peaceful protests and the equal rights they are fighting for. I am barely old enough to remember the protests in the 60s, but I do remember some of them. I hear some of my Vietnam era clients struggle because their old fears are coming back but one said this felt different, there were more white folks protesting. He told me how hopeful he was that this will stick.

Along with the divisiveness of race it appears face cover have now become a political divide. In my opinion face coverings should be mandatory in public places. This is no different than shoes and shirts required. I would ask all veterans to wear face covering when you are out in public to help us stop to the craziness that is the COVID-19 virus.

Let’s be realistic, this has been a tough year. Between the COVID-19, the racial protests, and losing our freedom to travel we all have suffered. Our country has not experienced anything this severe since the 60s. I hope we can work together as veterans to stop the divisiveness. This is not what we fought for. We fought for the Constitution, not a political party. The Constitution gives everyone the freedom to peacefully protest and be treated equally under the law. It appears these rights are slowly being taken away.

Please be part of the solution and not the problem. We as veterans should lead by example wear a face covering and be a part of the peaceful protests that are happening. Veterans have a huge opportunity to walk the walk and help stop the divisiveness that is happening in the United States, the country we love and fought for. Put on your veteran hat or clothing, wear your facemask, attend peaceful rallies, and make a statement.

Veterans are Losing Their Purpose

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging on veterans and civilians are suffering. So many veterans volunteer and that has been taken away from them due to the pandemic causing them to lose their purpose. When you are in the military or working you have a purpose, taking care of your family or the mission. I see so many veterans who are struggling because they cannot do what they need to do to maintain their self-worth and mental health. Their volunteer opportunities have been taken away buy this pandemic and they are stuck at home depressed trying to muddle through life. Two the biggest volunteering opportunities has been taken away. Working with the local VSO's and local nonprofits give them a purpose but that too has been taken away. The Elks, Moose, VFW’s, and American Legion lodges have closed their doors until this pandemic is gone and we wonder if all of them will survive.

The VSO's like the American Legion, VFW and DAV are really suffering. They are no longer able to have their physical meetings or lodges open. Some have gone down the virtual path but so many people struggle with technology, I cannot see it as a long-term option. Their events are being shuttered and their fundraisers being canceled causing a loss in the community. So many veterans use the VSO's as a place to go hang out and be with fellow veterans. Well that now has stopped for the most part. There are a few who have gone underground and gotten together anyway. It could be a necessary evil because what veterans emotionally need more than anything is camaraderie and a purpose. The pandemic has caused us to lose both right now and some are struggling.

The pandemic has caused multiple issues. So many veterans struggle with technology which appears to be about the only safe way to have a relationship outside of your home during the pandemic. Most veteran’s administration VA appointments are being done online. All my veteran clients are being in seen online. This may be convenient for some but is a struggle for some older veterans and those without means to purchase the necessary equipment. Technology can be expensive and overwhelming, and some veterans cannot afford it. Not understanding technology is a huge roadblock to building community for our older veterans. Many veterans have not been able to adjust to the use of technology. It appears the technology being forced on them whether they like it or not. This may force older veterans to learn technology helping them grow and help them find another way to stay in touch and have a purpose.

Volunteering helps folks work through their depression, gives them something to do with their time, and helps them feel useful. Many of the veterans I know who volunteer do it for non-profits or VSO’s. That opportunity is been lost with the pandemic. Non-profits struggle because they want the help but do not want to put someone in danger. It is a difficult situation for both the non-profit and the veteran. It is easy to slip into feeling depressed if you cannot get out of the house. Losing your purpose creates the depression. With most of the lodges and VSO’s closing veterans are limited in their socializing which is a huge part of beating depression. I encourage everyone to keep and eye on their friends, family, and neighbors during this time. Veterans have a history of service to the country and they are losing their purpose because of the pandemic. Please look out for them and help keep them safe.