Montana Guard to hold PTSD public meetings

Montana Guard to hold PTSD public meetings
Posted on May 16




HELENA - The Montana National Guard will have public meetings throughout state in May to discuss Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the steps it has taken to help returning and deploying soldiers and airmen of the Montana Guard.

The meetings will take place during the week of May 19. Four separate teams of

soldiers and airmen will conduct the meetings, according to Col. Jeff Ireland, director of personnel and manpower for the guard.

"We want to take this information to the people of Montana so that they understand what

PTSD is and what they can do to help their friends, neighbors or relatives that may be affected by it," he explained.

The meetings will run from 7 to 8 p.m. on the following dates in western Montana:

May 19, Libby, National Guard Armory, 1004 Treasure Ave.; Dillon, National Guard Armory, 1070 Highway 41 N.

May 20, Kalispell Armed Forces Reserve Center, 2989 Highway 93 N.

May 21, Hamilton, National Guard Armory, 910 W. Main St.

May 22, Missoula, National Guard Armory, 2501 S. Reserve.

"The Montana National Guard is dedicated to ensuring that all Montana's soldiers and airmen are taken care of before, during and after a deployment in support of our state and nation," Ireland said. "Our efforts are to reach out to the people of this state and get their help."

The meetings schedule will include the viewing of a 30-minute video about PTSD and its impact on service members and their families. In addition, a question-and-answer period will be included to get feedback from attendees.

The public is encouraged and invited to attend the meetings.

For more information: Capt. Jeremy Hedges, 406-324-3986, or the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" campaign http://www.montanaguard.com.
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/05/16/bnews/br84.txt