"Cover Me" shows Marines it's ok to not be ok

'Cover Me' Leaves no Marine Behind
Military.com - USA
March 13, 2009
Marine Corps News

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, screened the film, “Cover Me,” at the South Mesa Club here, March 5, to help raise awareness and educate Marine leadership about combat operational stress.

The film’s conception was centered on the Corps’ need to let Marines know it is all right to seek medical help for combat operational stress and in doing so, their careers will not be adversely affected.

Award-winning producer Norman Lloyd directed the film, which features interviews with Gen. James N. Mattis, commander, US Joint Forces Command, Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

The film also contains interviews with service members who have experienced combat operational stress and medical experts experienced in treating it.

More than 800 staff noncommissioned officers, officers and civilians were in attendance for the screening. Several guest speakers, with extensive backgrounds in psychiatric care, also addressed the audience and after a short question and answer segment, those in attendance were offered the opportunity to meet one on one with the speakers.

Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, director, Naval Center Combat & Operational Stress Control, was one of the special guest speakers. While addressing the crowd, he frequently reiterated the reoccurring theme of the film, “It’s ok to not be ok.”
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