DOD Suicide Prevention Task Force Includes Vientnam Vet POW

DoD stands up task force for suicide prevention
By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009 9:06 AM CDT
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Defense Department-sponsored task force will examine the military's suicide-prevention programs to ascertain what works and what doesn't, a senior health official said Sept. 3.

The military services provide a plethora of programs designed to help service members and families cope with the stresses associated with wartime conflict and overseas deployments, said Mark Bates, clinical psychologist and interim director for the Resilience and Prevention Directorate at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

The congressionally-directed task force was established recently to provide the department "the best level of guidance on how to improve our suicide-prevention programs," Bates told reporters from American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel.


The task force's 14 members were selected to represent a cross-section of military and civilian experts in policy, research, and clinical practices for suicide prevention, Bates said. Panel members, he added, will work closely with the services.

Robert G. Certain
Robert G. Certain is currently an Interim Rector at St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia. His past position included: St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and School in Palm Desert, California (1998-2007); Priest in Charge, St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, Scottsdale, Arizona (1998-2007); Rector, St. Alban’s Parish, Harlingen, Texas (1989-1994); Rector, Holy Apostles Parish, Memphis, Tennessee (1985-1989); Rector, Trinity Parish,Yazoo City, Mississippi (1978-1985); Assistant Rector, St. Peter’s Parish, Kerrville, Texas (1977-1976); and Assistant Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, South Pittsburg, Tennessee (1974-
1976).
Reverend Certain’s education and professional training began at Emory University, Atlanta,Georgia with a BA (1969), The School of Theology—The University of the South, Sewanee,Tennessee with a Master of Divinity (1976) and a Doctor of Ministry (1990). He was ordained a Deacon in 1975 and a Priest in 1976. In addition, Reverend Certain has been published in many publications. He was most recently published in “Salvation Through Christ Alone: Not a Question for Debate,” The Living Church, October 1, 2006.
Reverend Certain’s military career began in 1969 as a Navigator/Bombardier Squadron and Wing. From 1972 to 1973 he was a prisoner of war in Hanoi, North Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (Valor), Meritorious Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal,Vietnam Service Medal, Distinguished Fly Cross (Heroism), Purple Heart (1 OLC), Air Medal (4 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Representative of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
He left active duty in 1977 and retired as a Chaplain, in the United States Air Force Reserves at the USAF Academy on July 8, 1999.

DHB Subcommittees
Department of Defense Task Force on the Prevention of Suicide by Members of the Armed Forces
Alan Berman, PhD

John C. Bradley, MD, COL, MC, US Army

Bonnie Carroll

Robert Glenn Certain, PhD

SgtMaj Ronald Green

Marjan Holloway, PhD

David Jobes, PhD

Janet Kemp, RN, PhD

David Litts, OD, FAAO

CMSgt Troy McIntosh

Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH

MGySgt Peter Proietto

MG Philip Volpe

CDR Aaron Werbel, PhD
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