LIFE AFTER COMBAT: Civilian clergy learn the effects of deployment

PTSD, STRESS, AND PRAYER
LIFE AFTER COMBAT: Civilian clergy learn the effects of deployment
By DANIEL WOOLFOLK
TIMES STAFF WRITER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

FORT DRUM — Stresses of military life extend beyond the installation gates — they can be found where soldiers pray.

Almost 60 civilian clergymen met with Fort Drum chaplains at The Commons Tuesday to discuss how to better minister to military congregants.

"The clergy want to do all they can for the soldiers and their families that are in our communities," said Denise K. Young, executive director of the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization.

She worked with Fort Drum garrison Chaplain Col. Lee Dudley to organize the event that highlighted the importance of understanding post-traumatic stress disorder, the availability of additional family resources and the stresses unique to each phase of a deployment.

The Rev. Frederick G. Garry of the First Presbyterian Church addressed the audience, telling them civilian clergy are very good at working with common problems, but should also understand military needs.

"It doesn't always translate easily into the parish," he said.

Personality disorders are especially difficult, said Rev. David L. Hayner, of New Life Christian Church.

"We're lacking in being able to understand, being able to cope with and being able to reach out to soldiers with PTSD," he said.

More than 60 percent of families in his congregation have a member in the military, an organization he is familiar with.

A combat-wounded veteran, the Rev. Mr. Hayner served as a platoon sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment.
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PTSD, STRESS, AND PRAYER