Military had better be ready after tornadoes for mental healthcare

700 from Fort Bragg are getting ready to deploy into Afghanistan.

Bragg deals with aftermath of tumultuous storms
Staff report
Posted : Sunday Apr 17, 2011 18:16:38 EDT
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Fort Bragg officials announced on Facebook that the base will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday except for adverse weather personnel, who are to report at normal duty hours or as directed. Civilian employees and schools will also operate on a two-hour delayed schedule.

The base remained closed Sunday except for key and essential personnel after severe weather damaged buildings and cut off power to the installation Saturday.

There are no reports of loss of life or significant injuries on post, according to a statement posted to Fort Bragg’s Facebook page Saturday night. Power was restored to the majority of the base late Sunday morning, officials said in a statement. Progress Energy utility crews were working to restore power to the Linden Oaks community and Simmons Army Airfield.
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Bragg deals with aftermath of tumultuous storms

Imagine packing to leave your family after the tornadoes. Then imagine you will spend a year worrying about them on top of your own life.

Camp Lejeune homes destroyed and damaged by tornado
Onslow County tornado damage, Camp Lejeune homes destroyed

By CHRIS BROWN
Published: April 16, 2011

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Base officials say 10 to 12 homes were destroyed, 40 to 60 homes were significantly damaged and 40 to 60 more homes have suffered minor damage including broken windows, siding, gutters and trees in the yard. A 23-month old child was flown to Pitt Memorial Hospital Saturday night and is still listed in critical condition with multiple trauma related injuries.
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Camp Lejeune homes destroyed and damaged by tornado

How many are still deployed with this going on back home?

When you remember the shootings at Fort Hood, what you may not have noticed was the increase in mental healthcare demands. Their safety was taken away from them. The tornadoes brought one more kind of trauma beyond combat and the military had better be ready for what will follow from military families in crisis and needing help.