Fort Campbell Military Ministry Fair focused on PTSD

'Military Ministry Fair' gets positive reviews
Mission of building bridges largely accomplished, participants say
Jan 11, 2013
Written by
Philip Grey
Leaf-Chronicle

FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — Over 180 people, representing a large number of area churches and mental health advocacy groups, participated in Fort Campbell’s Military Ministry Fair on Friday.

The event – the second such meeting in recent months – was held at Fort Campbell’s Liberty Chapel. Hosted by Installation Chaplain (Col.) Jeff Houston, the stated purpose of the meeting was to continue to build a bridge between the military and civilian faith communities.

According to participants who were interviewed, that task was largely accomplished.

'An informational event'

The goal beyond building bridges was to ensure that participants left with a good idea of the number of programs available to the military members of their faith communities, and information on how to refer soldiers and family members in need to appropriate agencies and programs.

Those who attended were provided with nearly an overload of information pertaining to the issues of PTSD, depression, military suicide and military family problems that stem from the stresses of over a decade of war.

Frustration and hope

Pastor Carlo Serrano of Extreme Ministries, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who hosts “The Spirit of Clarksville” on WJZM 1400 AM on weekday mornings, was frustrated by the fact that military suicide rates continue to climb despite hundreds of programs, policies and procedures instituted by the military to help service members and their families.

However, he also sounded a hopeful note based on the day’s events. “Ultimately, I know the Army is doing everything they can,” he said, “just like local pastors are doing everything they can. I think the more we do these kinds of get togethers and meetings, we’ll eventually fill that gap.”
read more here