Thinking over events of the past few months I realized there was one thing that would have made everything easier. A person that knew the system, someone that could have given us resources without me having to hunt them down. Someone that was there for just us.
That might sound selfish but it is honestly what we needed. The Ombudsman is great. But the Ombudsman is one person to many soldiers. I am thinking of a one on one person. The military does not have the manpower/time/money for such an option.
As I am starting to help to help another soldier facing what we faced I realized how nice it would be if each soldier could have a PTSD sponsor. One person helping them. One person that knew the system, that's been there. It doesn't have to be someone that knows everything, just someone that understands the maze of the mental health system and that has compassion for others.
My idea, and believe me it's an idea in the initial stages, is that a sponsor will only help one soldier at a time.
Sponsor needs to be very familiar with the mental health system and military procedure.
Sponsor is not to discuss their soldiers personal details with anyone.
Sponsor should be able to attend appointments with soldier when requested.
Sponsor needs to be available by phone or by text if the soldier needs assistance.
Sponsors will meet weekly in an online private room to discuss any issues they might need help with. Sponsors can reach out to each other in between meetings if there is an urgent issue they need help with.
Those are the beginning ideas.
Recently at a visit with a Family Life Chaplain he told me this story:
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, What are you doing?
The youth replied, Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die.
Son, the man said, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can't make a difference!
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said,
I made a difference for that one.
It rang so true to what I want to do. I can't save them all. Neither can you. But if we each take one, it will matter to that one we help.
I will be working on a short application process for both sponsors and soldiers seeking help. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or are a soldier in need of help please email me.
I will set up an online meeting with sponsors as soon as I have a few to work with.
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