ŌURA’s Post

MEPS- Military Entrance Processing Station. The Military is a very acronym heavy organization. MEPS may be the first acronym a service member gets introduced to. For some Veterans this process was 😲and for some it was 🙂as briefed and described by the recruiter. Regardless it is an experience that all who served in the military experienced. As a Veteran and current member of the Air National Guard, I think about the acronym MEPS differently. I now see MEPS as means to address and work on the critical components of my well being -Mental -Emotional,  -Physical  -Spiritual Pre-Military MEPS= Military Entrance Processing Station Post-Military MEPS= Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual (maintenance) MEPS introduced me to the military formally, objectively and administratively. MEPS for me now is a guiding force to acknowledge and take action to address and maintain my Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual state of affairs. This version of MEPS goes well beyond the Veteran and Service Member population. It is applicable to all navigating the complexities of life. We all have our ways to address, improve, maintain, etc. our well being. Information, resources and guidance can be incredibly overwhelming like our initial experience with MEPS. That’s ok. Focus on what works for you. Acknowledge this, Accept it, Process it, Plan for ways to take holistic, respectful and empowering Action(s). Be good to yourself. I hope this message encourages a personalized and compassionate approach to your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and fitness approach. “Commit to getting MEPS Fit” #wellbeing #acknowledge2action #fitnessmotivation #emotionalwellbeing #mentalfitness

I spoke to an audience of female fliers, sharing my experience of coping with trauma related stress instead of asking for help because of the fear of being grounded from flying. My journey of trauma includes significant stressors such as PTSD and military sexual trauma. Why did I choose to speak openly about this? ⭐️ Because I believe in destigmatizing asking for help. ⭐️ It's a sign of strength, not weakness. While the military and aviation community still have progress to make, there's a positive shift happening. On March 6, 2024, the Air Force updated the Medical Standards Directory (MSD) for mental health, reflecting this progress. The MSD document reflects the current medical standards for retention, flying classes, and special ops duty for the Air Force and United States Space Force as referenced in DAFMAN 48-123. ⭐️ You can download the Med Standards app on your smart phone. Below is a passage from MSD Section Q. History of any adjustment disorder or other trauma or stressor related disorder is disqualifying for all initial special duty qualifications if any of the following apply: 👉🏽 lasted greater than 60 days, 👉 level of care higher than weekly outpatient (inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient program), 👉🏿 recurrent, 👉🏻 or any current diagnosis symptoms. Trauma and Stressors Related Disorders, including and PTSD (F43.10), when symptoms result in DOWN greater than 60 days, or IF, after treatment, disorder recurs with exposure to the operational/trigger environment. (Mild residual symptoms without risk to mission, member or safety of flight, are acceptable.) I am also grateful for the bravery and leadership of the panel especially Cathyrine Armandie for sharing their personal and command perspectives. #aviation #pilot #airforce #military #airforce #navy #army #spaceforce #marine #faa #mentalhealth #flying #psychology #leadership #ptsd #veteran

Attention all First Responders, Military personnel, and Vets! 🚨👮♂️👨🚒🪖 There's a unique bond that forms when you've walked in the boots of a First Responder, Military member, or Vet. I've been there, shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters, facing the unknown with courage and determination. Now, I'm on a mission to coach my fellow warriors in uniform. The struggle against the rising obesity rate among First Responders is real. It's not just about looking fit—it's about being an asset, not a liability. Physical health is your armor in the heat of service; it sharpens your mental health too, fortifying your mind for those split-second decisions that can mean everything. Drawing from my own personal experiences, I understand what it takes to excel—not just in your role but in life. From carrying out critical missions to earning respect and promotions—your physical and mental fitness paves the way for you to lead effectively. "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 This verse speaks volumes about our service. It's the mental grit we need when faced with adversity—the spiritual fitness that complements our physical readiness. I'm here to help you elevate your game, build that unbreakable team spirit so that when it counts, everyone goes home safe. If you're ready to step up, become that leader who inspires others and thrives under pressure—join me. Enroll in my program tailored specifically for First Responders like us. Together we'll rise above challenges and set new standards of excellence—for ourselves and those we serve. Are you ready? DM me now. Let’s get started on this journey together. #FirstResponders #PhysicalHealth #MentalHealth #BeAnAsset #EffectiveTeamwork #PersonalExperience #StrengthInService

Come check out the new website. New look and feel with original posts you won't find anywhere else. Give us a like if you like our new logo!!! Feeling stressed? Check out the post on breathing exercises. Veteran in transition to the private sector? We've been there and done it. www.beck-advisory.com #veteranownedbusiness #veterans #teambuilding #positivemindset #followers #connections

🙌 Navigating the skies just got better for Air Force pilots! In a recent shift in policy, the Air Force has decided to allow pilots to seek mental health treatment for up to 60 days without being pulled from flight status. As a physician and former flight surgeon, I am thrilled about this decision. 🎯 This critical change recognizes the importance of mental well-being alongside physical fitness, especially in roles where precision and focus are paramount. Historically, pilots not surprisingly hesitated to seek mental health care due to the fear of being grounded. I witnessed it. They understandably worried about their careers and the implications on their training opportunities. 🛡️ Now, this revision not only safeguards their ability to fly but also their long-term health. The decision is another big step toward destigmatizing mental health care within the military, ensuring that our pilots are supported holistically. The adjustment in policy aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the ongoing commitment to improving mental health policies in all professions. Let’s celebrate and spread the word about this pivotal change for those in uniform. ❤️ Because mental health matters, especially at 30,000 feet. #MentalHealthAwareness #AirForce #PilotLife #MilitaryHealth

Focusing on brain health is key to mission readiness, and there are several steps that the military community—service members and veterans, health care providers, researchers, educators, and families—can take to maintain a healthy brain. https://lnkd.in/e58zRkcq #Readiness | #BrainHealth | #TBICOE

Do you encourage military-connected people you know, as well as, your friends, family and coworkers to manage their stress, do self-care and have healthy routines? August is National Wellness Month, a great time to emphasize how important self care is, particularly for people who are serving or have served in the armed forces - and for their family members. Their “service before self mindset,” frequent moves, and fast-paced lives can make it hard for military-connected people to take time for themselves, focus on the positive and stay socially connected. This coping strategy is well ingrained by the time they leave military service and stays with them. It is rare for military members to ask for support when they struggle. Military family members are also independent and stoic. The best thing civilian Veteran Champions can do is to develop trusting relationships with them and get to know him/her well enough to respond when their behaviors change - a potential sign of struggle. Learn how to connect with Veterans, here :https://buff.ly/3axgBcn Join the Veteran Champion Movement. Be a part of the win! #VeteranChampion #BeaPartofTheWin #WellnessMonth Photo 321621165 | Wellness © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

We know that navigating the VA system can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep apnea claims. The process can feel overwhelming, but we're here to offer guidance and support. If you're dealing with sleep apnea and believe it's connected to your military service, a strong nexus letter is a game-changer. It's your link between your condition and your time in service. Without it, you might find your claims denied or caught up in lengthy appeals. How do you get one? 👉 https://bit.ly/3QNPV8N #sleepapnea #veteransdisability #vadisabilitybenefits #vadisabilitylawyer

Focusing on brain health is key to mission readiness, and there are several steps that the military community—service members and veterans, health care providers, researchers, educators, and families—can take to maintain a healthy brain.