Tom Hale’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

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

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

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

SNEAK PREVIEW - January 12th, 2024 we welcome Barry Zworestine, combat medic and #psychologist to take a deep dive in what it looks like to transition well - veteran or first responder. Barry will lead weekly groups at 12:40pm PST. (That is not a typo - 12:40pm PST) This is great for #mentalhealth providers who work with veterans and first responders, and ALL veterans/first responders and their family members. This is excellent to do before entering a wonderful transition program to help with employment! The 9 goals of navigate (detailed in Video 1: https://lnkd.in/gE83wcV4 ) 1) NAVIGATE is structured to support Veterans to effectively transition out of the military into civilian life. It is the result of Barry Zworestine’s experience working as a psychologist solely with veterans in Australia for the past 22 years as well as his time in the Rhodesian Bush War in the mid 70’s and his life experiences following his time at war.  2) NAVIGATE speaks from the language of the Veteran’s territory. It guides the Veteran forward by drawing on already existing skill sets and operational protocols. It maps out the key points to be aware of, such as, loss of Tribe, belonging, moral injuries, grief, not feeling good enough, redefinition of self, adjustment challenges, purpose and meaning to note just a few.  3) NAVIGATE will support you with tools and understandings to be able to persevere when the journey becomes overwhelming. It will guide you forward to be able to begin to make small changes and find ways to embrace the uncertainty of a life outside of the military.  4) NAVIGATE offers you an invitation to move beyond the parameters of the book. Interwoven through the pages are opportunities to self-reflect and write your thoughts down in the spaces provided. Through engaging in this process, you will learn to be more proactive in approaching your journey. 5) NAVIGATE will then become your map and your compass. It can become a shared activity with those you care deeply about. It will support you to share stories and insights that you cannot speak aloud. It will help you to bridge back home and connect with your loved ones.  6) NAVIGATE will remind you that a good patrol is determined by your knowledge of your map and your internal compass as well as the resources and tools you already carry within you.  7) NAVIGATE will remind you of the core rules and values that formed who you were, and still are – teamwork, knowledge, and the willingness to take the first step. The core vision is to support you to create your own map and compass and remember that you now need to become your own mission. 8) NAVIGATE will show you how to draw on your operational skills sets and strategies that are already wired into you and use these to begin a process of change. It will remind you that as much as you would never leave a team member behind that it is now your time to become your own mission.  Please read #9 and #10 in comment section.

Join Mikel & Warriors for Life (WFL) TONIGHT for "The Power of Patience!" Presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)! https://lnkd.in/gzRFcDeU Drop in TONIGHT with Volunteer and Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs for "Burly's Warriors" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV). Where all types of Warriors get together for genuine camaraderie, different topics, friendship, and supportive discussions. Invite a friend, tell a friend, and get connected, get involved, with Veterans, Service Members, First Responders, Military Families/Spouses, and Caregivers every Saturday Night! TONIGHT’s Topic: "The Power of Patience!" Join Mikel TONIGHT on let's get together online and share some thoughts on "The Power of Patience" for your mental health! Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Saturday (TONIGHT), 25 November 2023 at 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, and 7:30 PM ET Join Zoom Meeting: https://lnkd.in/gaQgHwCV Thank you, Army Veteran Mikel Burroughs Founder & Volunteer Facilitator, Warriors for Life (WFL), & CEO, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) “Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!” "Warriors for Life (WFL) doesn't prescribe any medications, we are not medical professionals, and you should always follow your Primary Provider's guidance and prescribed regimen of treatment. This is strictly group peer support, topics, and information sharing."

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

It's Wellness Wednesday! 🌟 Our topic for today will emphasize Self-Care 🤍, which means taking care of your physical, mental and emotional health promoting your wellbeing and reducing stress. 📖 The AMES Research Center offers a Self-Care training to our military, veterans, and first responders' community. They designed the Take C.A.R.E. of Yourself resource card to provide information on how to implement self-care into your daily routine, which consists of: C: Consciously engage in activities that improve your well-being. A: Aim to reflect more emotions. R: Reach out when in need of help. E: Efficiently use resources available to you. 📅 To schedule Self-Care Training contact Dr. Bianca Channer, Clinical Core Director of AMES ([email protected]) or Dr. Israel Sachez-Cardona, Associate Director of AMES ([email protected]). #AMESResearchCenter #KennesawStateUniversity #KSU #WellnessWednesday #SelfCare #Military #Veterans #FirstResponders #CommunitySupport

Take a Free Subjective Sleep Assessment! This is a free self-assessment of your sleep health based on two gold-standard questionnaires in the sleep health industry. After completing the online self-assessment based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, you will receive a sleep status score. Feel free to share this page with your family and friends if others you know wish to assess how well they sleep. https://lnkd.in/ed5DhqMc #navy #army #airforce #marines #firstresponders #sleep #shiftworkers