finding gold by including veterans. military life may be unique but its lessons have benefits for...
TRANSCRIPT
Finding GoldFinding Gold
By including By including veteransveterans
Military life may be uniqueMilitary life may be unique
• But its lessons have benefits for civilians, too• Stresses of military life are thematically similar to many of
those in civilian life• Family separation• Adjustment to loss – friends, innocence, childhood faith
• Awareness of one can lead to greater awareness of the other• Empathy• Patience
Injuries of WarInjuries of WarInjuries of LifeInjuries of Life
• Limb loss (physical)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (physical)
• Post-Traumatic Stress (psychological)
• Moral Injury (spiritual)
How pervasive?How pervasive?• 1% of American youth enter military
• 1/3 of military is deployed into harm’s way
• What percentage is injured?
Combat, Stress, Combat, Stress, GrowthGrowth
Post-Traumatic GrowthPost-Traumatic Growth
• Self-confidence
• Enhanced Leadership
• Personal Strength
• Spiritual Growth
• Appreciation for Life
Would you like congregants with Would you like congregants with these attributes?these attributes?
Strengths and Virtues of Strengths and Virtues of Military LifeMilitary Life
• Unit cohesiveness
• Loyalty
• Commitment
• Willingness to work with “the hand dealt”
• See the task through to positive outcome
Do you need these assets in your Do you need these assets in your congregations?congregations?
What do you see in a veteran?What do you see in a veteran?
Dirt and Dirt and debris?debris?
Or Gold??Or Gold??