1 Spiritual Wounds of War and the ROLE OF CONGREGATIONSChaplain (MG) Doug Carver United States Army, Retired

2 purpose To review the demographics and unique culture of our military communities To describe the scale and scope of problems faced by our military veterans and their families To identify the spiritual wounds of war To discuss the resources congregations have available to provide ministry to our military communities

3 Causes For Concern: Reality After Twelve Years of WarMultiple Deployments stress and family attachment issues (40% have deployed 2x or more) 38% suffer either PTSD, mTBI, or significant mental stress (2008 Rand Study) Suicide epidemic (“A veteran commits suicide every 65 minutes.”) Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, violent crimes are on the rise. High rate of infidelity among soldiers and spouses during deployments. Sexual Assault or trauma rates have increased (23%). Unemployment rates among post-9/11 veterans is 15.2% (9% non-vets). Approximately 100K OIF/OEF veterans are homeless, especially women.

4 CAUSES FOR CONCERN: REALITY AFTER TWELVE YEARS OF WAR (CONT’D)Military children with mental health issues has increased by 20% since 2003. DoD and VA medical facilities are stretched…often inadequate…and backlogged. Reservists and National Guard have deployed more than in previous wars (all 3300 counties and parishes have sent troops to SWA). Their families are often distant from DoD and VA support facilities PTSD and depression among our service members will cost the Nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment. ALL VETERANS STRUGGLE, TO SOME EXTENT, WITH THEIR WAR WOUNDS CHAPLAINS, WHILE CARING FOR THE WOUNDED, NEED PASTORAL CARE DO YOU KNOW THE VETERANS IN YOUR CHURCH/COMMUNITY? ARE YOU MILITARY FRIENDLY?

5 Why are the post- 9/11 wars Different?All Volunteer military vs. draft Multiple deployments Frequency and type of suicide bombings Never any sense of safety (no front lines), no real recovery time  hypervigilance Use of civilians as shields, decoys Deliberate targeting by terrorists of our moral code Instant Communication ( , Skype, cell phone, etc.) IEDs, RPG (TBI, hearing loss, neuro-chemical effects) Advancements in medical treatment (“Golden Hour”) Nation-building activities, RLL with locals

6 The Military Culture Structured Service before self StandardizedMulti-faith, multi-cultural Authoritarian Mobile Esprit de Corps Family is often secondary Focused on the mission Technical Disciplined

7 MILITARY CULTURE…DEMOGRAPHICSMean age: 27 years (80% are under age 35) Racial minorities: 32.9% enlisted, 18.3% officer Females: 14.8% Married: 50.9% enlisted, 71.4% officer Faith groups: 89% are Christians; growing number or NRP or “NONES”

8 Our Soldiers Office of Army DemographicsFY12 ARMY RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS Our Soldiers Faith Group Active % ARNG USAR Atheist 2,930 0.5 1,548 0.4 748 Buddhist 2,236 889 0.3 871 Protestant Catholic Orthodox 286,186 102,904 611 52.4 18.9 0.1 168,169 59,696 405 47.0 16.7 94,371 36,653 329 46.9 18.2 0.2 Hindu 523 155 >0.1 170 Jewish 1,932 792 758 Muslim 1,880 547 658 Other Religions 4,024 0.7 1,453 805 No Preference/ Unknown 142,831 26.2 124,424 34.8 65,803 32.7 TOTAL 546,057 358,078 201,166 Data Source: DMDC West Dr. Betty D. Maxfield, Chief, Office of Army Demographics

9 Military family at-risk factorsFrequent Relocation years average Previous Deployments 87% Longer Separations month average Larger Families 42% ≥ 3 children Younger Mothers median age Blended Families 31% step-parents Education 21% w/o HS diploma Median Income < $30,000 (34%)

10 The Military Deployment Cycle … or The Military Family Life CycleSoldier Deployment Separation Stress – Depression & Anxiety Family Adjustment w/o Soldier in Home – Out-of-Ordinary Behaviors Pre-reunion Stress – anxiety and worry about behavior away Reunion and homecoming – joy and anticipation Revitalize Relationships and “honeymoon” Family readjusts - Consequences for behavior Pre-deployment Conflict & Previous Stressor pile-up Pre-deployment Stress – anxiety and concern Key Points: “Transitions are often marked by crisis points in the family life cycle.” … quoted from one of Blaine’s charts Start at 9 o’clock and read counter clockwise Assume that this is based upon a situation where there are multiple deployments which may help understand the scenario better Remember that multiple deployments are more the norm currently For Guard/Reserve add the factor of the increased and unexpected timing of deployments. Active Duty isn’t fully predictable, but a little more consistent and certainly expected Clinically, ask where in this cycle is your client when they are seeing you? … or …where in the cycle did the presenting issue begin to appear. Handouts: D0 Military Family Life Cycle from Dr Blaine Everson

11 the Wounds of war Fear of Death “Survival” mindset Seared MemoryUnreality Killing Cautious of people Multiple losses Strong bonds/ ”band of brothers Survivor Guilt Soul searching

12 THE MOST PAINFUL WOUND OF WAR? FINDING A WAY BACK HOME…TO “NORMAL”“Home– the place many think is the safe haven to find relief from the stress of war—may initially be a letdown. When a loved one asks, ‘What was it like?’ and you look into eyes that have not seen what yours have, you suddenly realize that home is farther away than you ever imagined.” -- Down Range: From Iraq and Back, by Cantrell and Dean, 2005

13 Spiritual Wounds of warFear Loss of intimacy Crisis of faith Depression Loss of meaning and purpose Isolation Loss of trust Self-condemnation Confusion over good and evil Abandonment by God Hopelessness “Moral injury” Guilt, shame, despair Unforgiveness

14 SPIRITUAL WOUNDS OF WAR… REQUIRE A SPIRITUAL CURE“Medical-psychological therapies are not, and should not be, the only therapies available for moral pain. Religious and cultural therapies are not only possible, but may well be superior to what mental health professionals continually offer. Trauma (like moral pain or wounds of war)…is fundamentally a religious issue.” --Jonathan Shay, Odysseus in America

15 spiritual wounds of war effective curesScripture on war, self-defense (Psalm 23, 31, 144) Expressive art (poetry, paintings, journaling) Music therapy Addressing theological issues (e.g., good vs. evil) Restoration of trust in God, self, people Praise and worship, prayer, meditation Congregational honesty about our own brokenness Build spaces of love, grace, compassion to listen to veterans’ sacred stories Confession

16 spiritual wounds of war the Rite of purificationPrimitive cultures often required warriors to perform purification rights before letting them rejoin the community “…stay away from the church one or two weeks, and abstain from meat and drink during this period.” (Bernard Verkamp, The Moral Treatment of Returning Warriors in Early Medieval and Modern Times Numbers 31:19,23-24 (ESV) “Encamp outside the camp seven days. Whoever of you has killed any person and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day. Everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall also be purified with the water for impurity. And whatever cannot stand the fire, you shall pass through the water. You must wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you shall be clean. And afterward you may come into the camp.”

17 SPIRITUAL WOUNDS OF WAR THE RITE OF PURIFICATION (CONT’D)In Mozambique, healers are used to (1) purge the returning warrior of the contamination of war and death; (2) purify him of sin, guilt, and grief; and (3) protect him from the spirits of those he killed in battle Friedman and Stone, After the War Zone A key lesson learned from Viet Nam: We sharpened the swords of war …sent our troops into battle…brought them home and, due to the anti-war effort, re-sheathed the swords without cleaning them Shay, Odysseus in America Result?

18 THE CHURCH’S ROLE AND VETERANS“…With research consistently showing that clergy – not psychologists or other mental health experts – are the most common source of help sought in times of psychological distress…” (Based on a Baylor University study, Mental Health, Religion, and Culture, Oct 2008) Congregations already know their local community, including military families Churches know about and often address needs through ministerial alliances Churches have personal relationships with chaplains, service members, and their extended families

19 A “MILITARY FRIENDLY” CONGREGATIONMaintains an awareness of the needs and sacrifices of those serving, or who have served, our country Creates an environment of acceptance for our military members and their families through phone calls, letters, support groups, etc. Provides pastoral care to deployed troops, chaplains, veterans, and their families Ensures veterans are provided “Welcome Home” ceremonies, “redirection”, and reintegration ministry Establishes an intentional military ministry strategy

20 A MILITARY MINISTRY STRATEGY EMBRACE OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIESProvide a reintegration strategy for troops returning from deployment or “redirecting” from a military career Offer pastoral care for veterans suffering PTSD, mTBI, combat fatigue, or “moral injury” Provide tangible tokens of appreciation and special events to honor your veterans and military families Give veterans the opportunity to share their sacred stories Adopt an active duty service member, veteran, and their family members

21 A MILITARY MINISTRY STRATEGY EDUCATE OUR CHURCHES ON THE MILITARYProvide resources to your congregation on the role of the military chaplain Educate congregations on ministry to the military Invite veterans as guest speakers to church events Challenge your congregation to “adopt a veteran” Include veterans on congregational leadership councils Network with military chaplains and other faith-based organizations who provide ministry to the military

22 a military ministry strategy engage Pastors and Denominational LeadersEstablish a relationship with military community leaders, chaplains, VA, organizations, etc. in your area Plan an annual military ministry training event Learn the history of the military base and units near the vicinity of your congregation Ensure ministerial alliances include veterans, chaplains, and faith-based organizations who support the military Establish an intentional military ministry or military church plant in your congregation or community

23 A MILITARY MINISTRY STRATEGY ENLIST VETERANS IN YOUR STRATEGYIdentify veterans within your congregation Assign veterans to lead the congregation’s military ministry Train and equip veterans as small group leaders, mentors, counselors, etc. to support your congregation’s veterans Network with military chaplains, VA Medical Centers, and military auxiliaries (e.g, VFW) in your community Include chaplains on your congregation’s newsletters Ensure veterans and the local military community are aware of your congregation’s ministry resources in support of our troops, veterans, and their families

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