Resource Guide
Civilian Clergy Deployment Resource Guide
Article
Christianity Today: Christian Soldiers
Although the Iraq War has dominated headlines for the past 3 years, the Middle East is only one region of the world that is daily faced with the realities of war. The Christian response to war, both domestically and abroad, is always one of great significance
A selection of Christianity Today's recent coverage.
Organization
Iraq War Veterans Organization: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD Support Groups, Other PTSD Links and Publications.
www.iraqwarveterans.org/ptsd.htm
Articles
Christianity Today: Veteran Ministry
How churches can help soldiers and their families readjust after combat?
Coping with Separations, by Chaplain (LTC-Ret) Robert G. Leroe, DMin
Unaccompanied deployments cause tremendous hardships on military families. The unique stresses of separations can be overcome if families know what to expect, and can develop a strategy for coping.
Book
Your Soldier, Your Army: A Parents' Guide
Your Soldier, Your Army: A Parents' Guide was written by Vicki Cody, wife of GEN Richard Cody, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and the mother of two Apache helicopter pilots with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Mrs. Cody turns her own 30-year experience as the wife and mother of soldiers into advice and consolation for other parents with deploying children. The book's tone is warm and confidential with an honest mix of pride and tribulation, a tone that appeals to concerned parents. Mrs. Cody covers the whole gamut of deployments, from the preparation through the endurance to the homecoming, and includes a personal view into Army life and an explanation of Army terminology. Supplemental articles and exclamation points feature tips and facts about the Army.
This book is available for free by calling 1-800-336-4570, extension 630. For the complete text visit www.ausa.org.
Book / CD
Accepting the Ashes: A Daughter's Look at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was written by Quynn Elizabeth, daughter of a two-time Vietnam veteran in the year of her father's death and the escalation of the war in Iraq. In a time of war, what happens once a soldier comes home?
Available by book or audio CD
Available as 60 page, easy to read book - regular Price: $5.95 plus $2 s/h.
When ordering, if you mention that you saw the advertising for this book on the Christian Reformed Church-Chaplaincy Ministries website the cost of the book is $5.00 plus s/h.
OR
Available as a 60 minute audio CD - regular Price: $5.95 plus $2 s/h
When ordering, if you mention that you saw the advertising for this audio CD on the Christian Reformed Church-Chaplaincy Ministries website the cost of the CD is $5.00 plus s/h.
OR
$10 for two (+ $3 s/h)
Care Package
If you wish to send a care package to soldiers oversees, here is list (downloadable PDF) of items to include. There is also opportunity to send frequent flyer miles, phone cards, PX gift certificates. For more suggestions, click here.
Links
The Association of Military Christian Fellowship (AMCF)
The members of the military have been under tremendous stress because of the constant deployments to two theaters of war. The Association of Military Christian Fellowship is trying to Build a Wall of Prayer in support of the military families. For more information go to www.accts.org
ELCA
Veteran's Ministry Coming Home Collaborative; is an open and growing volunteer association of people who are concerned with the psychological and spiritual healing of veterans, especially those currently reintegrating with their families and communities.
National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory is a partnership initiative of the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs and provides wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them with a web-based directory of valuable resources.
It delivers information on, and access to, the full range of medical and non-medical services and resources needed to achieve their personal and professional goals across the transitions from recovery to rehabilitation to community reintegration.
This online partnership links to the services and resources of federal, state and local governmental agencies; veterans service and benefit organizations; non-profit community-based and faith-based organizations; and academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Welcome home and thank you for your service to our country! VA is ready to provide health care and more to our newest veterans returning from the armed services.
Military Ministry
The reality of war is that everyone gets wounded. Some wounds heal rapidly, but some last for a lifetime. Some wounds can be seen. Some wounds are invisible inside the heart, soul, and the spirit of the warrior. These unseen wounds are often the most difficult to heal - they must heal from the inside out.
Veterans Affairs Canada
To provide exemplary, client-centred services and benifits that respond to the needs of Veterans, our other clients and their families, in recognition of their services to Canada; and to keep the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.
National Defence and the Canadian Forces (English)
The Department of National Defence (DND) employs over 28,000 civilian personnel, and works collaboratively with the Canadian Forces to insure the security of Canadians. The DND exists to carry out the work assigned to the Minister of National Defence, so the department's relationship with the Canadian Forces, including the soldiers and their families, is that of a support system.
Defense nationale et les Forces Canadiennes (French)
Le ministère de la Défense nationale emploie plus de 28 000 civils et il travaille en collaboration avec les Forces canadiennes afin d'assurer la sécurité de la population canadienne.
Operation We Are Here
To create an awareness of the challenges of families/loved ones of deployed Soldiers, to offer practical suggestions to churches, communities and individuals on how to support and encourage the homefront and to provide a list of resources for families/loved ones of deployed Soldiers.
Soul of War
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: How churches can help soldiers and their families readjust after combat.
U.S. Army War College Military Family Program
Video
Dwight Jennings, endorser for the Church of the Nazarene, sent this wonderful music video on YouTube called "Hero Coming Home." This was produced by Lillenas Music Publishing Company, the music arm for the Church of the Nazarene's publishing company. It is a great example of one denomination's sensitivity and ministry, paying tribute to our military members and their families.
Worship Resources
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Veterans
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after one has been through a traumatic event. The resources on this page focus on PTSD as a result of combat or military exposure.
