Redefining beauty as Miss Washington and as an Army veteran
jim.normandin@adamspg.com
Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com
ccampbell@chespub.com
Griffin bgriffin@chespub.com
Executive Editor of At Ease
Eli Wohlenhaus
Interact with At Ease on our social media platforms: Facebook @ At Ease Monthly Facebook @ DC Military Instagram @ ateasemonthly
One of my favorite parts of this job is meeting new people from new places. My favorite question to ask is, “Where did you grow up?” For most military personnel and veterans, they live or settle in an area where they were not raised, so there’s always something to talk about.
My headline for this introduction is “take the journey” because that is a theme throughout this edition. Most of you have already said “yes” to many journeys, but I encourage you to keep going. Branch out, try new things, reach out toward new experiences.
Barrington Scott sure did... You will read more about him soon. Jerry Hayes did. Both men continue to. Vanessa Munson did, too, and you’ll see how these incredible people call upon what they’ve learned in their lives and military careers and how they share it with the world.
Take the journey through these pages and then take the next step wherever it is you need to go to whatever destination awaits.
Story by Debbie Levin
In my zoom interview with Barrington Scott for At Ease, I was struck by his infectious energy and rapid-fire speech. He’s a Marine and current content creator who I’ve followed online for some time. I’ve been captivated by his breathtaking, Spielberg-quality videos both on land and underwater. He’s a thrill-seeker, constantly on the move, embodying the image of a carefree 32- year-old who loves life.
Yet, beneath this vibrant exterior lies a deeper story. This is not just about what we see, but what remains hidden. Post-traumatic stress, in all its forms, is a silent companion that Barrington carries from his turbulent childhood and time in Afghanistan. It’s a reminder that we should never judge a veteran by their cover, as they navigate challenges unseen by the casual observer.
As Barrington pursues new heights, even eyeing a world record, his journey reveals the complexities of finding peace while embracing life’s relentless adventure.
AE: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and At Ease.
BS: I’m so glad you asked me. This is really cool.
AE: What made you decide to enlist in the Marines?
BS: I was 17 and didn’t have a lot of other options. I was a straight-A student until my junior and senior years, but I messed around a lot and hadn’t processed some of my childhood trauma. During my senior year, a Marine recruiter approached me. He was Black and
could relate to a lot of my childhood experiences. We had a connection, and that influenced my decision to sign up with the Marines.
Now, mind you, I was a skinny dude, probably weighed 100 pounds wet. I had never done a pushup before; I was a nerd. I didn’t really understand the gravity of my decision until I arrived at boot camp. It just got really real. It was an intense three months of instilling discipline, which I lacked at the time. And I needed it because, as a teenager, my upbringing was chaotic.
AE: Are you comfortable talking about that chaos?
BS: Sure. I was born in Manhattan but raised in the Bronx. I was in foster care since I was a 1-year-old. My mother had issues with drugs and my aunt intervened and called child services. So, yeah, that’s how it all started. I was never taught how to process or express how I felt about everything, so I kept it all in and acted out. My outlet was anger. I was getting into a lot of fights and was argumentative. You just couldn’t get through to me. And then, on top of that, there wasn’t anyone to talk to about what I was going through.
I kept getting into trouble in New York. I wasn’t part of a gang, thank God, but it could have led to that because of who my friends were. In my teens, an older woman adopted me, and she took me out of the city to South Carolina. There was too much stimulation in New York. I needed a break.
I appreciated that, but we ended up in the middle of the wilderness, okay?! I didn’t go outside the first year (laughs). Between the mosquitoes, gnats, deer, snakes, lions, tigers and bears, I didn’t want any part of that. Unfortunately,
it wasn’t the most structured family where I could talk about my feelings, so I was still bottling them up. I knew there was still a lot going on with me.
AE: Thank you for sharing that. Did you continue to struggle with your mental health while in the Marines?
BS: Yeah, things got worse as time went on. My unit was noticing some behavioral issues with me. I wasn’t my usual talkative self, didn’t have the energy. I was breaking down. I think that’s when everything about my past started to hit me at once. So I was seeking help. I was developing depression and dealing with old traumas. When we found out we were going to deploy, it shocked the hell out of me. I didn’t know how to react. So, I cried. That was the most I’ve cried in one sitting. I thought, “Am I gonna die?” It just broke me.
I remember calling my adoptive mother and saying, “Come get me. You gotta come get me.” And she was like, “Oh baby, I can’t come get you. You’re just gonna have to stick it out.” I went to my captain, and he gave me an ultimatum. He said, “I know you’re seeking mental help right now, and that’s important. You don’t have to deploy, but if you don’t, we have to discharge you.”
I didn’t want the last two-plus years to be wasted. I didn’t have a backup plan. So I deployed. I spent six months in Afghanistan. It was the last straw for my PTSD. That dam broke, and something broke in me.
It was the most intense moment of my life. During the end of my enlistment, that’s when everything started to unravel for me.
AE: How did you adjust when you got home?
BS: The military gives you a mental assessment when you get home. I think mine was like two weeks after Afghanistan. So you feel like you’re still there. After my assessment, the doc said, “OK, you’re all good.” And I was like, “No, I’m not.”
It got worse with time. I had nightmares and when I was awake, my senses were heightened, giving me intense anxiety. Everything was just shifting for me mentally. I started talking to someone, which helped. They put me on meds that made me a zombie, so I stopped those and tried to find other outlets.
I signed up for anger management and art therapy. It’s been a process up until now. I would say I’m in a much better place, but PTSD doesn’t go away. It ebbs and flows. I have better coping mechanisms to deal with it all now. I’ve developed more self awareness. When it pops up, I’m able to pinpoint it and take a step back. I have outlets that help.
AE: What are those outlets that you turn to?
BS: Being in the States was overstimulating for me, so I moved to Thailand. I’m surrounded by nature, quiet and water. I still do art therapy and scuba diving is one of my therapies. I can really calm down in the water.
AE: Have you always been drawn to water?
BS: I always had a love for water, even before I knew how to swim. I shouldn’t because I almost drowned a couple of times growing up (laughs). I tend to jump in the deep end, if you know what I mean. I learned to swim in the Marines, forcefully, I might add. They had to push me in and save me a few times, but I eventually mastered the doggy paddle.
AE: When were you introduced to scuba diving?
BS: When I got out of the military, I went on my first cruise to the Cayman Islands and fell in love with scuba diving. I decided I wanted to become a scuba instructor, and after a lot of training, I became the youngest Black American master scuba diving trainer at 29.
AE: What is it about scuba diving that serves as a therapy for you?
BS: When I’m underwater, I don’t think. I’m really just present in the moment. You don’t have time to be in your head. It’s my disconnect from everything, and it’s so peaceful, so relaxing. It forces you to breathe, to remain calm, and be in a meditative state. You don’t have to fight the water.
AE: You sound like someone who craves adventure. What’s next on your bucket list?
BS: What’s next is an attempt at a world record for scuba diving. A Guinness World Record, to be exact. I am going to scuba dive off of seven continents. It’s been done before, but I want to do it in record time.
AE: How does it work?
BS: The clock starts once I enter the water on my first continent. Since I’m living in Thailand, I’ll start here. After Thailand, I plan on diving in Sydney, Australia, then Egypt, Malta, Miami, Argentina, and my last dive will be in Antarctica.
AE: What made you decide to take on this massive challenge?
BS: After the military, I went to college. When I graduated, I was in a really dark space. I felt stuck. I needed a break from life. I sold all of my belongings and decided to travel out of the country. I was going to let life just run its course. I didn’t intend to return to the States, or to life, to be honest. But things changed when I saw the world. I saw possibilities. It literally saved my life.
Scuba is like life; it’s uncharted waters, you know what I mean? I think that’s the exciting part about life for me now. I have a passion for new experiences. Scuba has a lot to do with me being here today. So I figured why not try for a world record and inspire more people to jump in the water. You know, live a little!
To read more about Barrington’s attempt at a world record, please visit his GoFundMe and consider donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ guinness-world-record-scuba-diving-7-continents
Barrington’s Instagram: @bj.thetraveller
Your mental health matters, and if you or someone you know is facing a crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help immediately: veteranscrisisline.net
Phone: Call 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line
Text: Send a text to 838255
Story by Stephanie Allen Courtesy photos
My family is always looking for a summer adventure, but taking a trip away from the everyday hustle on post can cost a pretty penny between travel, lodging, entertainment and food.
Believe it or not, military families can plan a fun getaway without breaking the bank. We’ve visited countless museums, enjoyed thrilling theme parks and stayed in some relaxing hotels all through military promotions.
Organizations like Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and Blue Star Families help ease the financial burden on leisure activities. We couldn’t have made some of our most special family memories without them!
Don’t miss some amazing opportunities in the lists below. For thrill-seeking Families
Who doesn’t love a theme park day? You can bet we always take advantage of the Waves of Honor program, offering active duty and veterans one complimentary admission per year for themselves (and up to three dependents) at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Sesame Place and Discovery Cove. (We recently saved over $600 this way!)
For more deals, MWR offices offer discounted tickets to various theme parks around the country. Here are just a few of the thrills your family could dare to enjoy:
Disney World, Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla. DisneyLand, Anaheim, Calif.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, Calif.
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
www.universalorlando.com
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Medieval Times, multiple locations
www.medievaltimes.com
Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels & Galveston, Texas
www.schlitterbahn.com
Six Flags America, Bowie, Md.
www.sixflags.com/america
The Adventure Park, Nashville, Tenn. www.myadventurepark.com/location/nashville-tn
Visit your installation’s MWR office to learn more about these offerings and to purchase tickets. For adventurous Families
Looking to unplug this summer and get outdoors? Going camping or hiking? My son and I love bird watching, so
taking a walk in nature is always exciting when we get to add new bird species to our “life lists” on the MerlinID app!
The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to eligible military, veterans, and Gold Star families to over 2,000 national attractions!
You’re just one trip away from incredible adventures like these:
Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, Calif www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Williamsport, Md. www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
Fort Worth District Lakes, Fort Worth, Texas www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/benbrook/ Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin, Md. www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Jacksonville, Fla. www.nps.gov/timu/index.htm
Visit the National Park Service official website to learn more about free entrance for military, veterans, and Gold Star families.
(www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-familiesfree-access.htm)
Museums are a great way to expose children to art. I’m always looking for opportunities to engage my kids in enriching, hands-on activities at area museums when we travel.
Through Blue Star Families’ yearly summer initiative, Blue Star Museums, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, having access to museums across the United States is easier than ever. Participating museums offer active duty military personnel and families free admission to museums,
Through the Blue Star Families program, military families can enjoy free admission to museums across the country, like the Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi.
nature centers, zoos, and more.
Here are just a few of the museums your family can visit for free this summer:
B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore, Md.
www.borail.org
Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Va. www.chrysler.org
Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, Fla. mocajacksonville.unf.edu
The New Children’s Museum, San Diego, Calif. www.thinkplaycreate.org
Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org
For a full list of participating arts organizations, visit bluestarfam.org/family-life/blue-star-museums.
other perks
Be sure to check for deals on lodging as well. Many resorts across the country offer discounted military rates and packages for area theme parks.
American Forces Travel offers discounts on travel and vacation packages for military personnel and their families through Priceline.
Finally, check out Vet Tix (Vettix.com) to find special tickets for active duty and veterans to attend concerts, performances and other events.
Even if you can’t travel far this summer, there are plenty of local attractions to enjoy. Take a bike ride on a nature trail, find a downtown fireworks show, or take a dip in a public pool. Enjoy a “stay-cation” at a nearby resort for a night or two, unplug, and enjoy time together as a family.
And don’t be afraid to ask about that military discount!
Lynch
Arainy day welcomed the newest residents for disabled veterans and their families as the PenFed Grand Lodge in Haymarket, Va., was dedicated. Among the dozens of volunteers, retired military personnel and friends and families stood under umbrellas while listening to speeches, the mood was somber and respectful.
Willing Warriors grew out of a desire by a local church to provide a “taste-of-home” Christmas experience for service members recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Hospital. The small and resolute individuals involved in this program moved on to create the Willing Warriors as a volunteer and community-supported 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization officially started on July 4, 2015. Since its beginning, over 2,400 warriors and their families have attended the Retreat at Bull Run in Haymarket where they are provided with non-medical programs that are designed to positively affect the well-being of these service members and their families.
During the retreat, or respite, the warriors and their families are provided a relaxing environment where the recovering warriors can participate in forty activities designed to heal their bodies and minds. Available activities include massage therapy, horseback riding, fishing, hiking or a helicopter tour as well as canine support services.
During the six-day retreat, each warrior and his/her family are treated to a five-star meal prepared by the Visiting Chef Program (VCP). These chefs, volunteers from both the military
and local restaurants, work with the families to ensure that the meals prepared are both nutritious and are what the families enjoy. Jack O’Connor, one of the Sous Chefs participating in the program is a retired Air Force chef who was present during the dedication ceremonies.
“I wanted to be part of this program,” he said. “Having been a chef in the Air Force, I was able to provide healthy food for my fellow service members. As part of the VCP (Visiting Chef Program), I work with each family before they arrive to ensure that the meals I and other chefs are providing an individual experience that is special. We go over what the incoming families like and dislike and when they arrive, do not have to worry about cooking.”
The PenFed Grand Lodge was created with the assistance of the PenFed Credit Union, the PenFed Foundation and oth-
er community partners including Lockheed Martin, JANSON Communications, Micron, Strategic ACL, Contract Solutions, the Neal Nichols Family Foundation, and the Robert Trent Jones Foundation. Some of these organizations have sponsored specific rooms and areas around the site.
With this latest addition, the Willing Warriors (WW) organization will be able to expand its services to over six hundred service members, called warriors. The newest lodge is a spacious six-bedroom home with a large multipurpose room which will provide the residents with a variety of programs designed to assist with their post traumatic recovery.
For more information about the Willing Warriors (WW) foundation and program, please visit: http://www.willingwarriors.org.
Story by Jake Russell Photos courtesy of the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization
Each year, at the preliminary state beauty pageants, young women showcase who they are through a thorough selection process to have the prestigious honor of being a representative of their state before heading off to the national competition.
While it may be a complex process of question and answer to showcase your personality or intelligence, a way to display personal experiences and talents, or, to a lesser and often-scrutinized extent, physical appearance, there is also an added pressure that comes with holding the responsibility of being the symbol for their state and being more than merely looks as someone that is a model for others to look up to. With scholarships and prizes awarded, a platform to be an
inspiration, and opportunities to serve as a leader, the showcases are more than just a “beauty pageant” as skeptics have often deemed.
This summer, when the 2023 Miss Washington winner, Vannessa Munson, passes on her crown to the heir to her throne, she will have left her mark by embracing the Army’s motto as that symbol within that calendar year: “Be all you can be.”
Her time as Miss Washington has changed her life and many others’ in the process, but before she was fulfilling her mission of empowering young women and men to focused on being self-confident through skillbuilding, goal setting, motivation and kindness, she was serving her country as a U.S. Army Human Resources Specialist.
“I grew up in a smalltown in Vancouver, and I was a senior when my dad sat me down and asked how I was going to pay for my education,” she said. “I had never
thought I would be in the military. If it wasn’t for that conversation with my dad, I maybe wouldn’t have been blessed with the army and the opportunities that came with it.”
While serving her country brings enough adversity as it is, Munson also faced the challenge of having to have perforated ear surgery and having to wear a hearing aid.
“I had a perforated ear surgery after initially considering joining the Air Force, I was disqualified before the army took me,” Munson said. “While I was stationed in my home state at Joint Base Lewis-McChord rather than being able to travel, I was having surgeries every 6 months while serving in the military.”
entities of the pageant and the military paid for her entire bachelor’s degree in business management, and the next goal for her is to be able to achieve a master’s degree in business administration.
Through winning the competition and serving as a symbol to young men and women who may be afraid of wearing multiple hats, she’s used her platform as a light to its greatest extent thus far inside and outside of the military due to her background.
Her time as Miss Washington has changed her life and many others’ in the process
As she was faced with those trials and tribulations, Munson went from being an HR specialist to a recruiter through winning the Miss Washington pageant. The
“In the military, my experience was truly unique in that the mundane tasks shaped me as a young woman and how much you learn professionally,” she said. “I was a public speaker; I narrated the prison opening on the base, and being crowned Miss Washington I got to engage in a new way with service members and their families.”
Munson is aware of the responsibility she held as Miss
Washington and felt convicted to be active in charitable endeavors, partnering with GirlsINC, Dress for Success Seattle, and has also done public speaking in school districts to showcase her inner beauty, intelligence, and the importance of kindness and trying new things.
“While I started as a volunteer before winning the crown because I believe in their [GirlsINC and Dress for Success Seattle] mission to empower women. I took on larger roles to know that I have a larger audience to show how far the army has come and that it isn’t taboo for women to wear combat boots.”
While the year of her reign as Miss Washington will come to a close this summer, Munson realizes that the chance to be an inspiration is still achievable if she chooses. There’s pressure that comes with being an empowered woman on a pedestal, and to answer the pressing question of “what’s next?” when her crown
is passed on, she has no intention of passing on the opportunity to change the world.
“It’s scary to do so much and not know what’s next after a huge year, but I feel most fulfilled when I have the chance to make an impact,” she said. “I would like to capitalize on what I’ve experienced and continue to make opportunities to inspire. My hope is for others to take away that you can be more than one person, you can overcome adversity, and you can change the world no matter where you’re from.”
Munson has and continues to live out being all she can be in fulfilling the U.S. Army motto as a light to the world. Her light may no longer be shining from a diamond rhinestone crown donned upon her head, but rather her pure desire to redefine what it means to be beautiful in society as a profound leader.
OurmissionatCookForVets istoprovidefoodsecurityfor Veteransandtheirhouseholds throughthedistributionof healthymealsandgroceriesfor balanced,sustainednutrition.
Story by James Young
Photos courtesy Jerry Hayes
Jerry Hayes, owner and founder of Elusive Tours, has a vision of the Eastern Shore as a destination for luxurious and memorable experiences. A Cambridge native, Hayes has traveled the country and the world, and has used his experiences in both the military and the private sector to establish a company that emphasizes professionalism, stellar service and extraordinary experiences.
Hayes served in the United States Army for five years, enlisting in 1997 at age 18. After completing basic training, Hayes’ first deployment was a nine-month stint in Bosnia; in his own words, “[Bosnia] is where I became a man.”
He was initially assigned as a patrol specialist, but just two months later, Hayes’ Command Sergeant Major took notice of his hard work and designated Hayes as his personal driver. Hayes believes he was chosen for this position because his superior “noticed [he] was dedicated to duty and took [his] position in the military very seriously.”
After returning from Bosnia, Hayes was stationed on Fort Lee before leaving for Okinawa, where he completed a hands-on training course to become a Petroleum Supply Specialist; this position can include various responsibilities, such as managing storage of petroleum products, driving fuel vehicles, and ensuring safe handling of fuel supplies. Hayes’ major area of responsibility was the deployment of IPDSs, or Inland Petroleum Distribution Systems, fuel storage and distribution systems designed to transport large quantities of fuel in combat areas.
After completing his military service, Hayes accomplished a long-standing ambition by attending culinary school in Miami. His first restaurant experience was an internship at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown, where Hayes “elevated [his] experience in providing exceptional service.”
After this, he decided to move back home to Cambridge and worked as a sous chef at Snappers as well as a banquet server at the Inn at Perry Cabin. Despite learning valuable lessons, Hayes found himself unsatisfied with the restaurant industry, and decided to shift his attention elsewhere, securing a job as a limousine driver, which he greatly enjoyed.
Seeing promise in the transportation industry, Hayes later became a logistics coordinator for Choptank Transport, a transportation logistics company specializing in truck brokerage. After attaining a specialty certification in brokerage, Hayes became the first coordinator in the company to be promoted to salesman.
Hayes found success in this position, but found himself questioning: “What am I really passionate about? What do I really want to do?”
Hayes decided to use his experiences in transportation, hospitality and logistics to launch his own company, Elusive Tours, which provides luxury services including premium transportation, tours of local attractions and special events. Some of Elusive’s most popular destinations include Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, RAR Brewery, and Washington, D.C. The company also collaborates with local organizations to provide specialty tours: recently, Elusive provided transport for members of the Warrior Foundation, a veterans’ nonprofit organization, to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va.
“When I’m serving my guests, I’m constantly thinking of ways to enhance their experience,” he said.
Hayes is ecstatic with the progress of his company so far.
“I’m finally truly living my passion,” he said. “Each week is different: I get to meet great people from all walks of life, and I get to introduce them to my hometown.”
He appreciates the opportunity to highlight local businesses and attractions and would love to make more people across the country aware of what Dorchester County has to offer. To honor the history of his hometown, he plans to host a summer event based around tomatoes, in reference to the Phillips Packing Company, a tomato canning company that was the main industry of Cambridge for decades; in fact, Cambridge was once known as the “Tomato Canning Capital of the World.”
The lessons that Hayes learned in his military service have helped him immensely in civilian life and especially his business goals. He sees integrity as one of the major factors that has driven his success.
“If I say I’m going to do something, I do it,” he said. “If someone books me, I’m usually there five to ten minutes prior. I learned to be very disciplined, because I represent not only my company, but my community.”
Hayes has big plans for the future of Elusive Tours and expressed excitement for the idea of helping Dorchester County grow as a destination for unique and memorable experiences.
By Fredericka Ford, CEO of Recovery Centers of America Capital Region and Blythe Maynard, CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Bracebridge Hall
We’veall heard the statistics about how prevalent substance use – especially alcohol use – is in the military and among veterans. The reasons make sense: Studies show that the stress and trauma of active duty can lead to anxiety and depression, with many military personnel looking for ways such as binge drinking or drugs to numb the pain.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports many people who develop substance use disorders (SUD) are also diagnosed with co-occurring mental disorders, and vice versa. Adults with mental health challenges are more likely to use illicit drugs than those with no mental illness (SAMSHA).
Many of the reasons active personnel and veterans don’t get help for their SUD or alcohol use disorder (AUD) are the same reasons they entered the military in the first place. Dedicated to serving their country and committed to supporting their fellow soldiers, they hold themselves to a high standard and take great pride in their strength and ability to triumph in difficult situations.
So, when they falter, they can feel ashamed. Fueling that shame is the stigma surrounding addiction. For many, asking for help seems out of the question. No one wants to look weak, or worse, risk losing their position. For our military, responding to their own addiction may require more bravery than anything they’ve ever done.
Getting help requires taking a step back and seeing the big picture. Addiction doesn’t just affect the person with the disease; it harms everyone around them. When addiction is active, it can take over, negatively impacting one’s ability to react appropriately in high-pressure situations.
Families also suffer due to a loved one’s addiction. And
just as addiction is a family disease, it requires treatment that involves the entire family.
So, what exactly does treatment look like? When military members and veterans search for treatment options, many are disappointed to find there aren’t many addiction recovery centers in the U.S. that offer programming to address the specific profession-related challenges they face. Thankfully, the industry is recognizing this unmet need.
Given the number of military bases and veteran population in the Mid-Atlantic region, the centers we lead here are experienced in helping current and former service members on their recovery journey: Recovery Centers of America (RCA) Capital Region in Waldorf, which serves the DMV, and RCA at Bracebridge Hall that reaches those in the Baltimore and northeast areas of the state.
A bonus for active military and veterans in this region is that both Maryland RCA centers are TRICAREauthorized providers. TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees and their families worldwide. Managed by the Defense Health Agency under the Assistant Secretary of Defense, TRICARE plans provide comprehensive coverage to all beneficiaries. Most TRICARE health plans meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Another RCA facility in New Jersey offers RECSU (which stands for “Recovering Emergency Service Community United”), a specialized evidence-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment program for first responders and military service members (active and retired). While RESCU is currently established as a formal program in New Jersey, the evidence-based care model available at all RCA centers is a unique, innovative and patient-centered approach to treating addiction and sustaining recovery.
Our colleague, LeoDante Ognibene, RN, BSN, CEO of RCA at Raritan Bay where RESCU is offered, describes the importance of supporting the bravest among us: “Based on my background as a clinical nurse in the New Jersey Air National Guard and as the CEO of RCA at Raritan Bay, I understand the importance of recognizing the often overlooked challenges faced by these courageous individuals. Dealing with this unique struggle requires a thorough and compassionate strategy that prioritizes the mental and physical health of each person.”
A successful recovery program, whether it operates on an outpatient or inpatient basis, should include group therapy sessions, peer support groups, customized programs for military families, and individualized treatment provided by a highly trained clinical team. Recognizing the significance of privacy in the recovery journey, every treatment initiative must emphasize confidentiality, fostering an environment where patients can heal alongside peers who understand their unique life experiences.
We encourage veterans, active military members and their families to seek a treatment provider that is strong in three primary areas. First, the center should offer personalized and effective care with a variety of resources for lasting recovery, meeting the individual wherever they are on their journey. They must also be committed to providing proven results throughout a patient’s recovery journey, including offering strong family and alumni programs. Finally, the provider should be able to report strong evidence of outcomes that meet or exceed national standards.
Military personnel and veterans face trauma, as well as traumatic memories from their experience during service. Just as in all battles, they shouldn’t be left alone to deal with the fallout.
The greatest honor we can extend to those who serve is to help them when they’re in need. We encourage anyone who believes they have a SUD or AUD to reach out for help today. Professional diagnosis is the first step to lasting recovery.
For those of us working in the addiction treatment field, it is our shared and sacred duty not just to acknowledge their service but also to guarantee they have access to the essential assistance and resources they need to heal from the unseen scars they bear.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or text 838255
TRICARE: www.tricare.mil
Recovery Centers of America: 1-800-RECOVERY
Recovery Centers of America in Maryland: https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/ maryland-centers
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Story by Rev. Dr. Paul V. McCullough III
All too often, we allow ourselves to be consumed with work. In our desire to have a good quality of life, we work seemingly countless hours to earn more money and acquire more things. I must confess that I’ve been guilty of this in the past. I have previously burned the candle at both ends, getting up at 4 a.m. and working until 10 p.m. seven days a week, in an effort to keep up with all of my responsibilities.
Although this enabled me to get my work done, it took a significant toll on my physical body. The lack of rest lowered my immunity, which combined with my persistent cough from the Iraqi burn pits, caused me to be severely ill for a week. Fortunately, a friend talked some sense into me and taught me the value of rest.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to provide for our families, we need to be diligent about taking time to rest. Even God, who created the heavens and the Earth, took time to rest. Genesis 2:2-3 reads, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creation that he had done.”
You might ask yourself, “How can I possibly take time to rest when I have so much work to do? What would I even do to rest?” I believe the answer to this important question can be found in Scripture. Matthew 11:28 states, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
If you’re not familiar with the Bible, this verse may raise even more questions for you, such as how you can come to Christ when He is no longer physically present in the world. Although it may seem that way, I would argue that the presence of God is all around us. You can experience the beauty of His creation when you go hiking on a mountain, camp in the woods, play in the sand on the beach, swim in the ocean, go for a walk in the park or engage in dozens of similar activities.
Regardless of which outdoor activity you prefer, they all require time, time you might otherwise spend doing work and making money. However, numerous studies have shown that when we pause from our work and take time to have fun and reflect, we become more effective when we resume our regular duties. We all have different work schedules, but it is critically important that we set aside a day to relax, in whatever way is
Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough, U.S. Army retired, is president of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia Chapter and an Army Reserve Ambassador from Pennsylvania. He served 20 years in the Army, retiring in 2018 as deputy director for supplier operations, Defense Logistics Agency. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, and in 2017 as commander of the DLA Support Team-Kuwait. He holds a doctorate in business administration from Walden University.
lifegiving and draws us close to God.
Hebrews 4:9-10 reads: “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
If you’re willing to take time to rest but don’t consider yourself to be much of an outdoors person, I have another recommendation for you — food!
In Genesis 9:3 we read, “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.”
One of the best things about summer is the opportunity for barbecues. Whether you enjoy steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken or a nontraditional dish, we can also find rest by taking the time to enjoy a good meal with friends and family. When we eat, we naturally become more relaxed and willing to engage in conversation. This is part of God’s will for us. He designed us to eat and engage in fellowship with those around us.
In addition to outdoor activities and delicious food, I have one additional suggestion of what you can do to find rest this summer. Take a nap! Psalms 91:1 tells us, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Many people consider sleep to be overrated and a waste of time, but it is also a part of God’s plan for us. We can’t be our best selves if we don’t take the time to recharge and the warm days of summer offer us perfect conditions to do so.
If you’re a person that loves to work, and feels guilty when taking rest, I hope these words have brought you encouragement. Not only is it healthy to take time to recover and refresh yourself, it is also a mandate from the creator of the universe.
In my opinion, God has led by example and given us all we need in order to follow His instructions. It is now up to us to make time in our lives for fellowship, food, and sleep. My prayer for you is that you will heed His words so you can enjoy the abundant life He has in store for you.
by David L. Robbins
War In Pieces One-Act Play Festival 2022, veteran playwrights (L-R) Laura Bender, Dan Barotti, Phil Trezza, Joe Maslanka, with MPP founder David L. Robbins, center.
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