Echoes linger in the heart, long after its tones cease to vibrate in the air…Jari Villanueva
Veterans Day 2016 – TAPS
Tomorrow November 11, 2016, our nation will celebrate Veterans Day. It is a Federal Holiday that is always held on the exact day…we do not move it to a nearby Monday to create a magical three-day holiday, we stay the course and call to mind those who have served in our military, as well those who have died as a result of that service. We reminisce the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
TAPS will be played at our National Cemeteries, the President will hear TAPS as he presents a memorial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and people will recognize the soulful melody of TAPS.
How much do you know about TAPS?
There is no doubt that if you were to ask someone “What is TAPS?” perhaps they would think of the 1981 movie TAPS, or they might associate it with an acronym of a present day organization; however, most will have some association to the simple 24-note melancholy bugle call known as “TAPS.”
It is in fact the final call of the day at military bases…and interestingly was a Dutch command “taptoe” – to shut (“toe to”) the “tap” of a keg.” For a clearer understanding of its origin, we are sharing a video from the History Channel.
Veterans and PTSD
In our world of today, we often hear people use the phrase “a call to action.” TAPS, in its own way, is a call to action – end the day and begin rest. This past week we read with interest an article published by U.S. News and World Report: “A Call to Better Treat PTSD in Our Military Veterans.”
Here at PACE Recovery Center we offer dual diagnosis treatment for veterans and others who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recognizing its complications associated with addiction and suicide. It is a complex problem and one that calls for more research. Jeffrey Lieberman, MD, points out in trying to understand why there has not been more dedicated PTSD research:
There are three reasons. First, the idea of psychological weakness is antithetical to military culture with its ethos of aggression and invulnerability – so military leaders were reluctant to recognize and accept its existence. In the interim, many soldiers were accused of cowardice, in some cases punished and even executed, for their infirmity. Second, mental disorders are not tangible and have no visible physical signs. Hence, they are not seen as real and are often ignored or minimized. Third, PTSD was considered to be a military problem and thus the responsibility of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
We will continue to follow this call to action and keep our readers informed.
PACE Recovery Center’s commitment to treating veterans
Each year on Veterans Day we feature our staff who are veterans and those who have special training and experience in treating veterans.
In 2013 and 2014 we introduced and focused on staff members Sean Kelly and Victor Calzada. In 2015 we proudly recognized Matthew Johnson, Dr. Hisham Korraa, M.D., Dr. Ryan Wright, M.D., and Dr. Venice Sanchez, M.D.
This year the PACE team would like you to meet Helen O’Mahony, Ph.D.
Dr. O’Mahony is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has worked in the mental health field for over 13 years. She has worked with all populations and specializes in dual diagnosis. Dr. O’Mahony runs experiential groups to help clients not just talk about their maladaptive patterns but to help them transform them. She received her BA and Masters from Boston University and moved to Los Angeles in 2001. While working as a program director at the Salvation Army located at the West LA VA campus she received a lot of experience working with veterans diagnosed with PTSD and substance abuse along with other diagnoses. She received her Ph.D. from California Graduate Institute at the Chicago School in 2008.
In closing…
PACE Recovery Center staff and the gentlemen whom we treat wish veterans and their families a peaceful and memorable Veterans Day 2016. Be thankful, graceful and hold dear…
In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky
