From the Director: Network of Support from DCoE Collaboration and Real Warriors Campaign Partnerships

August 28, 2009 - DCoE

You are not alone. This is a vital message of our recently launched Real Warriors Campaign – a multimedia public awareness campaign for service members, veterans and their loved ones. In the military, perceptions of stigma sometimes prevent service members and families from getting the help they need, when they need it most. Harnessing the power of personal stories, the campaign shares the experiences of real service members who have sought treatment and are continuing to maintain successful military or civilian careers. The stories highlight the positive results of seeking care and encourage service members to increase their awareness of the resources available to them.

DCoE is a “Center of Centers,” leading a growing collaborative network throughout the nation and around the world charged with promoting warrior resilience, recovery and reintegration. Building networks of collaboration and sharing is crucial to helping our service members and their loved ones – making sure no one is on their own.

In the spirit of partnership, the Real Warriors Campaign invites the participation of organizations and programs that share the campaign’s mission and can help spread campaign messages. Potential partners include military organizations and programs, nonprofit organizations, advocacy organizations and local groups. At present, the campaign has more than 40 confirmed partners.

Partners support the campaign through a variety of activities such as adding a Real Warriors link and logo to their Web site, including Real Warriors articles in newsletters and distributing campaign brochures and flyers. Additionally, groups have begun using Real Warrior profiles in training events and presentations to service members and their families.

The Real Warriors Campaign leverages our DCoE Outreach Center, a 24/7 call center staffed by trained health resource consultants. The Outreach Center provides confidential answers, tools, tips and resources about psychological health and traumatic brain injury. The Outreach Center can be reached tollfree at 866-966-1020 or via e-mail at resources@dcoeoutreach.org.

We are excited about the campaign’s upcoming exhibits at the Family Readiness Summit in Chicago, Ill. August 31- September 4; the National Guard Association of the United States General Conference and Exhibition in Nashville, Tenn. September 10-13; and the Evolving Paradigms II Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. September 22-24. I encourage you to reach out and get connected to sources of information and services from organizations that care for our service members and their loved ones. Be sure to visit the Real Warriors Campaign Web site, www.realwarriors.net, or call the DCoE Outreach Center, toll-free at 866-966-1020 for easy access to valuable tools and information.

To the journey ~ Loree K. Sutton, M.D. Brigadier General, MC, USA Director