Demobilization focuses on Soldier care

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard finish their demobilization paperwork at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Camp Shelby, Miss. The 177th Armored Brigade along with support from the Medical Task Force and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center is conducting demobilization operations for the returning 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard, beginning, Dec. 1. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Belynda Faulkner)  

CAMP SHELBY, MS, UNITED STATES

12.01.2010

Courtesy Story

177th Armored Brigade

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. – The 177th Armored Brigade, the Camp Shelby Medical Task Force and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center installation, are conducting demobilization operations for the returning 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National Guard, beginning, Dec. 1.

This joint effort, directed by First Army Division East, will ensure every soldier returning home is given individual care during the demobilization process. This process provides information on veteran affairs benefits, legal assistance and TRICARE allowances with special emphasis placed on any medical and or behavioral health issues that the soldiers may face.

Every demobilization process is tailored to meet the unit’s specific requirements and gives special consideration to the unit’s overseas mission. The purpose here is not just to manage the numbers of soldiers that will be going through the demobilization process, but to ensure that each Soldier’s needs are met.

According to the Army’s Health Promotion, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention report in 2010 the number of suicides and attempted suicides were at a record high during fiscal year 2009. In the report Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, called the numbers of suicides tragic.

“These are not just statistics; they are our soldiers. They are soldiers who may be stressed, feel isolated, become dependent on drugs or just need more time to recover.”

Chiarelli added that the military is seeing an increase in the numbers of soldiers seeking behavioral health care, which is a clear indication that the effort to emphasize behavioral health is working.

“They are working because soldiers recognize the importance of individual help-seeking behavior and commanders realize the importance of intervention,” he said.

With this in mind the 177th is ensuring that each returning individual soldier is receiving the care they are entitled to.

“We recognize and appreciate the sacrifice’s these Soldiers have made,” said Sgt. 1st Class Scott Gunther, non-commissioned officer in charge of patient services, medical task force Camp Shelby Miss. “We follow up on every Soldier, we stay in touch with their command to ensure that any issues they have are being addressed and they receive the care they need. We don’t just check the block.”

Amanda Vibelius has been a civilian member of the medical task force at Camp Shelby for almost six years.

“I love working here; I am honored to be working with such great men and women,” said Vibelius. “These Soldiers go overseas and they deal with so much. When they come back they remember me, and they tell me they appreciate what I do…it’s just humbling.”

The medical task force at Camp Shelby is able to assist 350 to400 soldiers per day. This tremendous effort by the Soldiers and civilians is impressive by any standard, and appreciated by returning soldiers.

“I appreciate how hard they work,” said Spc. Christopher Pinder, light wheel vehicle mechanic, 256th IBCT, from West Monroe, La. “It takes patience because demobilization is a slow process. I really feel that the medical care providers are paying attention to everyone.”

Pinder went on to say that is it important to be honest with the providers for the system to work the right way.

“I mean I just got back and I am going to be home with my family in time for Christmas,” Pinder said while smiling.

Col. William Prior, Commander 177th Armored Brigade has taken the return and the demobilization of the 256th IBCT so close to the holidays into consideration.

“The 177th Armored Brigade and Camp Shelby will assist them in completing their mobilization by conducting demobilization operations to standard while ensuring that Soldiers can enjoy the Christmas holiday,” said Prior. “We will do that by granting a four day pass to those individuals who are not complete with demobilization by December 23rd.”

Prior added that if Soldiers choose not to go home during that time the dining facility will be serveing a traditional Christmas meal. He also encouraged them to take part in holiday activities in the Hattiesburg area.

“In the end we will take care of these Soldiers by conducting quality demobilization activities that are focused on individual Soldier care and simultaneously allowing them to have a memorable Christmas.”

The 177th Armored Brigade trains, coaches and mentors soldiers, airmen and sailors in support of our nation’s overseas contingency operations. The majority of the work at the 177th is with mobilized Army reserve component forces, although they also train active forces. The brigade is stationed at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center at Camp Shelby, Miss., which is the largest and most active mobilization training center in the U.S. Army.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2010
• Date Posted: 12.10.2010 12:52
• Story ID: 61693
• Location: CAMP SHELBY, MS, US