By Pfc. Benjamin Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A Soldier rolls over in bed, squinting through sleepy eyes, the alarm clock ringing out of control - overslept again. Hastily throwing on a uniform, boots unlaced, pants sagging from forgetting a belt in the mad rush to get to work, the Soldier runs straight into the first sergeant. One look says that was the last straw. The hammer is about to drop. Feeling frustrated and possibly facing punishment, the troop feels completely overwhelmed with problems at home and in Iraq. The Soldier has no idea where to turn for help.
The Soldiers with the 113th Medical Company, Combat Stress Control, are ready to help.
There are a myriad of problems and issues any Soldier can face when in a combat environment and serving their country so far from home. The combat stress control team, a reserve unit from Stanton, Calif., offers Soldiers everything from a three-day restoration program, to individual classes and one-on-one counseling to help with these strains while deployed.
"This program offers Soldiers a chance to regroup and restore pride to carry on their duties," said Lt. Col. Hattie Hayes-Cushenberry, a psychiatric nurse with the 113th Medical Co. "The combat stress program is not a bad thing, it's a selfless service."
The center deals with three main areas including stress within the unit, home front stress, and stress related to battle fatigue. Any of these can weigh heavily on an individual Soldier.
"Some Soldiers can work through problems by themselves," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Gonzales, a Las Vegas native and psychiatric specialist with the 113th Medical Co. "But for those who may not be able to, we are here for them."
The three-day program offers Soldiers a chance to leave the stressful environment they are in and to have an opportunity to speak with a counselor in a neutral, one-on-one setting.
"All we have is each other," said Spc. Christopher Haney, a 24-year old psychiatric specialist with the 113th Medical Co. "It's important we watch out for our buddies any way we can."
Individual classes range from positive thinking and anger management, to death and bereavement and maintaining military bearing in stressful situations. The center is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
No matter what problems or issues a Soldier faces, there is a combat stress counselor waiting to help, said Haney. Whether there are problems within the unit, issues with a spouse or loved one, or stress from routinely going outside the wire, the combat stress program offers Soldiers a chance to get away and seek help for their specific needs.
The Camp Liberty Combat Stress Center is located near the Witmer Troop Medical Clinic, across from the Camp Liberty Mayor Cell. They can be reached on Voice-over-internet-protocol at 242-4642, or online at www.combatstresscenter.com.