230th Resiliency Campus helps soldiers sustain the fight

13th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Cpl. Christopher Calvert

Date: 08.18.2011
Posted: 08.18.2011 06:22
News ID: 75533
230th Resiliency Campus helps soldiers sustain the fight

By: Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Service members often experience stress while deployed. Whether it’s troops on the front lines, or the unsung heroes who provide the warfighter with vital support needed, the 230th Resiliency Campus here is prepared to help soldiers sustain the fight.

The campus was established in Nov. 2010 to strengthen the spiritual, physical, emotional and family needs of Third Army service members. It’s been operated by the 230th Sustainment Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard out of Chattanooga, Tenn., since February.

“This campus provides a quiet place which helps soldiers build resiliency,” said Staff Sgt. Shannon Biggs, 230th Sustainment Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, non-commissioned officer in charge of the campus and a Cornersville, Tenn., native. “Troops can come here and receive a variety of services which help them stay both physically and mentally strong.”

While visiting the establishment, service members can receive support and counseling from chaplains on site, record themselves reading books to send to their children, attend mentoring programs where senior leadership share their life challenges and experiences, as well as check out books and DVDs at any time, Biggs stated.

“When we took charge of this place in February, we had roughly 1,500 service members a month come through here,” added Biggs. “Now we’re up to 2,700 a month, and the number keeps growing as we reach our first anniversary. Troops are coming here, enjoying themselves, then spreading the word about what we have to offer while consistently coming back; oftentimes on a daily basis.”

Pvt. Adonis Rosales, a motor transport operator with the 230th Sustainment Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, and a Pittsburg, Kan., native, said the campus helps him take a break from everyday deployment stressors.

“I come here almost every day to relax,” noted Rosales. “The quiet atmosphere is peaceful. I love to sit down, watch television or read a book, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of deployment life.”

Third Army’s commitment to the well-being of its troops remains a priority. Through establishments such as the 230th Resiliency Campus, Third Army is helping service members, the strength of our nation, to sustain the fight and shape the future of the Middle East.