Is there enough help?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder effects a portion of the men and woman who serve our country. It is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) as an anxiety disorder. Experiencing a psychological trauma such as abuse, addictions, illness, as well as war brings about post-traumatic stress disorder. Those who serve our country experience war, death, and emotional unrest all of which when combined can spark post-traumatic stress disorder. A trigger such as a loud noise can set off the combination of these things, and it came bring them back to the state of war.

Often when soldiers come back from war, they are evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder, but often times symptoms or signs don’t show up until weeks later, or they are considered fine, even though in reality they aren’t. Although there are some programs for soldiers for counseling and help adjusting back to civilian life, I believe that there is not enough help available, and the help that is available is almost shunned, because it is not openly discussed.

I believe that there should be more programs available from day one, of being state side. Even though one may say they are fine, they should be required to attend a series of counseling sessions with trained personnel to be fully evaluated, as well as to be kept up on after deployments.

SO YOU THINK YOU'RE TOUGH?

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE TOUGH? Do you have what it takes to complete fifteen repetitions of eight count body builders, twenty repetitions of four count push ups, twenty five repetitions of leg lifts, followed by a five mile run wearing a full combat load, all while carrying a pack weighing nearly one hundred pounds on a ninety degree day? Our twenty contestants – ten male and ten female, with ages ranging from twenty to thirty from the United States - on season one of SO YOU THINK YOU’RE TOUGH all think they have what it takes to become a United States Marine. They all have previously been screened and passed the preliminary round, in which they were able to faultlessly complete eight pull ups and seventy five crunches in two minutes, as well as run one and a half miles in twelve minutes. Throughout the rest of the season follow our contestants as the competition escalates, drama unfolds, contenders are acquitted, and the prizes increase.  Each week will bring forth new team and individual challenges, as well as personal fitness goals, which must be met – or the shame and humiliation or being dismissed in front of national television will be befall upon the entrant, as well as losing the opportunity of winning the grand prize of one million American dollars. Watch as the contestants move forward past these challenges, by taking the bull by the horns. Determination, skill, and physical ability will be brought into a new perspective for this season’s contestants, as they will be pushed beyond their limits – both mentally and physically. Join our host Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, a Retired Marine, Former Drill Instructor, as well as a notorious actor from the movie Full Metal Jacket, as season one unfolds. There is no telling how far the human body can be pushed. Everyone’s limit is different; the will to strive forward will be the ultimate sacrifice to determine who will conquer this reformatory. Be sure to tune in to AFN, American Forces Network, at seven six central, to see if you’re tough enough.

... and you are?

Hi, my name is Moriah Nicole Kingsly. I was born January 20^th, 1990 – that makes me 22 years young. I currently reside in Charleston, South Carolina with my fiancé Dale and our two blue tick coonhounds, Layla and Lanney. I was born and raised in Bradford, Pennsylvania – approximately 20 minutes from where the New York and Pennsylvania borders meet. Anyone who has ever been within the circumference of the area would know, this is where true country girls come from. I enjoy hanging out in the sticks. Nothing beats the great outdoors. I hunt deer, turkey, and black bear with my father, William. I also like to fish. During the summer months my friends and I gather around bonfires out back, and barbeque on the weekends. After a long rain I like to go mudding with Dale, whether it is on our four-wheeler or in the old F-150. I currently am attending school at Charleston Southern University, studying pre-law. I am hoping that after graduating with my undergraduate degree that I will be able to continue on with my education at the Charleston School of Law. After I finish school I would like to become a lawyer that represents woman and children who are victims of brutal crimes. That being said, I am very interested in law shows such as Bones, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. My favorite movies are those of comedy or drama; I prefer to listen to country music, but I am able to tolerate music of any taste. My favorite singer is Kenney Chesney! I have seen him in concert three times, and I plan to see him on tour again within the next year. I love the watching hockey, football, and baseball. I am fully devoted to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Yankees, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout high school I played softball, soccer, and track, but now that I am in college I occasionally go to the gym in my free time. Some other random things about myself that I find interesting are: I can play the piano and the flute, I graduated 1^st in my class, and I can speak three languages – English, Spanish, and Italian. Well, if anyone has any questions or would like to get to know me better feel free to send me a message.  :) 

Community Activism

 

                Involvement in a community is the key to togetherness and understanding. Whether is it fighting for a cause, raising donations, or helping someone in need – citizens of all genders, ethnicities, races, and ages are brought together for the common good. Volunteering your time and effort can truly make a difference in someone’s life, as well as in your own. It makes you a better citizen, which others can look up too; also it will make you feel as though you have personally made a difference in the world. Whether what you contribute is big or small, each piece correlates with another, and over time all the efforts which are made will add up – completing the puzzle.

                The photos which have been selected above strongly represent what it means to be a community. There are many ways in which one can become involved in their community. Coming together to serve a greater purpose such as raising money for various organizations is very common. Organizations such as the SPCA, medical research groups, the YMCA, and Animal shelters all are dependent on donations of money and supplies from the public in order to run a smooth operation. Candy strippers, sports team coaches, church leaders, and volunteers all serve their personal time in order to provide services to others in need. Also, Donating blood and organs helps to save lives of individuals all over the world. Planting trees and cleaning up parks is very beneficial to the environment and it also creates a space in the outdoors that people can enjoy. In short, there are many options when it comes to getting involved in your community to make it a better place.

                So now you may be asking yourself, “What can I do to help?” The answer to this question is endless. You can call local organizations, hospitals, shelters, and food banks to see if they need money or items donated, or if they need someone to donate their time in order to help out. You can raise money or create a fundraiser event in to gather money for a cause. Even lending a helping hand to someone in need is a step in the right direction. If everyone just contributed a little bit, then our communities could become a better place.

                Regardless, every effort helps.