military family

Community-based approach necessary to preventing suicides among military families

Op-ed by Ron Avi Astor

The well-being of our servicemen and women–and their families–is a concern not only for the military, but for civilian society as well. Supporting those who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as they transition into our workplaces and neighborhoods is our duty as Americans, makes our communities stronger, and builds a solid foundation for our ability to face future challenges as one nation.

That’s why recent reports on poor mental health outcomes and thoughts of suicide among military family members are extremely troubling. And with Congress now considering a bill that would track these deaths […]

By |May 9th, 2014|News|0 Comments

MSW student’s personal mission turns communal

by Claudia Bustamante

For Shawn Cervantes, going back to school began as a personal desire to help her family, but it has since grown into a drive to change her community.

An Army wife for 25 years, Cervantes’ main role was caring for her three children during her husband’s multiple deployments. It was his last deployment in 2005 — when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device — that led her back into the classroom.

“When he came home, he wasn’t interested in getting any type of care. He was an old Army soldier,” she said.

Eventually they separated, but with her […]

By |April 16th, 2014|News|0 Comments