Finding GoldFinding Gold

By including By including veteransveterans

Military life may be uniqueMilitary life may be unique

• But its lessons have benefits for civilians, too• Stresses of military life are thematically similar to many of

those in civilian life• Family separation• Adjustment to loss – friends, innocence, childhood faith

• Awareness of one can lead to greater awareness of the other• Empathy• Patience

Injuries of WarInjuries of WarInjuries of LifeInjuries of Life

• Limb loss (physical)

• Traumatic Brain Injury (physical)

• Post-Traumatic Stress (psychological)

• Moral Injury (spiritual)

How pervasive?How pervasive?• 1% of American youth enter military

• 1/3 of military is deployed into harm’s way

• What percentage is injured?

Combat, Stress, Combat, Stress, GrowthGrowth

Post-Traumatic GrowthPost-Traumatic Growth

• Self-confidence

• Enhanced Leadership

• Personal Strength

• Spiritual Growth

• Appreciation for Life

Would you like congregants with Would you like congregants with these attributes?these attributes?

Strengths and Virtues of Strengths and Virtues of Military LifeMilitary Life

• Unit cohesiveness

• Loyalty

• Commitment

• Willingness to work with “the hand dealt”

• See the task through to positive outcome

Do you need these assets in your Do you need these assets in your congregations?congregations?

What do you see in a veteran?What do you see in a veteran?

Dirt and Dirt and debris?debris?

Or Gold??Or Gold??