In the Wake of Fort Hood

We have memorialized 13 people who have died at the hand of either a terrorist, a disturbed mental health worker, or some combination of both. I am reminded of the day, 26 years ago, when I called the Navy to see about financial aid to go to graduate school for my MSW. When I asked about their putting me through in exchange for service, since I thought I'd be marrying a USNA midshipman, the response was, "ma'm, that's why we have chaplains." That spoke volumes to me about how underrated the need for mental health care in the service was. Apparently, not much has changed. I watched Michael and his classmates struggle through the mental challenges of that school; I met servicemen on the air base in Torrejon, Spain while I was abroad the year before who were in desperate need of support services. And now as I study to become an Episcopal priest, God-willing, I know that this profession is even less equipped to meet the rigorous emotional and psychological demands that are put on our servicement and women. One day when the tables turn, our military will be healthier, and perhaps will be more effective in contributing to keeping Peace in the world.

Eighth Anniversary of September 11 Attacks on the WTC and Pentagon

I am surprised at how emotional I still am on this day. I'm not a New Yorker, I was in the middle of the country on that day, tending my father who was in ICU with meningitis....I had my own personal attack going on, but still, to stand in his bay and watch the coverage, to struggle to find my brother, partner, and my oldest friend, and to make sure my mom was safe in DC, was almost a Herculean effort. So much didn't work on that day. So much fear and uncertainty. And since, so many folks who still struggle with this day. Who seem to have PTSD-like symptoms. The effects of that day are long and deep, and for many will not die til they do.

In New York and in Federal government, it is a hallowed day. Everywhere else, it seems business as usual. Even Google didn't post an image over the letters to remember the day. That was surprising to me. And there's much talk of withdrawing from Afghanistan, where, I thought, Osama Bin Laden was hiding. I never advocate war, but of all the military efforts, I believe this should be one to pursue.

In two weeks, I'll go back to NYC after 17 years away, and I'll go to Ground Zero. Despite the fact it is basically a construction site, it is filled with the memories of those who were lost there, who fought to save there, who ministered there, and who still visit to remember. As with so many of our greatest military victories or defeats, their memories are what teach how to move forward. Our parents were always saying how important it was to 'learn a lesson from this'. And so I wonder if we have....and what will be the result if we haven't.