Memorial Day 2024: Honoring our Military Veterans!
Ever since it was introduced as a national holiday in 1868, Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) has been dedicated to honoring military servicemen and servicewomen who have died in the line of duty.
It is impossible to honor too greatly the ultimate sacrifice these brave men and women have made for our country. But it is also true that all service members make sacrifices for our nation, and over time, it has become common to celebrate and appreciate those veterans who are still with us on Memorial Day as well as those who have passed.
Cummins Cares About Veterans and Military Families
Cummins has always been highly committed to the health and well-being of all veterans living in our communities. All of our clinical staff receive training in military culture and experiences, and we take care to identify military-involved individuals and families during new patient registration in order to provide culturally appropriate care.
Our organization has also been designated as a "2 Star" facility by Star Behavioral Health Providers (SBHP). A designation from SBHP assists service members, veterans and family members to identify organizations that are committed to providing services to military-connected individuals, have policies and procedures that show an understanding of military culture, and employ clinicians who are trained in military culture and evidence-based practices.
Another way we ensure a high level of competency in treating veterans is by employing them within our organization! Former or current service members can sometimes work more effectively with military-involved consumers as a result of shared experiences, beliefs or values.
In honor of Memorial Day and everyone who has served in the armed forces, we would like to highlight just a few of our team members who are also military veterans.
Celebrating Some of Our Veteran Team Members!
Allen Hardy – Peer Recovery Specialist, Marion County
Service branches:
Marine Corps and Army Reserve
Years of service:
1982–1991
Highest rank attained:
Lance Corporal / Private First Class (E-3)
Commendations:
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Airborne, Honorable Discharge
How has your service benefited you as a person?
"A commitment was made to something larger than myself."
How has your service affected your ability to work with military-involved consumers and families?
"Every client is an individual. While I may share military service with a client, that only goes so far. Does it help the empathic relationship? There's good evidence that it may. After that, it's about the client and what's important to them—what constitutes their feeling better."
Amanda Watkins – Crisis Intervention Therapist, Hendricks County
Service branches:
Army and Indiana National Guard
Years of service:
2008–2012 (Army), 2014–2019 (Indiana National Guard)
Highest rank attained:
Corporal (E-4)
Commendations:
Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal
How has your service benefited you as a person?
"My experience in the military instilled discipline within me. I developed a strong work ethic and the ability to stay disciplined even under pressure. Despite the challenges I faced, my military experience showed me my ability to persevere through difficult situations."
How has your service affected your ability to work with military-involved consumers and families?
"My experience in the military has affected my ability to work with consumers who are veterans and their families in a positive way. I'm able to better understand the fear, anxiety, and stress that consumers might be feeling during a crisis. Sharing that experience with consumers and having exposure to similar emotions can help me empathize on a deeper level. My experience has made me less susceptible to being overwhelmed by veteran consumers’ trauma, whereas some therapists might struggle with graphic details."
Jerry Vest – Maintenance Technician
Service branch:
Air Force
Duration of service:
22 years
Highest rank attained:
Master Sergeant (E-7)
Commendations:
Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal
How has your service benefited you as a person?
"Being in the service has taught me self-discipline, how to understand the big picture and accomplish small tasks to contribute, and how to mentor new Airmen and help them grow into adulthood."
How has your service affected your ability to work with military-involved consumers and families?
"I don't work with consumers, but I do with providers. Treating others with respect and dignity is very important, as is knowing that every job matters, from transportation to CEO. Teamwork is very important in the military but also in the private sector. You have a role in a much bigger mission, and you have to realize that in order for the mission to be carried out."
David Thomas – Certified Recovery Specialist, Boone County
Service branch:
Air Force
Years of service:
1976–1978
Highest rank attained:
Airman First Class (E-3)
How has your service benefited you as a person?
"My military training and service benefited me in many ways, such as by teaching me to be hard working and organized."
How has your service affected your ability to work with military-involved consumers and families?
"After two years of service, I began to have some problems. I ended up being diagnosed with schizophrenia and receiving an Honorable Discharge. I then started my journey of learning what schizophrenia is and how I could cope with it.
After much struggle, I began to recover from the illness. I ended up going to IUPUI and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I have worked in the mental health field for about 20 years. Most of that time I worked as a Peer Specialist, and part of that time I worked at the VA Hospital in a Vet-to-Vet capacity on the Inpatient Psych Unit. My recovery helps me to work not only with veterans, but with anyone who is struggling with the challenges of a mental health diagnosis.
I am one of the first Peer Specialists certified in the State of Indiana. I was the Director of KEY Consumer Organization and met with people at the Division of Mental Health and Addiction regarding mental health policy. I have attended and presented at conferences on Peer Support around the country. I have been through the model Peer Support training in Georgia, and I have traveled to Vermont for training in the 'WRAP' relapse prevention program. I continue to enjoy working and learning with Cummins where I am a Certified Recovery Specialist."
We would like to once again express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has served in the United States armed forces, as well as the family members of those who have served. Your commitment to our nation will forever be a source of admiration and inspiration for all of us at Cummins Behavioral Health.
If you would like to read more about the fundamentals of behavioral health care for military veterans, we invite you to read the following post from our blog:
How Behavioral Health Providers Can Serve Our Veterans’ Mental Health Needs