The Ft. Hood Tragedy

Troops and Families Need Faith
Now More Than Ever

Bob Dees on CBN News

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – In response to the shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas, the entire staff at Military Ministry offers heartfelt condolences and prayers for the victims of this tragedy and their families during this incredibly difficult time. While it is too early to know exactly what has happened, we are thankful for the Chaplains, Commanders and Churches in the Ft. Hood community who are working hard to help these hurting troops and families.  We know they are in good hands and will pray for their continued strength now and in the weeks to come.

At Military Ministry, we understand how incredibly important Faith in the Fox Hole and Hope on the Home Front is for troops and families…especially at times like these.  Every day, sobering statistics remind us of the realities facing our men and women in uniform and the ones they love.

• Divorce and suicide rates are at all-time highs: in October 2009, 16 military members across all Services committed suicide.
• Homelessness among Veterans is astonishing: nearly 30% of the homeless on the streets of America once wore a military uniform.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder continues to ravage our troops and families: Department of Defense estimates are that 1 in 5 troops returning from combat may suffer with PTSD. Secondary  combat trauma effects impact many military family members as well.

In light of these realities, Military Ministry and church-based programs are doubly important.

“Military Ministry is working to equip thousands of churches across America to minister more effectively to troops, veterans and military families” said Military Ministry Executive Director Major General (U.S. Army, Retired) Bob Dees.

The ministry offers a Rapid Response Center (1-800-444-6006) where troops, family members and concerned individuals call for prayer support and information about resources and programs.  Resources include the “Combat Trauma Healing Manual” and “When War Comes Home” – books offering context, spiritual nurture and healing to help returning warriors and military wives deal with the invisible wounds to the spirit that so often accompany combat trauma.

But there is still much to be done to address PTSD and its effects, which have become a national epidemic. Across America, Military Ministry seeks to mobilize 1,000s of churches, and 10,000s of lay and professional counselors, on behalf of 100,000s of troops, veterans, and their families.

“We need partners to reach troops and families and provide the spiritual resources they desperately need,” said General Dees. “If you can help a troop directly – do it now.  If not, do it through us or your church.  Together we can help heal our nation and its heroes.”

For more information about Military Ministry, go to www.militaryministry.org or call 1-800-444-6006.

Major General (U.S. Army, Retired) Robert F. Dees, Military Ministry Executive Director, is a graduate of West Point (1972), and served with distinction as an Army infantry commander and staff officer until his retirement in 2002. Immediately prior to assuming leadership of Military Ministry in April 2005, General Dees served as Executive Director, Defense Strategies at Microsoft Corp.

Military Ministry addresses the spiritual needs of troops and families by teaming up with Commanders and Chaplains. They have developed relevant and effective faith-based programs and materials which are turning the tide for many warriors and families dealing with the effects of combat trauma and the challenges of military service.