Challenges Faced by Iraq War Reservists and Their Families

Description:

The Iraq War caused emotional, physical, psychiatric, relational, and spiritual challenges to an untold number of military reservists and their families. This book takes you through the war's critical stages of pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. Reservists' families, usually living far from military bases with professional staffing, are often among the most affected wounded of the Iraq War. Injured reservists often return home to discover that civilian medical resources are insufficient and civic organizations unequipped to help manage the range of combat-related wounds and psychiatric trauma, especially post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The lack of needed services causes alienation between reservists and their families in relation to the civilian communities in which they live. Using a practical theological method, this book analyzes the various impacts of the Iraq War and recommends a soul care approach for chaplains and pastors to use in support of reservists and their families suffering from their experiences of the Iraq War, and to guide any persons interested in participating in such support.

Endorsements:

""Our churches are finding that people returning from our country's wars in Iraq are often persons with special needs. Ken Walden, from firsthand experience with these veterans, gives solid help to pastors and congregations seeking to minister to those in pain in the aftermath of Iraq.""

--Will Willimon

Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School

""In the authentic form of a spiritual advocate, prophetic caregiver, and empathetic researcher, Chaplain Major and Pastor Walden has provided a vital analysis and insightful presentation of a rapidly emerging problem and its residual implications for contemporary military members, their families, and their communities of origin. Reverend Walden's pastoral care insights reflect keen therapeutic relevance, as well as a tutorial bridge for pastoral and lay leaders who seek to provide practical and effective social interventions, resources, and support to wounded warriors experiencing pain and trauma as a result of their dedicated service.""

--Vergel L. Lattimore

Vice President and Professor of Pastoral Psychology and Counseling

Hood Theological Seminary

About the Contributor(s):

Ken Walden is a United Methodist clergyperson, a Chaplain Major in the United States Air Force Reserves, and the author of A Pastor's Poetry: Volume One (2005).