by Fred Willis | Dec 29, 2016 | Lifestyle
Authors Chad Robichaux and Jeremy Stalnecker to Donate over 5,000 Books to Active Duty Military
Book reveals proven methods of resiliency learned after 5 years of intensive programming by Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs. These programs have graduated over 1,200 Warriors without one loss to suicide.
Chad Robichaux and
Jeremy Stalnecker of
Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs (MOWP) will release their new book
“Path to Resiliency” on
January 5, 2017 in ebook and soft cover formats. With a foreword by
US Army (retired) Major General Bob Dees, Author of “The Resilience Trilogy” and Founder of the Institute for Military Resilience at Liberty University, “Path to Resiliency” explores how the greatest of Warriors, both military and civilian, can be ready for, resilient to, and able to reintegrate from life’s greatest trials and challenges.
Robichaux explains, “The intent of this book is to equip our Warriors with the knowledge and resources to be resilient to the rigors of war and military life, as well as to share with you the lessons of Spiritual Resiliency we have learned by working with many combat veterans at Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs, by not only leading them to restoration, hope and a new purpose, but finding the strength to be truly resilient to every hardship this world might throw at us. By applying the proven principles that Mighty Oaks has integrated to heal our Warrior’s spiritual and mental wounds, anyone can become prepared, strong, and spiritually resilient to trials that come our way.”
Since it’s inception, MOWP have helped struggling combat veterans and active duty military find hope, healing and purpose after trauma. More than 1,200 alumni have graduated from MOWP programs, with a 100% success rate in suicide prevention and nearly as effective in preventing divorce. MOWP receives hundreds of active duty military on official orders to attend their programs from the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. As an extension of their foundational belief that “No Man Fights Alone”, the authors plan to donate a minimum of 5,000 copies of “Path to Resiliency” to members of the military during their 2017 Military Resiliency Speaking Engagements nationwide.
Mighty Oaks is highly utilized for resiliency conferences by units from all branches of the military returning from and deploying to combat theaters. In 2016 alone, Robichaux conducted presentations to over 20,000 troops for combat readiness, ranging from Special Operations Pre-Deployment Resiliency Conferences, to Spiritual Resiliency presentations, to presenting to thousands of recruits at USMC Boot Camps.
Why would Mighty Oaks be looked at as a resource for combat resiliency? The reason is simple. Through the methodologies they have used at Mighty Oaks and the evaluation of those who have experienced combat, they have discovered that the very same methods they use to “heal” PTSD are equally effective if implemented prior to traumatic events such as those experienced in combat. This makes MOWP not only an effective post-combat program but also a pre-combat program using a methodology they would simply refer to as “Spiritual Resiliency”.
Robichaux and Stalnecker have both experienced firsthand the issues our military and their families face surrounding issues of combat trauma.
Robichaux served our country as a Special Operations Force Recon Marine and Department of Defense Contractor with eight deployments to Afghanistan and as part of a Joint Special Operations Command Task Force, as well as a Special Agent with the US Federal Air Marshal Service and the US State Department as a Surveillance Detection Senior Program Manager. He has earned an MBA and is a board Certified Pastoral Counselor with a focus on PTSD. Now, as Founder of Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs, Robichaux and his family are dedicated to sharing their personal story of PTSD and mentoring those who are struggling with these issues.
In his youth, Stalnecker dreamed of a career in the Marine Corps. He began his military career via an Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, VA before being assigned to First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division as an infantry platoon commander. As part of First Battalion, Stalnecker and the Fifth Marines breeched the berm separating Kuwait and Iraq to secure the first major objective on Operation Iraqi Freedom. This campaign lead to a road march that would see his battalion occupy Baghdad and seize the presidential palace on the Tigris River. During this time, God turned Jeremy’s passion to full-time ministry. After serving at several churches in Pastoral Roles, Stalnecker was offered the Executive Director position with Mighty Oaks, which pairs his military background with his ministry experience to uniquely serve and minister to hurting veterans, service members and their families.
Stalnecker continues. “In a world that is anything but resilient in the face of the many traumas and hardships that we all encounter, we need to understand and stay on the path that will keep us moving forward in a meaningful way. Our hope is that, military or civilian, The Path to Resiliency will serve as a guide to equip the reader to be ready for, resilient to, and able to recover from the inevitable trials of life.”
“Path to Resiliency” is available for preorder direct from the Mighty Oaks store, here.
About Mighty Oaks
Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of our active-duty military, veterans and their families who are suffering from the effects of PTSD and combat trauma. With an intensive peer-based program men, women, and couples, Mighty Oaks is committed to helping Warriors overcome their enduring hardship after service to America through instructional sessions, camaraderie, and team building activities, programs teach Warriors to overcome the past experience and move forward into a life of purpose. The Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs work on the frontlines to fight the staggering national statistics of 22 veteran suicides per day and staggering divorce rates among military families.
Source:
FrontGate Media
by Fred Willis | Jul 22, 2016 | #WokeProse
Here we go again, another crazy week in the media…and in our neighborhoods. With the highly publicized shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, all forms of media have been frenzied since the first video was uploaded to Facebook last week. Also a part of the frenzy happens to be the millions of viewers, worldwide. In our varied attempts to illuminate the plight of black men in America and the violence many face at the hands of police, we’ve used these videos to bolster our strong viewpoints. These video shares are not without hidden damage.
Last week, after watching the Philando Castile video another video surfaced showing another angle of the officer involved shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After watching nearly the entire video, I had to pause the video. I didn’t look away when the shots were fired, and I didn’t look away when I saw blood…I looked away when I realized that I was watching Alton Sterling die. Literally taking his last few short breaths there on the ground. I was angry, but something else was happening. Rage? Fear? Confusion? All of this happened at once yet pausing the video didn’t wrangle the wild emotions.
From there, I was embroiled in heavy Facebook dialogue, some of which came off the pages and into phone calls and text messages. Some brought severe division between myself and some of my longest standing friendships. Once again, we reminded that I am black and they aren’t. As a journalist, I wrote…unapologetically about how the deafening silence from what should and could be our friends is hindering any possible progress. I chided religious leaders for having nothing major to say…and then, it happened…
The unthinkable…someone declared war on the police! Before the night ended, five Dallas officers were dead and seven others wounded from the attack. Of the five deceased officers, one was a friend. A fellow band nerd, Officer Patrick Zamarippa. My days at Paschal High School were full of self discovery and the struggle of being young, gifted and black. A speech that began as a diatribe in search of empathy towards our community ended with me tragically searching for the words to comfort mutual among perceived enemies. When I say #BlackLivesMatter, I post it to a mixed audience. Last week, I wasn’t met with #BlueLivesMatter or #AllLivesMatter, I was met with…SILENCE!
On Thursday evening, I made a concerted effort to reach out to old friends I’d undoubtedly yet inadvertently alienated by expressing my disdain with the week’s earlier shootings. I had to also re-visit a quandary that plagued me during High School. Many who were quick to memorialize Patrick as an officer of the law and veteran of the US Armed Forces were the same ones that paid very little attention to him in band. You see, we were divided back then, in band and in school. Did we make awesome music? You bet and nobody will ever take that from us. The lines that divided us somehow followed us into adulthood yet we find ourselves drawn together again, by this senseless loss of life.
Can you imagine the week I’ve had? It pales in comparison to any of the families who lost loved ones or even those who remained trapped in a live crime scene last Thursday night. Some were in their cars for hours, a very good friend and colleague Shannon J was in her car for 10 hours while the officers subdued the suspect and continued their investigation into Friday morning.
Trauma. That’s the word for it. We’ve been traumatized, the whole nation. This is the prime example of why so many have been rendered speechless. Some fester in silence; but for many the reality of violence whether at the hands of officers or a trained sniper, has rendered them speechless. What we have uttered is the best we can and even that has taken both a tremendous level of courage and a huge toll on us. A week later and many have yet to understand the gravity of the toll. I reached out to Dr. Kristen Guillory lend her expertise about the psychological ramifications any of the videos and ensuing interaction may have had on us. She had this to say:
“…it’s not about not watching but making sure you’re aware of the possible impact as well as what to do when you’re impacted- counseling, stepping away, prayer, etc and the signs. There a lot of layers and how to identify the signs in a loved one”
This I agree with and want to encourage any of you who suddenly “feel some type of way” following the events of last week to seek help and encourage others to do the same. Human lives matter. Your quality of life matters and help is available if you need it. Not all of us involved are on the front lines, still the effects are there. People like myself have contributed to progress via the various forms of journalism. I hosted a live show on last Friday with Dick Gregory, Fred Sandifer, Reggie Williams, the Rev. Kyev Tatum and Nichole C. Mullen that allowed us to talk about our feelings and what we need to do on both sides of the conflict. I can’t make it to every march or gathering but I am doing what I can where I am. Even so, I experienced trauma last week and will be doing what I can to heal where I am as I help make healing possible for others.
Think of the impact of seeing ones mother get hit, or seeing a child get hit or even what soldiers see in combat. Rosie O’Donnell suffered from depression after the Columbine shooting and she didn’t see anything. I’ve been concerned about those who not only watched but how learning of this information impacts us because many didn’t share deeply with someone how they really felt in the moment. We let it fester. (“Dr. G” Kristen Guillory)
Have you spoken to anyone about how the turmoil in the nation affects you? We need to decompress. Perhaps a moment to breathe, but how can that be so with the image of a dying Eric Garner saying: “I Can’t Breathe” seered into your subconscious? When do we breathe again, where oh where is that sigh of relief? I don’t know…
Calamity surrounds us and if the world remains unchanged, shootings and violence will continue. I urge you take pre-caution when engaging in social media following the events. Cover your mind and your heart, keep your well being in mind. We want to get perspective, we want to know what facts can be derived from video, but we also must remain vigilant against the onset of undiagnosed symptoms of mental illness and directly attributed to the exposure/overexposure to graphic content.
by Fred Willis | Jul 12, 2016 | Lifestyle, National News
Here we go again, another crazy week in the media…and in our neighborhoods. With the highly publicized shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, all forms of media have been frenzied since the first video was uploaded to Facebook last week. Also a part of the frenzy happens to be the millions of viewers, worldwide. In our varied attempts to illuminate the plight of black men in America and the violence many face at the hands of police, we’ve used these videos to bolster our strong viewpoints. These video shares are not without hidden damage.
Last week, after watching the Philando Castile video another video surfaced showing another angle of the officer involved shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After watching nearly the entire video, I had to pause the video. I didn’t look away when the shots were fired, and I didn’t look away when I saw blood…I looked away when I realized that I was watching Alton Sterling die. Literally taking his last few short breaths there on the ground. I was angry, but something else was happening. Rage? Fear? Confusion? All of this happened at once yet pausing the video didn’t wrangle the wild emotions.
From there, I was embroiled in heavy Facebook dialogue, some of which came off the pages and into phone calls and text messages. Some brought severe division between myself and some of my longest standing friendships. Once again, we reminded that I am black and they aren’t. As a journalist, I wrote…unapologetically about how the deafening silence from what should and could be our friends is hindering any possible progress. I chided religious leaders for having nothing major to say…and then, it happened…
The unthinkable…someone declared war on the police! Before the night ended, five Dallas officers were dead and seven others wounded from the attack. Of the five deceased officers, one was a friend. A fellow band nerd, Officer Patrick Zamarippa. My days at Paschal High School were full of self discovery and the struggle of being young, gifted and black. A speech that began as a diatribe in search of empathy towards our community ended with me tragically searching for the words to comfort mutual among perceived enemies. When I say #BlackLivesMatter, I post it to a mixed audience. Last week, I wasn’t met with #BlueLivesMatter or #AllLivesMatter, I was met with…SILENCE!
On Thursday evening, I made a concerted effort to reach out to old friends I’d undoubtedly yet inadvertently alienated by expressing my disdain with the week’s earlier shootings. I had to also re-visit a quandary that plagued me during High School. Many who were quick to memorialize Patrick as an officer of the law and veteran of the US Armed Forces were the same ones that paid very little attention to him in band. You see, we were divided back then, in band and in school. Did we make awesome music? You bet and nobody will ever take that from us. The lines that divided us somehow followed us into adulthood yet we find ourselves drawn together again, by this senseless loss of life.
Can you imagine the week I’ve had? It pales in comparison to any of the families who lost loved ones or even those who remained trapped in a live crime scene last Thursday night. Some were in their cars for hours, a very good friend and colleague Shannon J was in her car for 10 hours while the officers subdued the suspect and continued their investigation into Friday morning.
Trauma. That’s the word for it. We’ve been traumatized, the whole nation. This is the prime example of why so many have been rendered speechless. Some fester in silence; but for many the reality of violence whether at the hands of officers or a trained sniper, has rendered them speechless. What we have uttered is the best we can and even that has taken both a tremendous level of courage and a huge toll on us. A week later and many have yet to understand the gravity of the toll. I reached out to Dr. Kristen Guillory lend her expertise about the psychological ramifications any of the videos and ensuing interaction may have had on us. She had this to say:
“…it’s not about not watching but making sure you’re aware of the possible impact as well as what to do when you’re impacted- counseling, stepping away, prayer, etc and the signs. There a lot of layers and how to identify the signs in a loved one”
This I agree with and want to encourage any of you who suddenly “feel some type of way” following the events of last week to seek help and encourage others to do the same. Human lives matter. Your quality of life matters and help is available if you need it. Not all of us involved are on the front lines, still the effects are there. People like myself have contributed to progress via the various forms of journalism.
I hosted a live show on last Friday with Dick Gregory, Fred Sandifer, Reggie Williams, the Rev. Kyev Tatum and Nichole C. Mullen that allowed us to talk about our feelings and what we need to do on both sides of the conflict. I can’t make it to every march or gathering but I am doing what I can where I am. Even so, I experienced trauma last week and will be doing what I can to heal where I am as I help make healing possible for others.
Think of the impact of seeing ones mother get hit, or seeing a child get hit or even what soldiers see in combat. Rosie O’Donnell suffered from depression after the Columbine shooting and she didn’t see anything. I’ve been concerned about those who not only watched but how learning of this information impacts us because many didn’t share deeply with someone how they really felt in the moment. We let it fester. (“Dr. G” Kristen Guillory)
Have you spoken to anyone about how the turmoil in the nation affects you? We need to decompress. Perhaps a moment to breathe, but how can that be so with the image of a dying Eric Garner saying: “I Can’t Breathe” seered into your subconscious? When do we breathe again, where oh where is that sigh of relief? I don’t know…
Calamity surrounds us and if the world remains unchanged, shootings and violence will continue. I urge you take pre-caution when engaging in social media following the events. Cover your mind and your heart, keep your well being in mind. We want to get perspective, we want to know what facts can be derived from video, but we also must remain vigilant against the onset of undiagnosed symptoms of mental illness and directly attributed to the exposure/overexposure to graphic content.
