Welcome Back!

This is OSM’s second newsletter, and we are excited to update you on what we have been up to.

Operation Strong Mind continues to provide formal mental health intervention with veterans and their family members.

On July 4th, Operation Strong Mind participated in Shaler Township’s Community Day at Kiwanis Park. This was our third year having a sponsored tent at the celebration.

Our CEO, Tom Stokes, has been working with Psychiatrist, Dr. Susanne Yang, on a VA sponsored research grant, What Civilians Should Know About Serving in a Combat Zone: Describing the Post-Deployment Transition. The project interviewed 19 veterans about their reintegration into the civilian world. Tom and Dr. Yang will be analyzing the data looking for themes and significant issues and/or challenges faced by our veterans.

Operation Strong Mind has written a chapter for a combat social work book that is being published by Oxford University.

Operation Strong Mind has recently applied for a grant through the Pittsburgh Foundation Wish Book.

On September 22nd, Tom will be speaking at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church on the topic of veteran suicide. Tom will also be presenting his training “Walking It In” at Mercy Hospital with the organization Journey To Normal. And on October 21st, Tom will be one of the speakers at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Chaplain Service training event focused on Veteran care in the community.

We keep plugging away at our mission, and thank you for your continued support.