Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment VAVS

CAMP PENDLETON ---- May's Memorial Day reminds us of heroes lost, and now June has been designated by a military support group to recall heroes still in harm's way.

Marine Corps Community Services has named June as "Combat Operational Stress Month" in an effort to raise awareness of combat-related mental issues.

"It's time to go to war knowing what to expect," said retired Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a war veteran and published author. Grossman was a former Army Ranger, paratrooper and West Point professor of military science. "Every creature flees from the sound of a gun, but you run to a gunfight. A warrior must run to the sound of the guns and confront evil."

Combat stress is the mental, emotional or physical tension, strain or distress resulting from exposure to combat and combat-related conditions. In the past, the disorder was more commonly known as shell shock or battle fatigue.

Combat stress is not restricted only to combat, but may also arise from combatlike conditions present during military operations other than war, such as training.

"Sometimes the stress reactions appear immediately," said Dawn S. Herring, a licensed therapist at MCCS Counseling Services at Camp Pendleton. "Sometimes they appear hours, days, weeks or even months later. They may last a few days, a few weeks, or a few months and occasionally longer."

Rates of combat stress casualties vary greatly, with higher ratios during lengthy periods of intense combat.

"I think we've seen a shift where leadership is encouraging Marines to ask for help when dealing with stress," said Sgt. Maj. John Armstead, regimental sergeant major, Combat Logistic Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group. "If you have a problem, get professional help. We can't do our job if someone has operational stress issues."

Grossman agreed but encouraged troops to be proactive. "Bullet-proofing the mind with tactical breathing and training also can save a Marine from psychological damage that lingers long after the fight," he said. "Deal with the stress openly and make peace with the memories. Weave a path between self-pity and macho arrogance."

By Lance Cpl. Daniel Boothe - For the North County Times