“PTSD and Addiction”- by John Poitevent March 8, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Addiction, Behavior, BWR, John Poitevent, PTSD, Recovery, Wellness
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For those suffering with PTSD and addiction, a good friend of mine at Behavior Wellness and Recovery wrote a very good article on the subject. Please take the time to read and share if you know someone who would benefit from this information. As someone who has scores of friends suffering from PTSD I can say that substance abuse and addiction are pervasive within the community. Please share! If you need help, please contact BWR at 866.986.3414
“I need a brother…” January 27, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: charity, Marine Reconnaissance Foundation, PTSD, Raider Project, Recon, Recon & Sniper Foundation, scout, sniper, straight8, Suicide, wounded warrior project
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Within my very tight knit community of Recon Marines, Scout/Snipers and SARCS, these are words you never want to hear and, at the same time, wish you would hear more often. It is not uncommon to see a request in a Facebook post or get a text that says simply: “I need a brother…” When these words are passed, dozens, if not scores of Marines and Sailors drop what they are doing and reach out to take care of the one in need. Sometimes it is just someone to talk with…sometimes it is more. It doesn’t matter. Responding to these simple words may mean the difference between life and death.
Last weekend another Marine in our very small group took his own life. This has happened far to frequently for a group of our size and has become far too common. (more…)
Chris Mark on CNN (Video) January 25, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: brooke baldwin, cnn, Dis, Marine Recon Foundation, PTSD, sarah palin, sniper
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I was fortunate to have Brooke Baldwin and CNN contact me about the Open Letter to Sarah Palin I wrote. Click here for the Interview. While it was a short interview I was able to convey some thoughts regarding PTSD and domestic violence. Let me quickly clarify. If you have never done a media event, you don’t really have control over the content. The “PTSD Survivor” and “combat survivor” is not titles I would have chosen. While PTSD can be caused by a number of different ‘stressors’, many of the men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have seen very, very serious combat compared to me. I was really on the fence about disclosing my diagnosis but figured if it elevated the discussion it was worth the sacrifice. Lastly, I was a bit frustrated that I could not take the opportunity to give a plug for some great organizations. Given my own background, please consider donating to The Marine Reconnaissance Foundation; Recon & Sniper Foundation; or The Raider Project.
An Open Letter to Sarah Palin January 21, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Bristol, charity, Palin, PTSD, Recon, Sarah, sniper, Track, USMC, VA
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Dear Mrs. Palin,
I am a former US Marine and US Navy Officer with a Combat Action Ribbon as well as service connected disabilities. I am also a Republican. I have also served with, and am friends with, dozens of combat veterans who suffer daily from various injuries and wounds to include PTSD. I recently read your comments related to PTSD in which you attempted to excuse your son’s arrest on domestic abuse charges and firearm charges by referencing his supposed PTSD. Based upon your previous comments I am not surprised that you would choose to use this very serious condition as a political football and, once again, attempt to divert blame from your own family’s abhorrent, violent behavior.
In 2014 your entire family was involved in a late night ‘drunken brawl’ at a party in which Track Palin (the accused domestic abuser) was involved in a bloody fight. While you publicly stated how proud you were at your children’s violent actions, maybe this should have been a sign that Track has a problem. It is certainly curious that you did not feel the need to reference his supposed PTSD in this situation and instead stated: “…my kids’ defense of family makes my heart soar!” Maybe, instead of encouraging Track’s violence, you should have taken the opportunity to get him help. Maybe, instead of being the result of PTSD, your son was simply trying to uphold the stated Palin family values and “…make your heart soar” by abusing a woman.
PTSD is stigmatized in the media and not well understood by the general public. An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. This is nearly 8,000 veterans who take their lives every year. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated: “Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide — losing their personal battle to invisible wounds of war.” Veterans who have willingly given so much in service to their country should not have to bear the burden of being further stigmatized by your ignorant and foolish statements.
While I do not propose to speak for all veterans, I am clearly not alone in my views regarding your unfortunate statements. They were unfortunate for the many veterans who face further disdain and discrimination based upon your inaccurate and ignorant portrayal of those who suffer with PTSD as well as the causes of the condition.
While I would personally prefer that you simply avoid public life and simply fade away, if you insist on trying to use your “celebrity status” for a cause, please educate yourself on the facts of PTSD and try to help veterans by using your significant influence in a more productive, and less political manner. There are a number of veteran’s organizations to which you can donate time, money and energy to make a difference. Two organizations you may want to consider is the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation and the Recon & Sniper Foundation.
Regards,
Chris Mark
Dog Training Elite -Dog Training Experts…(Vets..ta ke note!) June 15, 2015
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Arizona, Companion, Disabled, Dog, Nevada, PTSD, Service Dog, Support, Training, utah, Veteran, warrior, wounded
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Many readers likely know that my son Tyler is Autistic. He is a great little guy (and handsome!) but we are always concerned for his safety as he is ‘non verbal’. About six months ago we began looking into service animals. I have done charity work for several service animal trainers over the years and I was…to be blunt….unimpressed. The trainers charged between $20,000 and $30,000 and it did not seem effective in many cases. About 2 months ago we ran across a company called Dog Training Elite in Utah. Their website advertised over “…35 years of experience..” For this reason I gave them a call. I spoke with the owner John for about 30 minutes and he was patient enough to answer all of my questions. I explained that we had a male Rottweiller (Bo) that we felt would be a good dog but that we were new to he process.
To John’s credit he did not try to sell us on anything. He simply said he would be willing to drive out to our house in Park City and talk with us. John came out and it was apparent he had forgotten more about training dogs than I will ever know. He evaluated Bo and said he would be a good fit for a Service Dog. To be clear, he also said that in many cases an existing dog is NOT a good fit and often people need to find a dog with the right personality traits to be a good dog. As John explained…Dogs need two things to really be good Service Dogs. Aside from having a calm disposition they need 1) a desire to please and 2) intelligence. Their website says:
“Dog Training Elite, is a Utah-based dog training company with over 35 years of experience that specializes in teaching your dog to be obedient for you as well as the rest of your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite has donated their time to those with special needs in training their service dogs.”
Heather and I used to joke that Bo was untrainable. He is super sweet and super calm but he is also a 130lb Male Rottweiller. He is stubborn with a capital R..and all other letters. I am not exagerating when I say that after the first 1 hour session Bo was responding to commands (‘come’, ‘sit’) and by his third session he was ‘heeling’ and ‘sitting at distance’. Long and short, the methodology works!
I am not going to go into their training methodology because it is proprietary and I don’t want to give bad info. I will say that the cost of training Bo is 1/10th (you read that correctly) what other trainers charge and it is effective. Owners are required to work with their dogs at least once per day. You have homework!
In addition to being expert trainers, John and company were able to explain all of the ins and outs of Service Dogs…the laws, regulations, and other aspects that I was unaware of. Their experience and insight is invaluable! In addition, you get a very personal touch from people who are not only experienced but truly love and value dogs. It has been as much as an education for Heather and me as it has been for Bo.
If you are looking for a service dog and you are willing to put some work into the process..I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They are in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. I understand they are now opening a few new sites in other states. Give them a call and talk to Robin, John or Seth. Ask a hundred questions and let them give you some info.
In addition to training dogs they also work with Not for Profits and support wounded veterans! One of their trainers, Seth is a wounded veteran with a Service Animal. Watching what his Malenoise could do was absolutely impressive!…
If you are looking for a service dog or considering a service animal give them a call! We are very happy and Bo is doing great! Hit them up on their Facebook, as well!
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