National PTSD Awareness Day, observed on June 27th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, particularly as it affects military personnel and veterans. However, PTSD can impact anyone who has experienced trauma, including first responders, survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and violent incidents. This day serves to educate the public about the impact of PTSD, promoting understanding and support for all who are affected.

PTSD is a significant issue among military personnel who have been exposed to the horrors of war. The experiences of combat, witnessing death, and the constant threat of danger can leave deep psychological scars. Symptoms of PTSD in military members include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about their traumatic experiences. These symptoms can disrupt their ability to reintegrate into civilian life, affecting their relationships, employment, and overall well-being.

In the past, PTSD in military personnel was often misunderstood and stigmatized. Terms like "shell shock" and "combat fatigue" were used to describe the condition, often minimizing its severity and leading to inadequate treatment. Soldiers were expected to tough it out, and mental health issues were seen as a sign of weakness. Today, we have a better understanding of PTSD as a serious and legitimate condition. By raising awareness, we can help reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues in the military community. Acknowledging the struggles faced by our service members and veterans is the first step towards creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable seeking help.

PTSD also affects many people outside the military. First responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, frequently encounter traumatic events in their line of duty. Survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and violent incidents can also develop PTSD. Public awareness and understanding are crucial in ensuring that these individuals receive the support and treatment they need.

On this day, various activities and events are organized to spread awareness and educate the public. These include seminars, workshops, social media campaigns, and community gatherings. Veterans' organizations and mental health advocates use this opportunity to share information about PTSD, its symptoms, and the treatment options available. They also highlight the importance of early intervention and the role of family and community support in the recovery process.

One of the key messages of National PTSD Awareness Day is that help is available, and no one should suffer in silence. Effective treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing , and medication, can significantly improve the quality of life for those with PTSD. Support from fellow veterans, military support groups, and mental health professionals is crucial in helping affected individuals navigate their path to recovery.

National PTSD Awareness Day is a crucial observance that plays a significant role in increasing understanding and support for military personnel, veterans, and civilians affected by PTSD. By raising awareness, educating the public, and promoting open conversations about mental health, we can help all affected individuals seek the help they need and deserve. Let us use this day to honor their courage and resilience and commit to creating a society that offers compassion and support to all who have faced trauma.

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 24-25 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be full active members of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PV2 D.Fox  

                             PFC C.Clinkscales 

Instructors : 

 SGT A.Shocked           

 CPL A.Zvik                    

 SPC B.Montana           

 SPC S.Ohwo                 

 SPC I.Bar-Tal                

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union and China, crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korea. This aggressive move shocked the world and marked the beginning of a brutal conflict that would last for three years.

The roots of the Korean War lie in the division of Korea at the end of World War II. The peninsula, previously under Japanese rule, was divided along the 38th parallel by the Allies, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. This division was intended to be temporary, but as Cold War tensions escalated, it solidified into a permanent split, creating two separate governments: the communist North, led by Kim Il-sung, and the capitalist South, led by Syngman Rhee.

On the dawn of June 25, 1950, North Korean artillery opened fire along the 38th parallel, and infantry divisions quickly followed. The South Korean army, unprepared and outgunned, was swiftly overrun. Within days, North Korean forces captured Seoul, the South Korean capital, and continued to push southward.

The invasion prompted a swift response from the United Nations. On June 27, the UN Security Council, in the absence of the Soviet Union, which was boycotting the council, passed a resolution calling for member states to assist South Korea. The United States, under President Harry S. Truman, took immediate action, committing air and naval forces to the conflict and later sending ground troops.

The Korean War saw dramatic shifts in momentum. Initially, North Korean forces nearly succeeded in conquering the entire peninsula, but UN forces, primarily composed of U.S. troops, launched a successful counteroffensive, recapturing Seoul and pushing the North Koreans back. The war then settled into a bloody stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The conflict would continue until July 27, 1953, when an armistice was signed, establishing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and effectively ending the fighting. However, a formal peace treaty was never signed, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided and tense to this day. The Korean War not only left a profound impact on Korea but also intensified Cold War tensions worldwide, shaping the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 24-24 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be full active members of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PV2 J.Moffet  

 PV2 D.Ngoc    

Instructors :

 SGT W.Fives          

 CPL H.McMahon   

 SPC D.Hughson     

 WOC S.Rogers        

(Source: https://www.army.mil/)

Almost two and a half centuries ago today the Continental Congress established what will later become the United States army. 

Since its birth the army has proven vital in both the initial domestic and later foreign struggles the newly born, or seasoned, U.S. found itself. 
Every year a ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, with the goal of paying tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. 

For this year the theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future.”, putting a classical focus on the importance of remembering and looking up to the past actions of those before, while making sure there is a future to continue looking back. 
As many around the U.S. gather to celebrate this event, veterans and community members join in order to recall all that was done, witnessed and head forward with renewed respect for those who set the traditions they now follow. 

As the U.S. army heads towards its 250th birthday next year, we wish all current and retired service members an enjoyable celebration.