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Jeremy Stalnecker
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Jeremy Stalnecker wanted to be a Marine since childhood. That dream came true, and he became an Infantry Platoon Commander in the First Battalion, Fifth Marines. In this role, he led his troops into the first major offensive in the Iraq War. Upon returning home, Jeremy became an assistant pastor, but struggled with finding purpose in his new role. After attending Mighty Oaks, Jeremy realized he was not alone, and has now focused his career on helping his comrades overcome their struggles with PTSD, re-finding purpose and discovering the principles of Biblical manhood.
1
How did you find your purpose after the military?
Finding purpose after the military is perhaps the most difficult part of transitioning to civilian life. So much purpose is found while serving that it is difficult to find that again. I personally think that this is one of the major factors that sideline those with PTSD. Dealing with trauma is difficult, but it is even more difficult when you feel like you have lost your very reason to live. I did not begin to find my purpose until I first realized that I was not defined by my military experience and that my life consisted of more than just who I was in uniform. The military was what I did and trauma was something that happened, but neither of these was the sum total of my life. Once I realized that I had a purpose to live for, I was able to look for the thing that fit my gifting and skills and pursue that. I realized that my purpose was found in Christ and what He had equipped me to do.
2
We often hear of PTSD, but can you give us an insight as to what PTSD looks like?
PTSD looks different for everyone. It really comes down to how someone handles the trauma that they have experienced. Trauma and PTSD is not unique to veterans but for those that have been in combat the recurrence of trauma is potentially more than someone who has had one or only a few traumatic events take place in their life. Anger, isolation, anxiety and an overwhelming feeling of loss of purpose are fairly common. Obviously, these affect every relationship in their lives. Often the person dealing with these things will medicate the feelings away through drug or alcohol abuse which ultimately only compounds the issues. Finding purpose in life and purpose in the trauma is key to living a productive life.
3
Why do you think the suicide and divorce rate is so high with those in the Military?
The suicide rate is so high because of the loss of purpose and connection that takes place post-service. While there is a strong sense of belonging and purpose found in the military, moving back to civilian life often removes both. When the symptoms of trauma are coupled with an overwhelming lack of purpose the only escape seems to be suicide. Drug (prescription or otherwise) and alcohol abuse cause the depression to be deeper and the decision to end life easier.
Many of the same things that impact the suicide rate also impact family relationships. Anger, anxiety and fear put a strain on a marriage that often cannot be reconciled. Add substance abuse and an environment is created that is not emotionally or physically healthy for a family.
4
Tell us about the Mighty Oaks Warrior program?
The mission of Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs is to operate on a standing commitment to reach the brokenhearted, with a specific calling to assist our nation’s military Warriors and families find a new life purpose through a hope in Christ, after enduring hardship through their service to America.
This three-fold purpose:
1. Bring hope and restoration to the broken
2. Build warriors and their families
3. Equip Men and Women to leave a worthwhile legacy
Will accomplish the following:
A. Eradicate Veteran suicide one community at a time
B. Eliminate military and veteran divorce
C. Develop healthy family legacies
D. Instill strong principles that make resilient families and warriors
E. Equip veterans and their families to make a positive impact in their community.
We do this through:
A. Men’s programs
B. Spouse programs
C. Marriage Advance
D. Family camp
5
How if this program different than other programs offered?
Our program is different than other programs offered because of our methodology. Our programs begin by recognizing that we were all created to live in a specific way and that our purpose is found in that design. We then work to provide a model based on a creation blueprint that both men and women can align their lives too. This moves men and women from finding their identity in a job or experience and teaches them how to align their lives to their true identity as a created being. When this purpose is found and pursue many of the symptoms of PTS fade into the background and destructive behavior that compounds these symptoms goes away.
Thanks so much to Jeremy Stalnecker for sharing with us about the Mighty Oaks Warrior program. To learn more about the Mighty Oaks Warrior program and to receive updates as to when it will be available in Franklin, check the Mighty Oaks website.
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