FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Honorable Shawn G. Skelly, who is performing the duties of the deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, visited multiple units on Fort Cavazos Oct. 7-8 to discuss various topics including quality of life, mental health and operational readiness.
During the two-day visit, Skelly held roundtable discussions with leadership of 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, where topics pertaining to the ADA branch were addressed. She also met separately with Brig. Gen. Robert G. Born, 1st Cavalry Division deputy commanding general of support, and Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, the commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos, to talk about significant topics, including the impact of suicides within the armed forces and the resources available.
Discussion with Fort Cavazos leaders focused on the People First Center, or PFC, where Soldiers can seek a variety of mental, emotional and spiritual support. Skelly modified her itinerary to watch a performance by the PFC cadre, allowing her to see how Fort Cavazos addresses these critical issues.
“Well-being is holistic,” Skelly said. “Our personnel can perform at their best at work if we offer integrated services that look at every aspect of navigating life in the military. The PFC does just that. It was great to see and hear about the individualized support services they offer.”
Fort Cavazos Soldiers from all ranks were able to talk with Skelly as she attended a luncheon with them at the Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial Dining Facility. The luncheon provided Soldiers a stage to be able to express their concerns with balancing home life with operational readiness and developing a higher quality of life. This occasion also allowed Skelly to address some of the topics directly.
“She actually cares about the Soldiers; she wanted to know what the Department of Defense could do for us,” said Staff Sgt. Kameron Pillow, 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div. “It felt like my voice was actually being heard, my questions answered — it gave me assurance.”
The visit also included discussions with the Scott Engel, director of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Intrepid Spirit Center, which focuses on rehabilitation and treatment of active-duty military personnel who experience traumatic brain injuries. The talks pertained to blast overpressure, which is the shock wave caused by an explosion that results in a dramatic and instantaneous rise in ambient pressure. This is detrimental to soft tissue organs, including the brain. The DOD continues to prioritize the well-being of its service members with a comprehensive approach to the management of risks from blast exposures involving risk mitigation focused on prevention through enhanced tracking and ongoing research.
“Our policy must be informed by practice and by the experience of our service members,” Skelly said. “Interactions on trips like this provide those critical inputs that help senior leaders at the Pentagon ensure their voices are considered in the policymaking process.”
In Skelly’s current position, she develops, coordinates and integrates policies regarding force readiness, management and health affairs. She is also largely integrated in National Guard and Reserve Component matters, education, training and the requirements and management of civilian and military personnel. Skelly’s oversight also includes equal opportunity, morale, welfare, recreation and quality of life affairs.
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