from the editor
A Healthy Mind
As part of MOAA’s mission to ensure the nation keeps its commitments to its military, the association works hard to keep the focus on the most prevalent issues affecting veterans.


Over the past year, Military Officer has presented you with a variety of articles focusing on some of the many challenges those who defend our freedoms face as they return from the front. In the September 2012 issue of Military Officer, we told you the story of the atomic veterans; in the November 2012 issue, we focused on our returning wounded warriors and their families and caregivers; and in the March issue, we told the story of those who have done such valiant work saving lives as the wounded are moved from the battlefield to medical treatment facilities.


In April, our cover story examined some of the challenges post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and other “invisible wounds” create for our returning warriors. And in May, we looked at the role dogs play as a source of support and comfort.


This month, we examine one of the most troubling of trends — the increasing incidence of active duty and veteran suicides. In “Sharing the Burden,” page 100, Deborah Huso takes a look at some of the reasons for the increased suicide rates and what DoD and the VA, along with other organizations, are doing to help the mental health of our servicemembers and to curb the alarming rate of suicide.


Mental health is also the focus of the 2013 Warrior-Family Symposium (WFS)*. Jointly sponsored by MOAA and the National Defense Industrial Association, the symposium will examine some of the mental health challenges our warriors and their families face, not only in today’s environment but also in post-war years of previous conflicts. Look for a wrap-up of the Sept. 12 WFS event in our November issue of Military Officer.


This September also marks 200 years since a decisive naval battle took place on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. In our cover story, “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” page 94, Mark Cantrell takes a look back on the events leading up to the encounter at Put-In-Bay as the U.S. saw its Navy come of age.


To round out this month’s magazine, we explore in our retirement section, “Changing Course,” page 53, a couple of topics many of our members already have considered, and many more will mull over in the future. In “Lighten Your Load,” page 54, Mary Miley Theobald offers tips for downsizing after years of accumulating all those treasures and memories from PCS moves and assignments. Cantrell is back with “Think Outside the Box,” page 66, in which he provides some retirement-living alternatives — going back to school or finding your inner artist — to ensure your golden years are anything but cookie-cutter.


As you ponder your future, rest assured MOAA will continue to maintain focus on the issues veterans and their families face.


— Capt. Gordon J. Hume, USN (Ret)


*online: Visit www.moaa.org/wfs2013 to learn about MOAA’s 2013 Warrior-Family Symposium.


12 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2013

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