Is there anyone here from leadership at Fort Drum (Garrison or Division) that i could ask for an opinion on veteran advocacy needs?

Absolutely understand the limited role in Vet Services. My purpose is to ensure that there is a way to bridge the gap which I, and others have seen in various ways, some as recently as this past week. Thus ensuring that the soldiers, families, and veterans who retire, or separate and remain in the area are able to reach all of the services available to them. Also that, should there be any areas that are needing to be filled in, those can be identified and addressed or investigated as to what can be done to cover said areas. I will, absolutely check into the Health Promotion Counsel. I believe, I have met Col Laske in passing at a Chamber event, but never have had any formal communication with him. Thank you for the input & feedback .

SGT Sara Hendrix - Not sure which gaps you are trying to close, so can't really give you better advice.

LTC Jason Mackay I wasnt trying to be evasive but i was also trying to not present something that could be construed negatively without having all of the facts. An example of something that occurred recently and has not been an isolated incident, is the tragic and untimely death of a soldier who separated from service and yet remained in the area. When the family reached out to have a Chaplain provide some assistance, there was no one willing or able to. There was no acknowledgement from Fort Drum regarding this veterans death . Now I do understand thatba funeral detail will attend the services in the family hometown. I however believe that, for many reasons, that a situation such as this should be acknowledged and attended to. Again, I do understand the formal protocols . I am simply suggesting that it may be something that can impact service members still active duty that knew him / or knew others who passed away. That is an example.

I did not think you were evasive. This unfortunately is a seam between the two worlds. I am interpretting that this person separated, stayed in the greater Ft Drum area, and was in personal crisis when he passed.

The funeral detail is a veteran's benefit, normally sourced on an area basis where the final internment happens through the CAOC. When people separate, they receive services and support from the VA, state veteran offices, VSOs, and the civilian community. This has been a friction point with little regulatory or statutory help. Who receives services from the active Army is very prescriptive.

It would be the Chaplain's role to counsel those on AD that were impacted by the crisis/death of a friend. The pastoral care of separated soldiers is not in their wheel house. The area's nearest military command would not be involved. I suspect the best they could do, is coach the family (if they reached out to the command) to call the local law enforcement to conduct a wellness check unless someone in the unit (including his friends) had first hand knowledge and concern. You can't request a wellness check second hand (first hand only - been there, done that). Law enforcement can bring in someone for 72hrs hold under medical supervision if certain criteria is met. Civilian mental health emergencies are among the most frustrating to deal with effectively. It is exceedingly difficult to get compulsory mental health hold beyond 72hrs.

I had to deal with deaths of DA Civilians, dependents, and DA Civilians who were also dependents while In command. All were completely different, all were complex, and a struggle for my lone chaplain. Part of the struggle was my lack authority or "jurisdiction" to decide issues or even to be in the conversation. There is even less for someone who is separated. Retirees are different and maybe authorized CAOs and other assistance to the NoK.

SGT (Join to see) ,
Thanks for the shout and reference brother. SGT Sara Hendrix , I would be happy to provide any insight with questions that you may have; as well as SFC Stephen King . I know through personal experience, he is always willing to lend a helping hand, let alone first hand perspective. Either message me or direct it to the platform. Thanks in advance.