2nd Brigade Combat Team opens wellness center

The wellness center provides programs and services that are available to all 2nd BCT Soldiers and their Family Members. Services are available from the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention, Equal Opportunity, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Master Resilience Training and Military Family Life Counselor programs. MFLCs also can assist military Family Members younger than 18. The center is located in Bldg. 10288, 4th Armored Division Road, and it is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (including training holidays). "The reason we pulled these programs away from the headquarters building was to take the intimidation factor away from going in there with all the officers and senior noncommissioned officers," said Sgt. 1st Class Darrel Monn, platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT. "They feel more open when they are away from higher-ranking people." The wellness center's new location also offers a comfortable and safe environment that better preserves the confidentiality of clients. "When you go in to a brigade headquarters, you have to give up your cellphone, show proper identification, get a visitor badge and may have to be escorted around this (brigade) secure facility," said Col. Matthew Morris, ready force commander. "This facility does not require that, and that's why it's more accessible and easier for Soldiers and Family Members." With the holidays approaching, many Families will be traveling beyond their local service area, but there are many outside organizations that are available nationwide. Available resources include local Veterans Affairs agencies, churches, emergency rooms, crisis centers and the DOD Safe Helpline at (887) 995-5247. Services members and their Families are welcome to walk into the Commando Wellness Center or they can schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling the Fort Drum SHARP hotline at 767-6128; 2nd BCT office, 772-3722, or the 24-hour cell at 804-7265; EO, 772-3662; SARC, 774-2018; MFLC, 955-4823; or MRT, 772-3684.