PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - In response to the tragic shooting incident at Fort Hood, Texas, Presidio of Monterey leaders are encouraging community members who might be grieving as a result of the shootings or other stressors to seek assistance.
"We have chaplains and professional mental-health assistance available to help deal with the stress of this and any other life events that causes undue stress on our people whether it is combat related or just the stresses of life," said POM Garrison Commander Col. Darcy A. Brewer.
"Everyone here can (obtain) counseling," said Presidio of Monterey Installation Chaplain Lt. Col. Jose Rodriguez, referring to not only service members, but the whole POM community, including those in the Ord Military Community.
Rodriguez said that people could be affected many ways by the shootings and justifiably need to talk to someone about those feelings or concerns. "If they have friends or family assigned or in the area (of Fort Hood). Or, if by chance they knew someone injured or killed. Also, military bonds with military, like brothers in arms."
Fifteen military chaplains are available to the community. To speak with a chaplain on POM, call 831-242-5281, or stop by the chapel annex next to the Weckerling Center; on OMC, call 831-242-7620, or stop by the chapel annex in building 28.
Additionally, Air Force personnel may also call 831-242-5875, and Navy personnel may also call 831-656-2241.
After hours or on weekends or holidays, call the staff duty officer at 831-242-6912. Rodriguez said that anyone seeking assistance should leave his or her phone number, and the chaplain on duty will return the call as soon as possible.
However, if the situation is an emergency, the person should call 911.
If a service member or a family member would prefer to speak with someone other than a chaplain, the Presidio of Monterey Wellness Center is an option. Appointments for counseling from the three mental-health specialists are available during duty hours. The phone number is 831-242-4328.
After duty hours or on weekends or holidays, service members and their families should contact Military OneSource toll-free at 1-800-342-9647 or via the Internet at www.militaryonesource.com.
Military OneSource is free to service members - active duty, guard and reserve - and their eligible family members.
Consultants at Military OneSource hold masters-level training, according to the organization's Web site, and they offer confidential support and practical solutions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Counseling includes, but is not limited to, education, relocation, parenting and stress. The service is completely private and confidential, with few exceptions.
In additional to taking advantage of counseling, if needed, Brewer said that service members should check their battle buddies and "get them to help if they need it, and inform your leadership of the situation."
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