HELENA — Montana National Guard servicemembers are part-time soldiers and airmen at Fort Harrison, which means some are our police officers, teachers, and business owners in the Lewis and Clark County community.
2020 has caused extra pressure for everyone, including our Guardsmen.
The National Guard offered some resources on how the Helena community can support our military community, to help combat the added stress.
“This last year has been very busy for the Montana National Guard, not only supporting overseas deployments, but also supporting the state, and the communities across Montana with the COVID response," said Colonel Greg Olson, Director of Military Personnel.
Soldiers and airmen also assisted the Montana State Prison, after correction officers were short-staffed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in prison.
Additionally Colonel Greg Olson said, “So, that higher operational tempo, you know, can definitely take some additional stress on our soldiers and our families.”
State Chaplain Brian Daum for the Montana National Guard, offered ways to communicate with a person who is going through some challenges.
To keep soldiers engaged, the Army has created an app for their cell phones.
The app offers access to resources such as financial services, job searches, and a hotline to call if a soldier needs to talk about their mental health.
However, it's not just soldiers under pressure. Children and spouses are feeling it as well.
Captain Michelle Bogden, who is the Director of the State Families Programs, says the Montana National Guard Family Program has a website for family members to access.
“The hotline number is something they can call and say, 'I am feeling like this person might hurt themselves'. Where they can do that is 1-800-273-8255 phone call, or do a non-emergency call contact with the police department, just to do a health and welfare check, if they think that is something that is going on," Said Bogden.
For more help, call the National Guard Family Service or ask to speak with the Chaplain.
Here are some additional sources:
- Military One Source, National Guard Family Program:
- https://www.militaryonesource.mil/national-guard/national-guard-family-program/about-the-national-guard-family-program/
- Montana National Guard Family Programs:
- https://montanaguardfamily.org/
- Montana National Guard Family Support Fund:
- https://montanaguardfamily.org/mtng-family-support-fund
U.S Air Force
- Video Training Modules on suicide Prevention:
- https://wingmanonline.org/Programs/Video-Training-Modules
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call 1-800-273-8255 or text 'HOME' to 741-741.
