Saturday, January 15, 2011

"Service and Sacrifice" book release pending and Rear-Jacket Text

To all my Comrades, friends and supporters,
I wanted to follow up my post from the Union League event Thursday night with some news from my publisher, Xlibris. The manuscript is due back to me from copy-editing by January 24th. I expect a quick turn around and I'll be sending it back for type setting. I'm hoping to have a release date in the first week of February. This is a very exciting time!

In order to keep up the energy, I wanted to put the hook out there for you all to read in advance. Below is the approved Rear-Jacket Text. Every book that sells will generate money for charity! We are going to help Veterans suffering from PTS and MTBI and their families! Please forward this blog site to your friends and choose "Follow" so you'll receive updates. I'd love to hear your feedback on this text and if you have any charitable donation ideas.

Sam


            This is a gripping story of men in combat… Army National Guard Lieutenant Sam Console, a platoon leader in Charlie Company, 103rd Engineers and his men were mobilized in 2004 by the 28th Infantry Division. This intrepid and brave group of combat engineers discovered, defused (and) destroyed IEDs, saving countless lives of the US Armed Forces, Iraqi military and civilians… 1st Lt. Console graphically explains the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (TBI and PTSD)… This story will explain the great inner strength among the men of this company that developed in the crucible of combat. MAJOR GENERAL WESLEY E. CRAIG JR. (Retired)
            My research leverages narrative approaches to foster healing and reconnection for Veterans. I met Sam through a presentation of my work titled “Wounded Warriors and the Healing Power of Stories.” “Service and Sacrifice” continues the tradition of healing through writing. This book will help Veteran’s families understand what they faced overseas and how it affects them now. I believe it is important for all civilians to read works such as Sam’s to better understand the experiences of combat. Veterans are our co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors. Sam’s resource guide will help our Veterans, their families, and caregivers begin the process of their own healing journey. Simply put, there is something in this fine book for everyone.  Gala True, PhD, Core Investigator, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Philadelphia VA Medical Center
            Service and sacrifice defines the willingness of a people to volunteer during a time of need. Thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Many more were injured or changed forever. Writing about Iraq has been healing for me. I’m positive it will be healing for others. Samuel J. Console, 1st Lt., Combat Engineers, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Two important updates related to Post-Traumatic Stress

Two important updates for this week.

First, I have the honor of being invited to attend a Post-Traumatic Stress seminar this Thursday night at the Philadelphia Union League sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers and the Armed Forces Council of the Union League.
"The Hidden Scars of Iraq and Afghanistan" with Presenters: Medal of Honor Recipient Paul Bucha & General Pete Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the US ARMY. These types of events are wonderful opportunities for the public to learn more about the depth of our veterans service and sacrifice. I will post follow-up information after attending this event as soon as possible. Here is a link to a local television news spot by Tracy Davidson about the evening:
January 13th NBC 10 News spot with General Chiarelli

Second, I have received information related to the signature wounds experienced by our nearly 2-million combat veterans. I highly recommend Veterans and their families take a look at this article:
"US Soldiers With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder More Likely to Feel Long-Term Psychological Effect"
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110103161323.htm
Quoted "ScienceDaily (Jan. 4, 2011) — Combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms appear to be associated with longer-term physical (headache, tinnitus), emotional (irritability) and cognitive (diminished concentration or memory) symptoms, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Conversely, concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) do not appear to have long-term negative effects on troops.

Please to have lo forward this information to your peer and contact me if necessary. God Bless our troops and their families wherever they are in the world.