ensure that each Soldier’sneeds are met.

According to the Army’sHealth Promotion, RiskReduction, SuicidePrevention report in 2010the number of suicides andattempted suicides were at arecord high during fiscalyear 2009. In the reportGeneral Peter W. Chiarelli,vice chief of staff of the U.S.Army, called the numbers ofsuicides tragic.

“These are not just statis-tics; they are our Soldiers.They are Soldiers who maybe stressed, feel isolated,become dependent on drugsor just need more time torecover.”

Chiarelli added that themilitary is seeing anincrease in the numbers ofSoldiers seeking behavioralhealth care, which is a clearindication that the effort toemphasize behavioral healthis working.

“They are workingbecause Soldiers recognizethe importance of individualhelp-seeking behavior andcommanders realize theimportance of intervention,”he said.

With this in mind the177th is ensuring that eachreturning individual Soldieris receiving the care they areentitled to.

“We recognize and appre-ciate the sacrifice’s theseSoldiers have made,” saidSgt. 1st Class Scott Gunther,non commissioned officer incharge of patient services,Medical Task Force CampShelby Miss. “We follow upon every Soldier, we stay intouch with their command toensure that any issues theyhave are being addressedand they receive the carethey need. We don’t justcheck the block.”

Amanda Vibelius hasbeen a civilian member ofthe medical task force atCamp Shelby for almost sixyears.

“I love working here; I amhonored to be working withsuch great men andwomen,” said Vibelius.

“These Soldiers go overseasand they deal with so much.When they come back theyremember me, and they tellme they appreciate what Ido…it’s just humbling.”

The Medical Task Forceat Camp Shelby is able toassist 350 to 400 Soldiersper day. This tremendouseffort by the Soldiers andcivilians is impressive byany standard, and appreciat-ed by returning Soldiers.

“I appreciate how hardthey work,” said Spc.Christopher Pinder, lightwheel vehicle mechanic,256th IBCT, from WestMonroe, La. “It takespatience because demobi-lization is a slow process. Ireally feel that the medicalcare providers are payingattention to everyone.”

Pinder went on to say thatit is important to be honestwith the providers for thesystem to work the rightway.

“I mean I just got backand I am going to be homewith my Family in time forChristmas,” Pinder saidwhile smiling.

Col. William Prior,Commander 177th ArmoredBrigade has taken the returnand the demobilization ofthe 256th IBCT so close tothe holidays into considera-tion.

“The 177th ArmoredBrigade and Camp Shelbywill assist them in complet-

ing their mobilization byconducting demobilizationoperations to standard whileensuring that Soldiers canenjoy the Christmas holi-day,” said Prior. “We will dothat by granting a four daypass to those individualswho are not complete withdemobilization by Dec. 23.”

Prior added that ifSoldiers choose not to gohome during that time thedining facility will be serve-ing a traditional Christmasmeal.

He also encouraged themto take part in holiday activ-ities in the Hattiesburg area.

“In the end we will takecare of these Soldiers byconducting quality demobi-lization activities that arefocused on individualSoldier care and simultane-ously allowing them to havea memorable Christmas.”

The 177th ArmoredBrigade trains, coaches andmentors Soldiers, Airmenand Sailors in support of ournation’s Overseas Contin-gency Operations.

The majority of the workat the 177th is with mobi-lized Army reserve compo-nent forces, although theyalso train active forces.

The brigade is stationed atCamp Shelby Joint ForcesTraining Center at CampShelby, which is the largestand most active mobiliza-tion training center in theU.S. Army.

Page 2 December 23, 2010REVEILLE (CS)

Col. Steve Parham

Christmas is one of myfavorite times of the year. Ienjoy the Christmas lights

on every corner, Holiday movieson every channel, the hustle andbustle, Christmas carols on theradio for the drive to work, butmost of all I enjoy the time spentwith Family and friends.

But let’s not forget the truemeaning of Christmas and that isthe birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cherish the ones you love and

the valuable friendships you havemade in your community and atCamp Shelby Joint Forces TrainingCenter.

Take this time to say ‘ThankYou’ to the ones you love andremember our comrades in uniformwho are spending this Christmasfighting in support of OverseasContingency Operations.

Their sacrifices ensure our free-dom for tomorrow.

The pace at CSJFTC has relaxed

for just a moment, so take this timeto recharge your batteries and beprepared to welcome the incomingunits that will be mobilizing duringthe spring months.

It is always time to talk aboutsafety.

Ensure that your team is com-pleting their vehicle inspectionsprior to the holiday weekend andmake sure that you as leaders givea safety briefing to all of your per-sonnel.

The roads are dangerous duringthe holiday season. Take extra pre-cautions on the road by wearingyour seatbelt, staying off of the cellphone and allowing yourself plenty

of time to make it to your destina-tions without speeding.

Make sure you unplug yourChristmas lights at night and neverleave a candle burning in a roomalone.

Christmas time is a joyous timeof the year and we must ensure thateach member of this team stayssafe and alert during the holidayfestivities. Accidents can be pre-vented.

Thank you, team for your hardwork and dedication to theCSJFTC mission. God bless you,your Families and the UnitedStates of America. Have a veryMerry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

177THContinued from Page 1

Sgt. Belynda Faulkner/177th Public AffairsDEMOBILIZING... Soldiers from the 256th Infantry Brigade CombatTeam, Louisiana National Guard finish their demobilization paper-work at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.