Havok Journal Managing Editor Scott Faith joins us for his regular update on issues in the Veteran community and a variety of other topics. The mission of the Havok Journal is to serve as the voice of the Veteran community through a focus on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general.

We start with Scott’s perspective on celebrities involved in supporting Veteran & Military family causes.  Scott specifically mentions the initiatives being led by Jon Stewart and Mark Wahlberg.  He believes involvement by these high profile individuals is important because military members and Veterans are often conditioned to “embrace the suck” and not inclined to get active in political causes.

The month of September has a number of event anniversaries and recognition days and Scott shares his thoughts on each.

The anniversary of the September 11 attacks is the subject of a powerfully written article by Gunnery Sergeant L. Christian Bussler. While deployed in Afghanistan, Scott says there were two pictures posted in the headquarters wall that helped remind them of the reasons they were there.

We reflect on National POW/MIA Recognition Day and the generational differences and commonalities of the POW’s that have appeared on American Warrior.

September is also National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide in the Veteran community is still significantly higher per average than the civilian population.   A Havok Journal article by Lt. Col. Matt Sacra highlights his transition from “I’m okay” to “I need some help.” Scott and I discuss how everyone can take lessons from Matt’s experiences and the tools he developed to deal with his PTSD. Choosing what outside “influences” we ingest can make a big difference.  Replacing bad influences with good influences is essential.

Finally, Scott provides updates on the Second Mission Foundation.

TAKEAWAY: “There is no expiration date on our promise to never leave a man behind.”