Psychologist speaks about military children, deployments

Published Feb. 25, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- More than 100 parents, teachers and mental health professionals gathered at the Commando Auditorium at Hurlburt Field Feb. 22-23 to attend a seminar about the effects of deployment on military youth.

Dr. Michelle Sherman, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Services Center, gave a presentation entitled "Supporting our Military Youth: Examining Common Challenges, Describing Resources, and Providing Hope."

Dr. Sherman said she hoped to use the research on the subject for concrete steps about what parents can do during both the separation and reintegration processes for their children.

"I hope they will feel empowered by any tips I can give them and are armed with resources they can hold on to help them on their journey," she said.

Tailoring the presentation for two separate audiences, one for parents and another for educators, Dr, Sherman detailed how military children may be dealing with constantly changing homes and schools, and the academic and emotional issues associated with each move.

In addition, she highlighted the challenges children can face when dealing with a temporary separation or when a parent comes back with emotional and physical difficulties, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or injuries.

"This can be another different dimension for these kids," she said. "I hope that the families realize they are not alone in any challenges they may be facing."

Co-author of three books about teenagers dealing with issues of war, trauma and mental illness, Dr. Sherman said she felt honored to share her message with Hurlburt Field - a base and mission known for high-operations tempo and rapid deployments.

"I was highly impressed by the openness of the family members to share their stories and compassion about the subject," she said. "Some of the ladies were talking about having gone through as many as 10 deployments."

The event was coordinated by the Airman & Family Readiness Center after Angela Brunal, A&FRC community readiness consultant, met Dr. Sherman at the Military Child Education Coalition conference last summer. Mrs. Brunal said the presentation was appropriate for the Hurlburt community, especially during the Year of the Air Force Family.

"We saw the need to bring someone on base who could bring more information about how the deployment climate was affecting our children, and provide resources to help families adjust to these changes," Mrs. Brunal said.

After each session, parents and educators got to share their stories and thanks with Dr. Sherman for her presentation.

"It was good information shared by all military spouses and family members about how to deal with deployment," said Angela Maberry, a guidance counselor at the education center. "She mentioned different strategies to help deal with stress, and it's good to be reminded about that."

Del Mucci, Hurlburt Field Youth Center director, said he found Dr. Sherman's emphasis of working with children on a personal level dynamic.

"The ability to identify someone with challenges - and be able to help them or provide resources to them - is what's critical, and she really brought that across," he said.

At the conclusion of the second seminar, Dr. Sherman said being here was a wonderful opportunity to discuss with families about a subject she was very passionate.

"I put my heart and soul into this," she said. "I'm committed to these military kids and their families, and I hope this can be helpful, and that I can make a difference."