Aug. 4, 2021
The Army Special Operations Forces community has a lot on our minds after shouldering the burden of 20 years of war. The hardships, trials, struggles we face, have faced, and will continue to face affect us in one way or another. Master Sgt. Chris Copper, the 1st Special Forces Command Human Performance and Wellness NCO, joins Master Sgt. Josh Thompson, former U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Sgt., to discuss the different masks we wear and how that can affect someone’s life.
Master Sgt. Chris Copper is the 1st SFC(A) HPW NCOIC and works to ensure that the Soldiers across the organization have the resources available for physical, mental and spiritual health.
Master Sgt. Josh Thompson, at the time of this recording, was the SWCS HHC 1st Sgt. After assuming responsibility, he wrote the paper “The Masks We Wear” and identified what made him want to seek help and the importance of sharing his story.
Josh’s Article
https://havokjournal.com/culture/mental-health-wellness/the-masks-we-wear-an-sf-soldier-speaks-out/
https://usasoc.hpw.agilesof.com/index.html – USASOC Human Performance and Wellness website.
https://suicidepreventionlife.org – Call, (800) 273-8255 to receive immediate assistance.
https://veteranscrisisline.net – Call, (800) 273-8255, press 1.
http://giveanhour.org- non-attributable website to speak to a real person that can listen and provide assistance.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help – website that can provide confidential help. Call, 800- 342-9647.