Changing the Military Culture of Silence

Mr. Sam Rhodes' warm personality captivates audiences as he speaks on coping with Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He inspires others by teaching how to build Psychological Resilience. He speaks on regular occasions to military units across the Country Fort Jackson, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Fort Polk as well as National Guard Organizations in Massachutes, Rhode Island and Kentucky, etc ... His efforts doesn't stop with Active Duty and National Guard he also is scheduled to speaks to reserve Organizations such as Fort Hamilton New York, He also has travel to Boston Veterans Administration Hospital and spoke to numerous groups of Home-less Veterans. He has spoken at many more events- including the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Conference at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, TX in Jan 2009 and to many other Organizations. He has voluntarily worked with numerous organizations focused on "Changing the Army's Culture of Silence" when dealing with mental health Issues. His unique background includes over 29 years service in the Army, were he held numerous enlisted leadership positions culminating in his Assignment as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. He has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I, II, and III with a total of 30 months Combat experience from April of 2003 to November of 2005. His unique approaches, style and personal courage have been featured on NBC 38 "Unity with Pam," in the Fort Benning Bayonet, Fort Gordon Signal, and Fort Jackson Leader newspapers and the Benning TV. He has received praise from the Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey; Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston; the Defense Center of Excellence for Mental Health General Laurie Sutton; and LTG Whitcomb. Rosemarie Annese, Vice President & Blue to Gold Liaison, Blue Star Mothers, MA Chapter 1