PDHRA: Views from a Soldier

Warrior - Citizen, 2009 by Tillman-Ortiz, Sophia

WASHINGTON - To facilitate a Soldier's transition from Army to civilian life, the U.S. Army has taken steps to safeguard the health and well-being of those who served in a combat deployment with the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) screening.

Capt. Clinton Rogers, an Army Reserve Soldier with the 80th Training Command, returned home from Iraq in 2006 and faced a whirlwind of emotions that left him excited and stressed. "You can go ahead and say I got my limbs, thank God and think you're alright. However, it's the family and friends who can tell you help is still needed," explained Rogers.

The PDHRA Program is part of the Department of Defense's overall Force Health Protection Program and is a global health initiative based on solid research.

The U.S. Army requires all Soldiers who have retained from a combat zone since March 10, 200S to complete the PDHRA screening.

The PDHRA includes Soldiers taking part in "Battlemind II Training," which emphasizes safe and healthy personal relationships and teaches Soldiers to look out for each other's health. Soldiers must complete the DD Form 2900 that asks about physical and behavioral health concerns. Soldiers also speak with a healthcare provider and when issues are identified, the Soldier is referred for follow-up care.

After his deployment in 2006, Rogers benefited from the PDHRA. "I knew it was important to have an honest dialogue with the doctor to see if anything was wrong. When I went through it, I had no problems discussing my concerns. You're only fooling yourself if you can return home and think everything is normal."

After spending two years as an active duty Soldier between 1986 and 1988, Rogers returned to Virginia where he completed his bachelor's degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Following his last deployment in 2006, Rogers used his skills as a therapist at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center to help fellow Soldiers and he has seen the benefits of the PDHRA first-hand. "Everyday, I see Soldiers who fought in Iraqi Freedom taking advantage of the VA programs," Rogers said. He has witnessed many Soldiers receive therapy as a result of the PDHRA.

As a recreational therapist, Rogers is used to helping Soldiers with their transition to civilian life. Recently, he had the opportunity to work with a Soldier he fought beside in theater and who was referred to him by the PDHRA. "One of my friends is currently at the VA where he receives counseling so he can be the type of husband and father his family deserves." Rogers' work with Soldiers has helped make a difference in their lives.

Currently, the Army Reserve has screened 95 percent of all required Soldiers and continues to make strides to ensure all Reserve Soldiers are screened and referred for further evaluation, if necessary. Soldiers can complete the PDHRA by either logging into their "My Medical Readiness Page" via AKO or attending an on-site screening event or Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program event.

By Lt. Col. Sophia Tillman-Ortiz

PDHRA Program Manager