1. Finding Gold By including veterans

2. Military life may be unique But its lessons have benefits for civilians, too Stresses of military life are thematically similar to many of those in civilian life Family separation Adjustment to loss – friends, innocence, childhood faith Awareness of one can lead to greater awareness of the other Empathy Patience

3. Injuries of War Injuries of Life Limb loss (physical) Traumatic Brain Injury (physical) Post-Traumatic Stress (psychological) Moral Injury (spiritual) How pervasive? 1% of American youth enter military 1/3 of military is deployed into harms way What percentage is injured?

4. Combat, Stress, Growth

5. Post-Traumatic Growth Self-confidence Enhanced Leadership Personal Strength Spiritual Growth Appreciation for Life Would you like congregants with these attributes?

6. Strengths and Virtues of Military Life Unit cohesiveness Loyalty Commitment Willingness to work with the hand dealt See the task through to positive outcome Do you need these assets in your congregations?

7. What do you see in a veteran? Dirt and debris?

8. Or Gold??