Testimonials
06 April 5, 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to acknowledge Athena J. Mann’s dedicated service and support during her 15 years as an Army Wife. During our marriage, she supported me on two overseas tours, and two combat deployments. Every time I achieved a new rank as a noncommissioned officer, she was there to pin it on me. This was important to me because I felt she had earned the rank as much as I did.
Over the years, she achieved many accomplishments of her own. In 1998 she started the family support group for our unit C Battery, 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Ft. Lewis, Washington. The group was nonexistent when we were stationed there. Army wide, Family Readiness Groups are now valued as an integral part of soldier readiness. She was a pioneer in this area. While making this happen, she also received certification for all three levels of the Army Family Team Building program.
Athena was also instrumental during our many PCS, permanent change of station, moves. This included preparing our household items for shipment overseas to and from Germany. Athena took these challenges on herself so that I could focus on my men and our unit’s mission. Her initiative provided for a seamless transition into and out of various duty stations.
Athena supported my decision to reenlist in the Army numerous times. She was awarded two Certificates of Appreciation from two of my battalion commanders in recognition for her support.
When time came for me to answer our nations call after September 11th, 2001 Athena was behind me 100 percent. I deployed to Iraq in March of 2003, unsure if I would be coming back or not. Thanks to her, I had no worries about home while I was deployed. The fact that my men and I made it back a year later in one piece is a direct reflection of her allowing me to remain mission focused through the duration of that deployment. During that deployment she enrolled in the Copperas Cove Citizen’s Police Academy and remained active in community service.
I volunteered to go back to Iraq in 2006. Once again, Athena demonstrated her support. I was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations as an advisory with an Iraqi Army battalion. It was a very demanding deployment, highlighted by a number of direct fire engagements. Every time I was able to call home, things were great. I had no worries and once again could focus on my mission. My men and I made it home in one piece yet again. During that time I also witnessed the challenges our teams spouses faced at home; infidelity, drug use, robberies, assaults, and other challenges. This realization made me grateful for the peace and serenity I had at home. During this time,
Athena earned her Associates Degree. I recommended her for another Certificate of Achievement for her support during my deployment. This Certificate of Achievement was signed by the Secretary of the Army.
On a personal note Athena, has many strong qualities aside from those mentioned above. She is dedicated, loyal, and a very loving mother. She is very personable, a great listener, and has a gift for being able to talk to anyone from any lifestyle or background. Athena is not impressed with outward appearances, but judges each individual by their character and the real person on the inside. I have witnessed many people confide in her secrets they thought they would take to the grave. She is very charming and has a warm personality.
One item in particular comes to mind of how she assisted me while I was deployed to Iraq the second time. A captain in a unit we patrolled with was killed by a car bomb. As a result of this I was unable to sleep for a week. I called Athena and told her about my issues. She made a simple recommendation, but the impact on my life continues to this day. I told her I could not sleep. When I would start to drift off I would have visions of carnage that rattled me so much I could not drift off for fear I would dream about what I had witnessed. Then I would go out and patrol the next day, expecting death. She urged me to go see a doctor about this, if not for myself, to do it for my men. I was rapidly losing my combat effectiveness and was inadvertently putting my men at risk. I did talk to a doctor. I was given sleeping pills and went to see an Army Psychiatrist in Baghdad. I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I was treated. The rest of my deployment went well despite further engagements and fire-fights.
The reason I bring this up, is because I could not talk to my men about my issues. Dread is contagious, and I did not want to destroy the morale of our team. The only person I could talk to was Athena. Her recommendation gave me the strength to face my dilemma, and do something about it. It had never occurred to me to seek help. I thought it was just part of being a soldier and that I had to suck it up and drive on. If I had continued sucking it up and driving on, I would have been a danger to my team, simply from lack of sleep. I still struggle with ghosts from my time over there, but thanks to her insight I continue to receive treatment 5 years later.
//original signed//
Kelly M. Mann
SFC, USA
Retired
