UW-Green Bay veterans event to feature military mental health expert
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Vets 4 Vets student organization is among the hosts of a special veterans event scheduled for 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, April 19 in the Christie Theatre of the University Union on campus, 2420 Nicolet Drive.
“You Served — We Care!” will feature a presentation from LTC (Ret.) Cynthia Rasmussen, an adult nurse practitioner with the Veterans Administration who served 23 years as a mental health nurse in the Army Reserves. Rasmussen was the psychological director, combat stress officer and sexual assault response coordinator for the Army Reserves, caring for geographically dispersed soldiers and families in 19 states.
During the Thursday event, Rasmussen will speak about service member, veteran and family reintegration issues, and “warrior skills” versus home and school skills. She’ll review Combat Operational Stress Reaction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, among other behavioral health issues. A veteran panel, running from 10:30-11 a.m., will follow Rasmussen’s 9:30 address. The event is free and open to the public. Veterans, faculty staff and students who interact with or serve veterans are encouraged to attend.
Rasmussen has spoken nationally for military and civilian organizations, covering issues affecting military personnel, families and communities. She also has testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Rasmussen received the MOPH Honorary Service Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Officer Training. The author of published essays and chapters on military mental health issues, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee.
UW-Green Bay’s Vets 4 Vets service organization assists veterans on campus and service members serving overseas. The group aims to help students become more connected or reconnect with peers, the campus and the community, facilitating the veteran’s return through service to the community while building camaraderie.
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