ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Sean Green, with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command's G1, is motivated to help people find the resources they need, so that they can build resiliency. Green has served as APG's community ready and resilient integrator, or CR2I, since 2021.
The CR2I is a key component of the Army's Ready and Resilient, or R2, strategy, which aims to strengthen individual and unit readiness while fostering a culture of trust and support within the Army community. The CR2I serves as a liaison between senior commanders and various community resources, ensuring that programs and initiatives are effectively integrated to meet the needs of Soldiers and their families.
As the CR2I, Green collaborates with subject matter experts in organizations like the Army Substance Abuse Program, Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic Behavioral Health, Army Community Service and off post, with Perry Point VA Medical Center, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (Behavioral Health Services), Maryland Department of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
"Those are the professionals; I go to each of those entities and bring them together to ensure a synergistic approach towards the workforce and community by integrating health, prevention, and holistic resiliency strategies to further support APG's readiness," he said.
Awareness events
As the CR2I, Green plans installation events to educate and raise awareness. For example, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight resources that support and strengthen individuals and communities. This year's theme is "We are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect," which emphasizes the role strong, positive relationships play in preventing suicide.
Green said that for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, ACS will host an event in partnership with ASAP and Pets on Wheels to highlight prevention resources for Soldiers, civilians, and family members Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Annual suicide prevention trainings will be held Sept. 10 and Sept. 25 at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., virtually.
Commander's Ready and Resilient Council
Green is the facilitator for the Commander's Ready and Resilient Council, which meets quarterly. The CR2C functions as the senior commander's executive agency and forum for integrating, implementing, synchronizing, and assessing all readiness and resilience functions aimed at improving the overall health, welfare, and safety of Soldiers, civilians, family members, and retirees across the installation and tactical environments.
As the facilitator, Green supervises and manages the output of four multi-functional working groups, each responsible for supporting one of the five pillars of resilience: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family.
Green stated that one issue raised in the CR2C was the need for a fitness facility on the installation to offer 24/7 access, accommodating all schedules. As a result, APG North (Aberdeen) and South (Edgewood) now provide 24/7 gym access. Green said a major initiative CR2C is currently working on is expanding the selection of food trucks on the installation to offer more healthy options.
Green said he finds immense joy in his job, particularly in working with SMEs from other organizations and helping the APG community find the resources they need.
"To see how all these different aspects regarding prevention tie into one another, it is a beautiful thing to witness," he said.
CECOM Wellness Program
As a CECOM employee, Green is dual-hatted, managing CECOM's Civilian Fitness and Health Promotion Program. He and his G1 colleague, Shantelle Thomas, oversee CECOM's Lunch and Learn sessions, virtual programs that address various health and well-being topics. He also serves as the CECOM Suicide Prevention Awareness trainer/ APG Suicide Prevention liaison to the Harford County Executive. In this role, he provides annual suicide prevention awareness training throughout CECOM's footprint while also expanding collaborative suicide prevention efforts with decision-makers and stakeholders supporting military communities.
Military beginnings
Green, originally from Georgia, served in the Army for 24 years, working in logistics and later specializing in prevention and health. Green said he was drawn to the military because he wanted to serve others, and the military culture intrigued him because service members come from all walks of life.
"I never looked back, I have been to some cool places, serving in the embassy while expanding my global awareness is unforgettable," he said.
Green gained experience in prevention when he became a unit victim advocate and later a warrior transition unit cadre at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"That was it, I was exposed to a population that pushed me, challenged me, and most importantly humbled me," he said. "They were some of the most resilient people I have been around in my military career. I got a chance to help out with an adaptive sports team, providing resiliency training for adaptive athletes."
Green holds a doctorate in performance psychology and a specialization in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Western States, a master's degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania Western University, and a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice both from Saint Leo University.
"My role models are my mother and my sister; they sacrificed a lot so I could get to this point," he said.
Strategies to improve mental health during times of uncertainty
Green said your mental health is important because it can also impact your physical health. People who are struggling with their mental health can feel more fatigued. Mental stress can cause various physical symptoms, including headaches, reduced immune system function, and loss of appetite.
"People can become extremely unmotivated when things are uncertain," he said.
To improve mental health, Green recommends meditation and deep breathing, as exhaling slowly helps decrease your heart rate and can create the mental space needed to process important thoughts and emotions one may be experiencing. Deep breathing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. An advantage of deep breathing is that it can be done in almost any location. Green said he often takes a few deep breaths in traffic or at his desk throughout the workday to help self-regulate and bolster focus.
Additionally, Green recommends:
"Try to find out what is your "why," what drives you, what do you really want to get after in this thing we call life, and try to think about that, because that sense of purpose can provide you with tremendous focus and energy," Green said.
Green said his motto is, "believe in yourself."
"I have personal experience -- and I have seen others -- that when they really dig in, and believe in themselves, they can accomplish some pretty amazing stuff," he said.
Recommended resources
Army Civilians can seek help through the Army's Employee Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary program designed to assist Army employees and their families in navigating personal and work-related challenges. For more information about the APG EAP, visit https://home.army.mil/apg/my-fort/employees/employee-assistance-program.
Additional resources include ACS, which offers a range of programs to support Soldiers, civilians, and their family members. Programs include financial readiness, resiliency training, and the Family Advocacy Program. KUSAHC Behavioral Health offers a variety of counseling services, crisis intervention, and referral assistance to Soldiers, family members, and military retirees. KUSAHC can also refer civilians to local resources.
For individuals who need help or know someone who does, visit the Military Crisis Line at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/, Military One Source at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/, or the Army Suicide Prevention Program at https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/suicide-prevention/index.html.