Changing the Military Culture of Silence

Mr. Sam Rhodes' warm personality captivates audiences as he speaks on coping with Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He inspires others by teaching how to build Psychological Resilience. He speaks on regular occasions to military units across the Country Fort Jackson, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Fort Polk as well as National Guard Organizations in Massachutes, Rhode Island and Kentucky, etc ... His efforts doesn't stop with Active Duty and National Guard he also is scheduled to speaks to reserve Organizations such as Fort Hamilton New York, He also has travel to Boston Veterans Administration Hospital and spoke to numerous groups of Home-less Veterans. He has spoken at many more events- including the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Conference at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, TX in Jan 2009 and to many other Organizations. He has voluntarily worked with numerous organizations focused on "Changing the Army's Culture of Silence" when dealing with mental health Issues. His unique background includes over 29 years service in the Army, were he held numerous enlisted leadership positions culminating in his Assignment as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. He has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I, II, and III with a total of 30 months Combat experience from April of 2003 to November of 2005. His unique approaches, style and personal courage have been featured on NBC 38 "Unity with Pam", in the Fort Benning Bayonet, Fort Gordon Signal, and Fort Jackson Leader newspapers and the Benning TV. He has received praise from the Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey; Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston; the Defense Center of Excellence for Mental Health General Laurie Sutton; and LTG Whitcomb. Rosemarie Annese, Vice President & Blue to Gold Liaison, Blue Star Mothers, MA Chapter 1

SAMUEL M. RHODESINTRODUCTION After 29 years of military service, CSM Rhodes retired in January 2009,He spent three tours in Iraq and has begun a new chapter in his service to his country, and comrades. In dealing with his own struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), CSM Rhodes has become an inspiration for members of the military nationwide, sharing his own experience with veterans and active duty members and encouraging them to address and seek help for psychological health issues. CSM Rhodes' advocacy about the importance of seeking help among members of the military is not only saving lives, but helping to overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. CSM Rhodes was awarded the, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star 1st Oak Leaf, Legion of Merit, 7 Meritorious service Medals and numerous other awards, He has attend every NCOES from PLDC to Sergeant Major Academy. He holds a masters Degree in Business Administration and currently works as a Project Manager for Lockheed Martin who is gracefully committed to his Vision of helping his fellow Warriors by allowing him to take these opportunities to share his story. CSM Rhodes also is a devoted husband and father, he is Married to his wife Cathy Rhodes, formerly of Lebanon, Ohio. They have six children and seven grand Children. CSM Rhodes free time is spent working with his Step-Daughter Kaitlynn in preparing for Georgia High School Rodeo competition across the state where she competes in Barrels and Poles she is 16 years old