A Conversation on Afghanistan and Mental Health

Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek was at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. He was one of the fortunate ones able to survive the carnage of that day. He walked out of the city with the mass of humanity that had no way home except to help each other take their next steps forward. Surviving one of the most horrific days in American history, Chris made the commitment to give back to those who risk their lives on behalf of fellow Americans. As men and women left to fight the war abroad and returned home with both physical and mental wounds, Chris immediately understood the importance of providing meaningful and innovative medical technologies to those wounded veterans. Thus, SoldierStrong was born, a nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans take their own next steps forward. Now, 20 years later, the rapidly unfolding events as the U.S. military leaves Afghanistan have affected us all, especially the brave heroes who served in that country in defense of democracy. In order to better understand the profound mental health impact that the situation abroad is currently having on post-9/11 veterans, Chris invites you to join him as he sits down with Ret. Army Reserve Sgt. Dan Rose, Ret. Army Cpt. Meaghan Mobbs, Marine Sgt. Chris Merkle and Dr. Albert Skip Rizzo, director of medical virtual reality at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, to discuss the mental health effects stemming from Afghanistan's downfall, their viewpoints on the withdrawal and what can be done to support those who may be hurting.