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CPT Thomas A. Mengesha with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Admiral Mike Mullen)Interview with CPT Thomas Mengesha USAR Retired and author of The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; what every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.
Why did you chose to write a book giving advice to service members who are deployed?
Actually my book is not only for deployed or deploying service members, it is also for family and friends of service members who want to better understand what happens and what to expect when their service member is deployed. However, to answer your question directly, I saw a need and decided to fill that need.
How has your experiences both in the military and civilian life made you knowledgeable on the topic of military deployments?
I have served in the United States Army for over 23 years both as an enlisted soldier and officer. I have deployed several times to the countries of Panama, Korea and most recently to the Iraq war theater of operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have spent two years (from 2006 thru 2008) in a combat zone. Moreover, I served in various positions to include but not limited to Deputy Chief Theater for Rest and Recuperation, C1 Battle Captain and as Adjutant for Base Support Battalion-North. I have also received numerous wartime service medal awards. Not only am I a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan, I also served as an Adjunct college Professor at The University of Maryland University College in Kuwait where I taught Business Law and Business Ethics. Additionally, I was an instructor with Central Texas College in Kuwait where I taught Criminal Justice and Criminal Law classes. I enjoy imparting knowledge unto others.
So why write this book?
When I was deployed in July of 2006, I had many questions on what to expect and how my family would be protected and assisted during my deployment. While the military has programs to help, there was a great deal of information that was not shared. Additionally, the information that was out there, was not easy to find. I wanted to write a book that gave the deploying service member, their family and friends information so they would be better prepared to "survive" the deployment experience. I also wanted to make it easier for them to find that information. Sort of like a "one-stop-shop" book on military deployment advice.
Are their programs offered to deployed service members that are not offered to other service members or the general public?
Yes! You would be surprised at the number of government and private programs in place that will either reimburse the service member for certain out of pocket expenses for child care or even pay the total cost for their children to attend summer camps. There are even programs in place that will send a returning service member on a week long, all expense paid trip to a camping, rock climbing, and/or boating expedition. When I say all expense paid, I mean all expense paid! (airfare to and from their home, food, and lodging) Even I as the Adjutant was unaware of some of these programs.
What is the biggest advice you would like to give a service member that is about to be deployed?
PREPARE!, PREPARE!, PREPARE! There is a saying that goes something like; "People who fail to plan, plan to fail!" That is very true in military life and certainly with deployments. As with most things in life preparation is the key to success. It was my hope when writing my book that if I could ease the stress on a deploying service member and their family, then the writing of my book would not have been in vain.
Any final thoughts?
Yes... As long as you remember your training, stay focused on the mission at hand you will be just fine. You are about to embark on an adventure that few Americans will ever experience. (less then 1%) Be safe, enjoy the ride and may God Bless You!
