WHEREAS, War represents a catastrophic stress for troops and their families since deployment is sudden, disruptive, unpredictable and perceived as highly dangerous (American Psychiatric Association 2000); and

WHEREAS, Reserve families perceive a lack of access to supports, have less experience with separation, are not considered in need of help and have difficulty in asking for assistance; and

WHEREAS, A significant number of military personnel and their families experience symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or illness, (women and minorities are affected disproportionately); and

WHEREAS, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is correlated with placement of children outside of their home during deployment, divorce, child abuse and difficulty adjusting to homecoming; and

WHEREAS, Children and adolescents who have relatives, parents or friends in Iraq and other war zones can show symptoms of prolonged crying, prolonged and serious regressive behavior, disorganized behavior, confusion, prolonged or serious eating or sleeping problems, prolonged or serious separation anxiety, school refusal, unexplained and recurring somatic complaints, depression, prolonged sadness, suicidal ideation, aggression, sexual acting out, alcohol/substance abuse, all of which effect their academic performance in school; and

WHEREAS, The findings from the study of The Negative Impact of War on Adolescents, where children and adolescents had a relative, parent or friend in the war, show that the children's ability to learn and participate in educational settings is severely impaired due to their mental distress; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: That given the current situation of a declared "War on Terrorism" and the War in Iraq, educators, nurses and health care workers should recognize and assess the impact of these conflicts on the mental health of this country's youth; and FURTHER BE IT

RESOLVED: That the U.S. Government be called upon to provide psychological and professional services for our service personnel and their families who show symptoms of mental distress; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That we as educators support a peaceful solution in Iraq and all other war zones that will bring our troops home as quickly as possible; and BE IT FINALLY

RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be sent to our Michigan Congressional Representatives.