Rock Painting Therapy: A Soldier's Journey to Improved Mental Health

By Robert P. Chappell and Jr.

Approximately 7.7 million American adults suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those who suffer often refuse to seek help for fear of being labeled with PTSD by society. Quite often, they become isolated from family and friends, and may fear being ostracized by co-workers. Such actions frequently lead to mental well-being challenges in one’s personal life, as well as in their professional work environment.
Rock Painting Therapy: A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health is both a military memoir and a suggested self-help therapy option for PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety, restlessness, flashbacks, nightmares, and social adaptability issues.
Here, Robert P. Chappell, Jr., a veteran of U.S. military combat, offers readers an insider’s real-life view of an individual who transformed from an Army Reservist to a combat active-duty soldier, navigating the challenges of assimilating back into peacetime and civilian life. Chappell offers a positive cognitive approach to mental wellness through rock painting by sharing strategies in selecting and designing rocks, varying ways to hide the artwork for the enjoyment of others, and the excitement in finding artistical treasures created by others in the rock art community.

Among other things, Rock Painting Therapy: A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health explains:
• how rock painting can provide a therapeutic outlet for stress;
• the benefits of imprinting positive cognitive experiences over negative past memories;
• the techniques of selecting the perfect rocks, gathering the proper rock painting supplies, how to preserve the paint on rocks, where to hide rocks and safe rock adventures; and
• the adventures of rock hiding and social media clubs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662909290

Book preview

The views and opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of Gatekeeper Press. Gatekeeper Press is not to be held responsible for and expressly disclaims responsibility of the content herein.

Rock Painting Therapy: A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health

Published by Gatekeeper Press

2167 Stringtown Rd, Suite 109

Columbus, OH 43123-2989

www.GatekeeperPress.com

Copyright © 2021 by Robert P. Chappell, Jr.

All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021930188

ISBN (hardcover): 9781662909276

ISBN (paperback): 9781662909283

eISBN: 9781662909290

Rock Painting Therapy:

A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Pre-Deployment Site Survey (PDSS)

Chapter 2

Camp Atterbury, Indiana: Round Two

Chapter 3

Kuwait

Chapter 4

Taji

Chapter 5

Life in Combat: The First Few Months

Chapter 6

History in the Making

Chapter 7

One Soldier’s Journey on a Dusty Road — My Injury

Chapter 8

The Military Transition Team: Our Mission and Tour

Chapter 9

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) By Any Definition

Chapter 10

Combat Scanning: Bombs, Bombers, Snipers, and More

Chapter 11

Modern-Day Military Advances

Chapter 12

Cognitive Rock Art Therapy

Chapter 13

The Perfect Rock

Chapter 14

Painting

Chapter 15

Hiding the Rock

Chapter 16

The Search for Hidden Rocks

Chapter 17

How to Find a Rock Club

Chapter 18

Why do Soldiers Miss War?

Chapter 19

The Mental Health of Reserve and National Guard Members and Veterans

Chapter 20

The Mental Health Effects of Serving in Combat and the Dangers of Suicide

Chapter 21

Thank You for Your Service

Chapter 22

Memories

Chapter 23

The Last Chapter

Chapter 24

Additional Painted Rock Art

Endnotes

Index

Rock Painting Therapy:

A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health

By

Robert P. Chappell, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel, USA Retired

Department of Defense Disclaimer — The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. government. The public release clearance of this publication by the Department of Defense does not imply Department of Defense endorsement or factual accuracy of the material.

FOREWORD

Christopher L. Lentz

Physician’s Assistant (PA-C)

As a practicing Physician Assistant in Primary Care at the Salem VA Medical Center, I have cared for veterans and their families from all services and wars since 1996. Unique in the role is my ability to access both the physical and mental well-being of those who have served our country.

I first met Bob Chappell in 2006 upon his return from combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the past fifteen years, I have grown to know Bob as a combat-tested veteran, author, law enforcement officer, and a friend. He has demonstrated patriotism, a williness to serve others, and compassion for his fellow service members.

Bob’s book, Rock Painting Therapy: A Soldier’s Journey to Improved Mental Health, suggests a cognitive therapy to help veterans, and non-veterans, overcome post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This literary work contains real-life experiences by an individual who served in combat and sustained injuries. It also shares citizen-soldier experiences, through the lens of the author, highlighting those who answer the call of duty putting their civilian lives on hold in order to serve our country.

Many professions, such as the military, first responders, and healthcare workers, experience daily stress. Finding a healthy outlet, in order to decompress from one’s profession, is critical to living a well-rounded lifestyle. A great start to wellness is suggested by Bob within this reading through rock painting therapy. The activities suggested in this book are fun, creative, and can involve family and friends. The health benefits are not limited to improved mental health, but also include exercise which provides a physical benefit as well.

I welcomed the opportunity to write the foreword for Bob’s book as I recognize the importance it will bring to those who struggle with PTSD, both inside and outside the military community. I believe in the positive attributes that may be gained through this creative therapy. I encourage you to pick up a rock, paint your design, and enjoy exercising through rock painting therapy!

Acknowledgments

This book began with the discovery of one simple rock. A rock that has since provided me with countless hours of fun, relaxation, exercise, and positive memories. My journey in writing this book has taken me a few years. Along the way, I have been enriched in many aspects.

To those who have loved and supported me during the writing of this book, and in life, I say thank you.

To Julie Christine, my beautiful wife, who started me down this path of enrichment by finding that first rock and then supported me with encouragement as I painted rocks and wrote this book.

To Elizabeth Michelle, the apple of her daddy’s eye, who was the first to bring me the joy of being a father.

To Leslie Danielle, the best Christmas gift I will ever receive.

To Megan June, whose caring nature makes her an ideal princess for any Walt Disney fairytale.

To Jesse, who makes me proud with his achievements, character, and strong faith.

To Jacob, an awesome grandson who consistently demonstrates a kind heart and a love for nature.

To Natalie, whose brilliant ballet dance captures any performance, and whose smile melts grandaddy’s heart.

To Avery Sue, whose smallest fingers have the strongest grip on my heart, even before they are big enough to hold my hand.

To my sisters, Cindy and Tamara, who not only support me in life, but make me feel honored to be their brother.

To the memory of my parents, Robert and Florine, whom I love and deeply miss.

To Ron Keith Farley, who best demonstrates that life-long friends truly exist.

To Gary Harris, a true patriot and Vietnam veteran, for his friendship and love of America, our military, veterans, and all of law enforcement.

To the memory of my friend and mentor, Arnold Dean Massie. You certainly made your mark on the world!

To King F. Davis, Jr., Colonel USA Retired, who best set the example for me as a military leader, teaching me to train as you plan to fight so your troops will be prepared. Hooah, Sir!

To Christopher L. Lentz, PA-C, Salem VA Medical Center, for his devotion to the care of veterans, as well as his willingness to write the foreword for this book.

To Kevin W.G. Satterfield and Satterfield Photography for preparing the rock photos, and for ongoing support during the project.

Lastly, to the publishing team of Gatekeeper Press. Thank you for assisting me with the publishing of my book, helping me to spread the idea of rock art as a healing therapy.

Introduction

Veterans Crisis Line rock

In the chapters that follow I plan to map my journey, from my notification of mobilization as an Army Reservist to my demobilization and reintegration back into civilian life leading into retirement. On my journey, I hope to bring to the public, and to the medical profession, a suggested cognitive resetting alternative therapy for veterans and non-veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

There are an estimated 24.4 million Americans who suffer from PTSD at any given time.¹ This is a total population about the size of the State of Texas. PTSD is frequently associated with traumatic military events; however; it is in no way limited only to military service. PTSD can be caused by abuse, assault, sexual assault, other violent crime, serious accidents, traumatic losses, traumatic events, disasters, and more. PTSD is also not age specific. It can affect anyone at any age experiencing significant trauma.

There are many therapies, used by professionals, that are successful on portions of the population affected. I believe the alternative therapy that I suggest in the chapters of this book may be potentially helpful to many individuals afflicted with the anxiety disorder PTSD. My suggested therapy will offer benefits that are both physical and emotional. I will also submit the theory that using this therapy can potentially imprint positive cognitive experiences over bad.

In sharing my personal experience, I served as a member in the U.S. Army Reserve. My rank was lieutenant colonel. For purposes of this book, I may at times refer to the reservist as the part-time citizen soldier, a term that encompasses both the federal military reserve and the National Guard.

There is a uniqueness to being a reserve or National Guard member in the military. The role implies that you manage two lives simultaneously, civilian and military. It matters not whether you are a reservist in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marines; the missions vary, but demands of time and commitment are the same.

It also means that you manage two careers, often vastly different in scope and job duties. As a reservist, you may have a civilian career as a school teacher, while in the military you may serve as an engineer, culinary specialist, hospital corpsman, health services technician, police officer, intelligence officer, infantryman, or other specialty. The dedication required to be proficient in two different career paths is great. It is also stressful.

Dedication means commitment. It means extra time devoted towards achieving excellence. It also means divided attention, trying to be equally great at both careers. I have mentioned careers, but now I want to add another paramount priority: family. Having multiple careers means increased time away from family. It means missed family events. It means a loss of quality time with loved ones. It can mean a degraded relationship with your spouse or children, both of which entities can mistakenly believe you desire to prioritize a job over your relationship with them.

My words try to paint you a picture to say that life is stressful in and of itself, even without trauma. Whether you are a member of the military, work in a civilian job, manage a family, care for a sick loved one, accept a volunteer role as a secondary responsibility, or work multiple jobs, you are experiencing and maintaining stress.