“So many of us in the mental health profession are grappling with the best way to treat returning veterans,” said Platoni, a U.S. Army colonel. “One size does not fit all; the leading experts wanted to get together to explore the forms of treatment available to help the soldiers deal with the rigors of war and loss of life.”
Platoni, who has been married to Lt. Col. (retired) John Hutchinson for 25 years, also knows rigors of being away from home.
“When I was deployed at (forward operating base) Wilson and Camp Phoenix (both in Afghanistan), my husband contacted ‘Mom’ Bev Peyton, who was with Blue Star Moms. We survived thanks to her and my husband; we must have received 500 care packages.”
Platoni has advice for others who want to help support the troops.
“Nobody comes back from war unscathed. Trauma is unforgettable; it is very hard to reintegrate into a society that is so far removed from the battlefield,” Platoni said. “We need to appreciate what our military personnel do and the cost they are willing to bear to protect our freedom.”
Favorite memory of your hometown: “My husband’s Air Force retirement ceremony and the after party at our home.”
Service history: U.S. Army, Colonel and Army Reserve psychologist consultant, 33 years.
How she got involved in the military: “They offered me a scholarship for my doctorate. I intended to fulfill my obligation for four years and couldn’t let go.”
What actions she performed: Deployed four times; stateside, and to Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay.
Most satisfying part about the person’s work: “The involvement with soldiers lives. I’m no hero; I treat heroes. I treat them in the battlefield and many continue to stay in touch when they get home.”
Most memorable moment of service: “I was involved in the Fort Hood shooting rampage; it was a life-altering event. We lost five soldiers from our combined units that day. I witnessed unimaginable horrors and unparalleled heroism of those who ran towards, rather than away from danger during the Fort Hood massacre.”
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