June 2020
Dear Society Members,
Dear Society Members,
When I wrote my first presidential column back in January—which seems like an eternity ago—a global pandemic was not in my thoughts for 2020, and I could not have imagined how COVID-19 would reshape our world and our Division’s plans for 2020. Many of our plans for 2020 are adapting or have changed. As you know, one of the strengths of the military community is its ability to adapt and face challenges. I thank all our Division 19 volunteers who are working to pivot our programming and activities in response to the global pandemic. My presidential theme for 2020 is Stronger Together. This seems even more appropriate as we look back on the first half of 2020 and look forward to the remainder of the year.
I know COVID-19 has impacted many of our members and their families directly. Some of our members have been working on the frontlines, such as Shawnna Chee, and I appreciate the work she and others are doing to fight this pandemic and/or care for the ill and our medical personnel and other first responders. Others are working to prepare their organizations and personnel to operate in the COVID-19 world. Others are applying their expertise to COVID-19 response in other ways. Most are continuing to show up and do their jobs, serving Military members, Veterans and their families. Many are working from home. Some are without work right now. All of you have been in my thoughts daily. I appreciate the efforts of all our members.
Division 19 members understand what it means to volunteer, to act, and to put themselves in harm’s way for others when called. I want to recognize our members who have and are continuing to step up during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two ways in which we plan to do this.
• We want to highlight and promote the work Division 19 members have been doing in response to the global pandemic, as well as highlight resources developed by Division 19 members that can be helpful in military and non-military contexts. To do this, we need to know what you are doing. Please reach out to our communications committee (jeremy.jinkerson@gmail.com) or me (esurface@alpssols.com) directly and let us know.
• Last year, Past President Stephen Bowles started issuing Division 19 Presidential Citations. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m explicitly asking for nominations of Division 19 members who have gone above and beyond providing response, service and/or expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be taking nominations throughout the year. Nominations for service to Division 19 and military psychology are also accepted. Please contact our Secretary Angela Legner (angelalegner@gmail.com) or me if you would like to nominate someone.
We are Stronger Together.
I want to provide you with a few updates on the Division’s activities since my last president’s column:
• APA Convention. APA 2020 is now virtual. The Division recently received guidance from APA on the parameters for a virtual convention. Hannah Tyler, our program chair, and the committee are working diligently to adapt our program and activities to the constraints of the virtual format. Information will be distributed to members as available. I look forward to seeing you during Division 19’s virtual events.
When I wrote my first presidential column back in January—which seems like an eternity ago—a global pandemic was not in my thoughts for 2020, and I could not have imagined how COVID-19 would reshape our world and our Division’s plans for 2020. Many of our plans for 2020 are adapting or have changed. As you know, one of the strengths of the military community is its ability to adapt and face challenges. I thank all our Division 19 volunteers who are working to pivot our programming and activities in response to the global pandemic. My presidential theme for 2020 is Stronger Together. This seems even more appropriate as we look back on the first half of 2020 and look forward to the remainder of the year.
I know COVID-19 has impacted many of our members and their families directly. Some of our members have been working on the frontlines, such as Shawnna Chee, and I appreciate the work she and others are doing to fight this pandemic and/or care for the ill and our medical personnel and other first responders. Others are working to prepare their organizations and personnel to operate in the COVID-19 world. Others are applying their expertise to COVID-19 response in other ways. Most are continuing to show up and do their jobs, serving Military members, Veterans and their families. Many are working from home. Some are without work right now. All of you have been in my thoughts daily. I appreciate the efforts of all our members.
Division 19 members understand what it means to volunteer, to act, and to put themselves in harm’s way for others when called. I want to recognize our members who have and are continuing to step up during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two ways in which we plan to do this.
• We want to highlight and promote the work Division 19 members have been doing in response to the global pandemic, as well as highlight resources developed by Division 19 members that can be helpful in military and non-military contexts. To do this, we need to know what you are doing. Please reach out to our communications committee (jeremy.jinkerson@gmail.com) or me (esurface@alpssols.com) directly and let us know.
• Last year, Past President Stephen Bowles started issuing Division 19 Presidential Citations. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m explicitly asking for nominations of Division 19 members who have gone above and beyond providing response, service and/or expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be taking nominations throughout the year. Nominations for service to Division 19 and military psychology are also accepted. Please contact our Secretary Angela Legner (angelalegner@gmail.com) or me if you would like to nominate someone.
We are Stronger Together.
I want to provide you with a few updates on the Division’s activities since my last president’s column:
• APA Convention. APA 2020 is now virtual. The Division recently received guidance from APA on the parameters for a virtual convention. Hannah Tyler, our program chair, and the committee are working diligently to adapt our program and activities to the constraints of the virtual format. Information will be distributed to members as available. I look forward to seeing you during Division 19’s virtual events.
We are Stronger Together!
Best Regards,
Eric A. Surface, PhD
2020 President
Fellow
Society for Military Psychology (Division 19, APA)
2020 President
Fellow
Society for Military Psychology (Division 19, APA)
