We would like to congratulate our newly elected members and thank all the candidates for running for office in the recent Society for Military Psychology election.
The following newly elected members will begin their term in 2019:
Eric Surface (President-Elect)
Bruce Crow (Member-at-Large)
Rebecca Blais (DIV 19 Representative to APA Council)
The Election Committee-
Stephen Bowles (Chair)
Arlene Saitzyk
Tatana Olson
Paul Bartone
The following newly elected members will begin their term in 2019:
Eric Surface (President-Elect)
Bruce Crow (Member-at-Large)
Rebecca Blais (DIV 19 Representative to APA Council)
The Election Committee-
Stephen Bowles (Chair)
Arlene Saitzyk
Tatana Olson
Paul Bartone
Candidates
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President-Elect
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Division Representative to APA Council
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Member-at-Large
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Candidates' Statements
President-Elect
Maurice L. Sipos, PhD
I am honored to be nominated to serve as president of the Society for Military Psychology (APA Division 19). As a military psychologist, I consider Division 19 my professional home and am proud to be an APA and Division 19 Fellow. Throughout my 23-year career as an Army research psychologist, I have applied psychological approaches in laboratory, garrison, training, and deployed environments. Each assignment has allowed me to work with a diverse team of professionals, to include civilian and military clinicians, academicians, and consultants, on topics ranging from psychopharmacology to behavioral health to leader development in a way that has supported clinical practice and informed policy. As a leader, I have directed research organizations such as the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, advised senior military leaders on the health and well-being of their units, and served as the Deputy Consultant for Research Psychology to the Army Surgeon General. On a personal note, I grew up in a military family and particularly appreciate Division 19’s work supporting military families.
My strategic vision is for the division to be recognized as the most professional psychological society capable of harnessing our diversity and expertise to support the military in ways that leverage best practices, research, and partnerships. We must invest in the future and encourage our members to think innovatively about using emerging technologies to address current and future military challenges. We should explore opportunities to collaborate with other APA divisions and leverage our relationships in a way that makes us all more effective in applying psychological principles to improve people’s lives.
If elected, I will focus on three major initiatives. First, I will work to expand mentorship and professional development opportunities by reviewing and investing in efforts to improve student programs and opportunities for early career psychologists in the division. Doing so will allow us to consolidate our presence across web-based and social media platforms to facilitate and encourage mentorship and professional development opportunities. Second, I will emphasize recognizing member contributions by leveraging online resources like Adobe Connect and investing in awards, stipends, and grants. Third, I will focus on promoting a future grounded in the core values we hold as a professional society. Moreover, we must regain lost ground as it applies to the Hoffman report and encourage the APA Code of Ethics be based on behavior and not setting, location, or employer. Rebuilding mutual trust will then allow us to provide guidance, insight, and support to APA leadership, committees, and task forces on issues related to military psychology. Finally, we need to develop leaders who not only see the interconnections, value, and relevance of the division, but also communicate it to others. Our ultimate challenge is to demonstrate how being part of Division 19 makes members stronger.
Thank you for the chance to represent you, to champion the values we stand for as a profession, and to ensure the division is prepared to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
My strategic vision is for the division to be recognized as the most professional psychological society capable of harnessing our diversity and expertise to support the military in ways that leverage best practices, research, and partnerships. We must invest in the future and encourage our members to think innovatively about using emerging technologies to address current and future military challenges. We should explore opportunities to collaborate with other APA divisions and leverage our relationships in a way that makes us all more effective in applying psychological principles to improve people’s lives.
If elected, I will focus on three major initiatives. First, I will work to expand mentorship and professional development opportunities by reviewing and investing in efforts to improve student programs and opportunities for early career psychologists in the division. Doing so will allow us to consolidate our presence across web-based and social media platforms to facilitate and encourage mentorship and professional development opportunities. Second, I will emphasize recognizing member contributions by leveraging online resources like Adobe Connect and investing in awards, stipends, and grants. Third, I will focus on promoting a future grounded in the core values we hold as a professional society. Moreover, we must regain lost ground as it applies to the Hoffman report and encourage the APA Code of Ethics be based on behavior and not setting, location, or employer. Rebuilding mutual trust will then allow us to provide guidance, insight, and support to APA leadership, committees, and task forces on issues related to military psychology. Finally, we need to develop leaders who not only see the interconnections, value, and relevance of the division, but also communicate it to others. Our ultimate challenge is to demonstrate how being part of Division 19 makes members stronger.
Thank you for the chance to represent you, to champion the values we stand for as a profession, and to ensure the division is prepared to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Eric A. Surface, PhD
The Society for Military Psychology offers a professional home to all in psychology who serve and support the military community, its members and its organizations, whether in a healthcare, research, academic, consulting or operational role. We are united by a common mission and a desire to serve.
I am asking for your vote for President-elect because I believe in our mission, I have the desire to serve our members, I have the understanding to be an effective advocate for our community, and I have the experience and capability to lead our Society.
I am not new to serving our Society. I served Division 19 members as Secretary (2014-2016), organizing EXCOM meetings and keeping minutes. I worked closely with three Presidents and was trusted with important tasks, such as authoring the initial draft of our response on proposed APA Ethics changes. In Denver, I attended the APA COR meeting ready to represent Division 19 if COL Larry James had to recuse himself. I was on the EXCOM when the Hoffman Report dropped. I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our Society in APA. Our Division must engage within APA and work for the future of all psychology, while protecting and advocating for Military Psychology, our Division and our members. Being Secretary was an amazing learning experience, one that will help me in the role of President-elect. I can hit the ground running on day one.
I will: (1) promote Military Psychology in APA and strengthen our relations with other Divisions; (2) support the General Applied Psychology/Psychologist Caucus; (3) pursue participation of and support for all specialties within our Division; (4) focus on the engagement and development of all members throughout their careers with special emphasis on student and ECP members; and (5) explore using our surplus monies to better support our mission and members.
I am honored to be a Fellow of our Society, SIOP and APA. I have worked with the SOF Community for over 20 years, conducting work analyses and studies related to learning, testing and performance. I have been the principal investigator of numerous USSOCOM projects—mostly related to Language, Regional Expertise and Culture—that have impacted policy, incentives, testing, training and capability. I have co-authored 100s of technical reports, published 20+ journal articles and book chapters, and presented 100+ papers/posters/invited talks.
I earned an I/O psychology PhD and was a Consortium Research Fellow and Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Army Research Institute. I co-founded a consulting company in 1997 and recently started a learning analytics software company.
I understand it is an honor and privilege to serve and advocate for my colleagues and Military Psychology. I’m willing and ready to take on this responsibility. I know I have the experience, capability and background to lead our Division into the future and to advocate for Military Psychology, our Society and our members. I’m asking you to cast your vote for me for Division 19 President-Elect and encourage your network to vote for me.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
I am asking for your vote for President-elect because I believe in our mission, I have the desire to serve our members, I have the understanding to be an effective advocate for our community, and I have the experience and capability to lead our Society.
I am not new to serving our Society. I served Division 19 members as Secretary (2014-2016), organizing EXCOM meetings and keeping minutes. I worked closely with three Presidents and was trusted with important tasks, such as authoring the initial draft of our response on proposed APA Ethics changes. In Denver, I attended the APA COR meeting ready to represent Division 19 if COL Larry James had to recuse himself. I was on the EXCOM when the Hoffman Report dropped. I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our Society in APA. Our Division must engage within APA and work for the future of all psychology, while protecting and advocating for Military Psychology, our Division and our members. Being Secretary was an amazing learning experience, one that will help me in the role of President-elect. I can hit the ground running on day one.
I will: (1) promote Military Psychology in APA and strengthen our relations with other Divisions; (2) support the General Applied Psychology/Psychologist Caucus; (3) pursue participation of and support for all specialties within our Division; (4) focus on the engagement and development of all members throughout their careers with special emphasis on student and ECP members; and (5) explore using our surplus monies to better support our mission and members.
I am honored to be a Fellow of our Society, SIOP and APA. I have worked with the SOF Community for over 20 years, conducting work analyses and studies related to learning, testing and performance. I have been the principal investigator of numerous USSOCOM projects—mostly related to Language, Regional Expertise and Culture—that have impacted policy, incentives, testing, training and capability. I have co-authored 100s of technical reports, published 20+ journal articles and book chapters, and presented 100+ papers/posters/invited talks.
I earned an I/O psychology PhD and was a Consortium Research Fellow and Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Army Research Institute. I co-founded a consulting company in 1997 and recently started a learning analytics software company.
I understand it is an honor and privilege to serve and advocate for my colleagues and Military Psychology. I’m willing and ready to take on this responsibility. I know I have the experience, capability and background to lead our Division into the future and to advocate for Military Psychology, our Society and our members. I’m asking you to cast your vote for me for Division 19 President-Elect and encourage your network to vote for me.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
Division Representative to APA Council
Rebecca K. Blais, PhD
I have been a proud Division 19 member for over 8 years. I am an assistant professor at Utah State University and Principal Investigator of the Military Social Science Laboratory. I have worked with active duty service members and veterans for 10+ years as a civilian. I am the granddaughter, daughter, and sister of 3 proud Marines. As a clinical psychologist, I research trauma response mechanisms, barriers to care, and correlates of suicide among veterans.
I have served in several roles in Division 19, including Program Chair/Co-Chair for the annual APA Convention, Associate Editor of Military Psychology, and Faculty Mentor. In my role as Program Chair, I seized the opportunity to work closely with other divisions to accurately represent the goals and mission of our Division. In this position, I gained insight into divisions where our relationships could grow stronger through an improved understanding of our charge.
I wish to be elected to the Council of Representatives to continue my service to Division 19. I specifically aim to build our working relations with other divisions to promote our research, clinical, consulting, education, and leadership calls to service. Given my past experience, I have a unique understanding of how to do this effectively in the current APA political climate.
I am attuned to the needs and mission of Division 19. My dedication to Division 19, research and clinical services expertise, and clear communication skills make me an ideal candidate for this position. It would be an honor to serve our Division.
I have served in several roles in Division 19, including Program Chair/Co-Chair for the annual APA Convention, Associate Editor of Military Psychology, and Faculty Mentor. In my role as Program Chair, I seized the opportunity to work closely with other divisions to accurately represent the goals and mission of our Division. In this position, I gained insight into divisions where our relationships could grow stronger through an improved understanding of our charge.
I wish to be elected to the Council of Representatives to continue my service to Division 19. I specifically aim to build our working relations with other divisions to promote our research, clinical, consulting, education, and leadership calls to service. Given my past experience, I have a unique understanding of how to do this effectively in the current APA political climate.
I am attuned to the needs and mission of Division 19. My dedication to Division 19, research and clinical services expertise, and clear communication skills make me an ideal candidate for this position. It would be an honor to serve our Division.
Larry K. Lewis, PhD
There is a physically strenuous exercise where a team collectively carries a heavy object whose physical characteristics are such that more weight falls on one team member than his/her fellow teammates. The best teams are those where members take turns “rotating to the hard position.” It is now my turn to rotate to the hard position as I seek the office of Division 19’s Council Representative.
If elected to be one of our Division’s two representatives in APA’s legislative body, I pledge to continue the rich legacy of ensuring the diverse disciplines and interest groups comprising the Society of Military Psychology continue to have a voice in shaping APA’s policies and practices, determining its strategic goals and priorities and promoting its adherence to the highest standards of civility, transparency and fairness. I will bring to this effort the sum total of my experiences as: a clinical psychologist in the 82nd Airborne Division, a behavioral science instructor at the Army Medical Department Center and School, an operational psychologist working with the Army Research Institute to improve assessment tools and protocols, a director in a major command headquarters developing programs and consulting with senior military and civilian leaders, a national security psychologist supporting activities to protect our Nation’s secrets from internal and external threats, and as a soldier who has personally witnessed the incredible power of psychology, from the home front to the battle front, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military, civilian and contractor personnel and their families.
You may now rightfully ask what are the pertinent matters I see requiring Division 19’s attention and advocacy in the Council of Representatives. Mark Staal, President Division 19, in his feature article The Future of Div. 19 (The Military Psychologist, Dec. 2017), highlights how current APA policy limits psychologists ability to: a) provide mental health services to combatants detained in U.S. custody, b) provide behavioral science support to national security interrogations, and c) provide support to detention operations (in some settings). Fortunately, initiatives by Division 19 to amend these Hoffman Report-generated actions are slowly gaining traction yet success will require even more educative, diplomatic and political efforts. Another significant matter on the horizon is the Ethics Code Task Force. This recently formed entity has been charged with reviewing the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and making recommendations for revisions (http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/01/ethics-code-force.aspx). Of particular concern is the prospect this task force may propose enforceable standards that codify Hoffman-related resolutions. Lastly, operational psychology guidelines, presently under development, will eventually come before Council. Division 19 will need to expand and deepen our relationship and influence networks within Council and other governance bodies to garner sufficient support for this document.
The legendary Chief Joseph remarked, “It does not require many words to speak the truth.” I would appreciate your allowing me to be your “speaker of truth” to APA’s Council of Representatives (even though it can be a place of many words).
If elected to be one of our Division’s two representatives in APA’s legislative body, I pledge to continue the rich legacy of ensuring the diverse disciplines and interest groups comprising the Society of Military Psychology continue to have a voice in shaping APA’s policies and practices, determining its strategic goals and priorities and promoting its adherence to the highest standards of civility, transparency and fairness. I will bring to this effort the sum total of my experiences as: a clinical psychologist in the 82nd Airborne Division, a behavioral science instructor at the Army Medical Department Center and School, an operational psychologist working with the Army Research Institute to improve assessment tools and protocols, a director in a major command headquarters developing programs and consulting with senior military and civilian leaders, a national security psychologist supporting activities to protect our Nation’s secrets from internal and external threats, and as a soldier who has personally witnessed the incredible power of psychology, from the home front to the battle front, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military, civilian and contractor personnel and their families.
You may now rightfully ask what are the pertinent matters I see requiring Division 19’s attention and advocacy in the Council of Representatives. Mark Staal, President Division 19, in his feature article The Future of Div. 19 (The Military Psychologist, Dec. 2017), highlights how current APA policy limits psychologists ability to: a) provide mental health services to combatants detained in U.S. custody, b) provide behavioral science support to national security interrogations, and c) provide support to detention operations (in some settings). Fortunately, initiatives by Division 19 to amend these Hoffman Report-generated actions are slowly gaining traction yet success will require even more educative, diplomatic and political efforts. Another significant matter on the horizon is the Ethics Code Task Force. This recently formed entity has been charged with reviewing the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and making recommendations for revisions (http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/01/ethics-code-force.aspx). Of particular concern is the prospect this task force may propose enforceable standards that codify Hoffman-related resolutions. Lastly, operational psychology guidelines, presently under development, will eventually come before Council. Division 19 will need to expand and deepen our relationship and influence networks within Council and other governance bodies to garner sufficient support for this document.
The legendary Chief Joseph remarked, “It does not require many words to speak the truth.” I would appreciate your allowing me to be your “speaker of truth” to APA’s Council of Representatives (even though it can be a place of many words).
Member-at-Large
Thomas W. Britt, PhD
I appreciate the opportunity to provide this statement in support for my desire to be a Member-at-Large for Division 19. I strongly believe that my prior experiences in the field of Military Psychology as well as my commitment to the discipline have prepared me to be an effective representative and advocate for the division. In this personal statement I highlight my experience in the field of Military Psychology and then detail why I am prepared to advocate for the Division to APA and beyond.
Research and Practical Experience in the Field of Military Psychology
I have been conducting research in the field of Military Psychology since entering the U.S. Army as a research psychologist in 1994 and as a Professor of Psychology at Clemson University since leaving the U.S. Army in 1999. I care deeply about doing research that will help improve the health and well-being of military personnel. Early in my career, I noticed the stigma Soldiers experienced when they were labeled as having a psychological problem. I began a program of research to address stigma and other factors that influence a Soldier’s decision to seek treatment and have continued to conduct research in this area my entire career. My most recent effort in this area involved funded research to develop unit training to support Soldiers with mental health problems. My team recently published an article showing the effectiveness of the training at increasing supportive behaviors. As a result of my research program in this area, I have had many interactions with military psychology researchers and practitioners. These relationships have prepared me to advocate for both the researcher and practitioner constituents of the division, as well as to foster collaborations between Division 19 and other divisions within APA.
Commitment to Military Psychology and Division 19
I have been a member of Division 19 for over 20 years and was named a Division Fellow in 2014. My commitment to the field of military psychology and the division has motivated me to campaign for Member-At-Large so that I can give back to the division that has influenced most of my professional development. By facilitating cooperation and coordination between different constituents within Division 19, I hope to grow membership within the division and enhance the role and impact of the division within APA as whole. In order to grow the division, we need to show graduate students in different areas of psychology the importance of military psychology for the health and well-being of Service Members and their families, as well as our nation’s security. In addition, we need to reach out to psychologists in different areas of psychology to harness their expertise for better understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by military personnel and their families. Finally, if elected a Member-at-Large for the division I pledge to support all members of the division and to be an effective spokesperson for the policies and programs being advocated by the President and Executive Committee.
Research and Practical Experience in the Field of Military Psychology
I have been conducting research in the field of Military Psychology since entering the U.S. Army as a research psychologist in 1994 and as a Professor of Psychology at Clemson University since leaving the U.S. Army in 1999. I care deeply about doing research that will help improve the health and well-being of military personnel. Early in my career, I noticed the stigma Soldiers experienced when they were labeled as having a psychological problem. I began a program of research to address stigma and other factors that influence a Soldier’s decision to seek treatment and have continued to conduct research in this area my entire career. My most recent effort in this area involved funded research to develop unit training to support Soldiers with mental health problems. My team recently published an article showing the effectiveness of the training at increasing supportive behaviors. As a result of my research program in this area, I have had many interactions with military psychology researchers and practitioners. These relationships have prepared me to advocate for both the researcher and practitioner constituents of the division, as well as to foster collaborations between Division 19 and other divisions within APA.
Commitment to Military Psychology and Division 19
I have been a member of Division 19 for over 20 years and was named a Division Fellow in 2014. My commitment to the field of military psychology and the division has motivated me to campaign for Member-At-Large so that I can give back to the division that has influenced most of my professional development. By facilitating cooperation and coordination between different constituents within Division 19, I hope to grow membership within the division and enhance the role and impact of the division within APA as whole. In order to grow the division, we need to show graduate students in different areas of psychology the importance of military psychology for the health and well-being of Service Members and their families, as well as our nation’s security. In addition, we need to reach out to psychologists in different areas of psychology to harness their expertise for better understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by military personnel and their families. Finally, if elected a Member-at-Large for the division I pledge to support all members of the division and to be an effective spokesperson for the policies and programs being advocated by the President and Executive Committee.
Bruce E. Crow, PsyD
Division 19 members - thank you for reading candidate statements. I’ve been a proud member of the Society for Military Psychology for over 30 years and I’m running for Member-at-Large (MAL), a position within the executive committee that serves the president in helping them fulfill their duties. There are three MALs, each filling a three-year term - staggered so that one position becomes vacant each year. MALs are assigned general duties and provide additional interface between members and division officers. This statement will tell you about me. In 2012 I completed 30 years Army active duty and achieved mandatory retirement. I immediately returned to work as a DA civilian until summer 2017. I’m now a Senior Fellow at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in an implementation science fellowship - sponsored by the DoD Military Suicide Research Consortium to research dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices that reduce military and veteran suicide. While on active duty I was privileged to serve in a number of roles including psychologist for a combat division, hospital staff psychologist, director of intern training, department chief and director of behavioral health services, and Specialty Leader / Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. My professional training was firmly grounded in the military beginning as an Army Health Professions Scholarship recipient at Nova Southeastern University with an internship and neuropsychology fellowship completed on active duty.
Allow me to cite various projects and initiatives - some tasked, some instigated - that I completed during my Army active duty and civilian tenures. Since MAL duties are relatively undefined, I hope this will allow you to judge my work ethic and ability to serve in this position. I have considerable experience with leadership roles and with organizing projects to meet timeline requirements. These have included:
Representing the military on APA’s Presidential Task Force on Telepsychology and committee for telepsychology professional practice guidelines
Serving as the DoD Champion of the first VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline committee and as a member of the VA/DoD suicide prevention clinical practice guideline work group
Assisting with establishing the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at Uniformed Services University of Health Services and serving as first chair of the CDP board of directors
Establishing the Army’s Warrior Resiliency Program and developing the most active tele-behavioral health operation in the DoD
Establishing the Army’s model for two-year internship + residency training
Leading critical event response teams on deployment to Saudi Arabia following terrorist bombing incidents
Serving as lead analyst for Soldier suicides in Iraq, first OIF Mental Health Advisory Team (MHAT-I)
Leading epidemiological consultation teams for suicide occurrence at multiple Army installations
My clinical and organizational experiences have ranged from working with Soldiers in the field to general officers in the Pentagon, giving me a breadth of perspective for understanding practical and political requirements for an organization’s mission success. I invite consideration of your vote that would allow me to serve as a Division 19 Member-at-Large - Bruce Crow, COL (Ret)Division 19 members - thank you for reading candidate statements. I’ve been a proud member of the Society for Military Psychology for over 30 years and I’m running for Member-at-Large (MAL), a position within the executive committee that serves the president in helping them fulfill their duties. There are three MALs, each filling a three-year term - staggered so that one position becomes vacant each year. MALs are assigned general duties and provide additional interface between members and division officers. This statement will tell you about me. In 2012 I completed 30 years Army active duty and achieved mandatory retirement. I immediately returned to work as a DA civilian until summer 2017. I’m now a Senior Fellow at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in an implementation science fellowship - sponsored by the DoD Military Suicide Research Consortium to research dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices that reduce military and veteran suicide. While on active duty I was privileged to serve in a number of roles including psychologist for a combat division, hospital staff psychologist, director of intern training, department chief and director of behavioral health services, and Specialty Leader / Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. My professional training was firmly grounded in the military beginning as an Army Health Professions Scholarship recipient at Nova Southeastern University with an internship and neuropsychology fellowship completed on active duty.
Allow me to cite various projects and initiatives - some tasked, some instigated - that I completed during my Army active duty and civilian tenures. Since MAL duties are relatively undefined, I hope this will allow you to judge my work ethic and ability to serve in this position. I have considerable experience with leadership roles and with organizing projects to meet timeline requirements. These have included:
Representing the military on APA’s Presidential Task Force on Telepsychology and committee for telepsychology professional practice guidelines
Serving as the DoD Champion of the first VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline committee and as a member of the VA/DoD suicide prevention clinical practice guideline work group
Assisting with establishing the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at Uniformed Services University of Health Services and serving as first chair of the CDP board of directors
Establishing the Army’s Warrior Resiliency Program and developing the most active tele-behavioral health operation in the DoD
Establishing the Army’s model for two-year internship + residency training
Leading critical event response teams on deployment to Saudi Arabia following terrorist bombing incidents
Serving as lead analyst for Soldier suicides in Iraq, first OIF Mental Health Advisory Team (MHAT-I)
Leading epidemiological consultation teams for suicide occurrence at multiple Army installations
My clinical and organizational experiences have ranged from working with Soldiers in the field to general officers in the Pentagon, giving me a breadth of perspective for understanding practical and political requirements for an organization’s mission success. I invite consideration of your vote that would allow me to serve as a Division 19 Member-at-Large - Bruce Crow, COL (Ret)
Allow me to cite various projects and initiatives - some tasked, some instigated - that I completed during my Army active duty and civilian tenures. Since MAL duties are relatively undefined, I hope this will allow you to judge my work ethic and ability to serve in this position. I have considerable experience with leadership roles and with organizing projects to meet timeline requirements. These have included:
Representing the military on APA’s Presidential Task Force on Telepsychology and committee for telepsychology professional practice guidelines
Serving as the DoD Champion of the first VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline committee and as a member of the VA/DoD suicide prevention clinical practice guideline work group
Assisting with establishing the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at Uniformed Services University of Health Services and serving as first chair of the CDP board of directors
Establishing the Army’s Warrior Resiliency Program and developing the most active tele-behavioral health operation in the DoD
Establishing the Army’s model for two-year internship + residency training
Leading critical event response teams on deployment to Saudi Arabia following terrorist bombing incidents
Serving as lead analyst for Soldier suicides in Iraq, first OIF Mental Health Advisory Team (MHAT-I)
Leading epidemiological consultation teams for suicide occurrence at multiple Army installations
My clinical and organizational experiences have ranged from working with Soldiers in the field to general officers in the Pentagon, giving me a breadth of perspective for understanding practical and political requirements for an organization’s mission success. I invite consideration of your vote that would allow me to serve as a Division 19 Member-at-Large - Bruce Crow, COL (Ret)Division 19 members - thank you for reading candidate statements. I’ve been a proud member of the Society for Military Psychology for over 30 years and I’m running for Member-at-Large (MAL), a position within the executive committee that serves the president in helping them fulfill their duties. There are three MALs, each filling a three-year term - staggered so that one position becomes vacant each year. MALs are assigned general duties and provide additional interface between members and division officers. This statement will tell you about me. In 2012 I completed 30 years Army active duty and achieved mandatory retirement. I immediately returned to work as a DA civilian until summer 2017. I’m now a Senior Fellow at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in an implementation science fellowship - sponsored by the DoD Military Suicide Research Consortium to research dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices that reduce military and veteran suicide. While on active duty I was privileged to serve in a number of roles including psychologist for a combat division, hospital staff psychologist, director of intern training, department chief and director of behavioral health services, and Specialty Leader / Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. My professional training was firmly grounded in the military beginning as an Army Health Professions Scholarship recipient at Nova Southeastern University with an internship and neuropsychology fellowship completed on active duty.
Allow me to cite various projects and initiatives - some tasked, some instigated - that I completed during my Army active duty and civilian tenures. Since MAL duties are relatively undefined, I hope this will allow you to judge my work ethic and ability to serve in this position. I have considerable experience with leadership roles and with organizing projects to meet timeline requirements. These have included:
Representing the military on APA’s Presidential Task Force on Telepsychology and committee for telepsychology professional practice guidelines
Serving as the DoD Champion of the first VA/DoD PTSD clinical practice guideline committee and as a member of the VA/DoD suicide prevention clinical practice guideline work group
Assisting with establishing the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) at Uniformed Services University of Health Services and serving as first chair of the CDP board of directors
Establishing the Army’s Warrior Resiliency Program and developing the most active tele-behavioral health operation in the DoD
Establishing the Army’s model for two-year internship + residency training
Leading critical event response teams on deployment to Saudi Arabia following terrorist bombing incidents
Serving as lead analyst for Soldier suicides in Iraq, first OIF Mental Health Advisory Team (MHAT-I)
Leading epidemiological consultation teams for suicide occurrence at multiple Army installations
My clinical and organizational experiences have ranged from working with Soldiers in the field to general officers in the Pentagon, giving me a breadth of perspective for understanding practical and political requirements for an organization’s mission success. I invite consideration of your vote that would allow me to serve as a Division 19 Member-at-Large - Bruce Crow, COL (Ret)
Joseph B. Lyons, PhD
Hello, I’m Dr. Joseph Lyons, and I’m running for the office of Member-at-Large for Division 19. I would love to have your support, but first let me tell you a little about myself. I’ve been a research psychologist for the Air Force Research Laboratory for 13 years and I served in the Air National Guard in Ohio. I learned as an Eagle Scout the value of service and the need for capable people to raise their hand in support of a mission larger than themselves. Stemming from a family that was full of military members, I’ve always had an admiration and devotion to our military. From a research standpoint, I think the military offers the best and most rewarding domains for research.
I would like to continue my service to Division 19 as a Member-at-Large for the Division. My three years as the Editor for Division 19’s publication, The Military Psychologist, allowed me to witness the breadth of topics within Division 19 and the dedication of its members. As a Member-at-Large, I would serve to meet the needs of the Executive Committee and the President of Division 19. My experience as the Editor for Division 19’s publication, my prior experiences within the Air Force Research Laboratory and collaborations with other service partners, and my prior experiences within the Air National Guard have provided me with a solid foundation from which to continue my support of Division 19. Please help me take the next step to support Division 19.
I would like to continue my service to Division 19 as a Member-at-Large for the Division. My three years as the Editor for Division 19’s publication, The Military Psychologist, allowed me to witness the breadth of topics within Division 19 and the dedication of its members. As a Member-at-Large, I would serve to meet the needs of the Executive Committee and the President of Division 19. My experience as the Editor for Division 19’s publication, my prior experiences within the Air Force Research Laboratory and collaborations with other service partners, and my prior experiences within the Air National Guard have provided me with a solid foundation from which to continue my support of Division 19. Please help me take the next step to support Division 19.
Marcus VanSickle, PhD
As an active-duty Navy clinical psychologist, I have a total of 17 years of military service (enlisted Marine, Navy officer). I have been an active member of Division 19 since 2011, initially as a student member and campus representative for the Uniformed Services University and now as an Early Career Psychologist (ECP). I am actively involved in clinical work with military populations, military suicide prevention research, and am currently completing a Masters in Clinical Psychopharmacology. I feel the combination of these efforts demonstrates my multi-faceted approach to serving within Division 19. Trained as a scientist-practitioner, I value the science of research in clinical application and the advancement of psychology. As an ECP, I believe I am uniquely situated to assist with the identified concerns of growing and maintaining other ECPs within our division. As Member-At-Large I would work to build upon inter-organizational relationships, increasing involvement with other Divisions of APA, and further publicizing the amazing work of military psychologists in all spheres of psychology practice. Throughout the past years I have met many of you and remained engaged in all of our social media platforms; I will continue to be a visible member of this division and a staunch advocate for the advancement of our science. In sum, I believe these characteristics make me a strong candidate for your next member-at-large. If elected, I will work to maintain clear lines of communication between you and our executive committee and will work diligently toward our growth.
Only Fellows and Members of the Society shall be eligible for nomination or election as Officers of the Society.
ARTICLE V - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
- The Officers of the Society shall be elected by the Fellows, Members, and voting Associates of the Society (see Article II, Section 8), voting by mail or electronic ballot according to the preferential voting system employed by the Association.
- A standing Elections Committee shall consist of the President- Elect (Chairperson) and the three Members-at-Large of the EXCOM.
- Prior to the annual Association meeting, in adherence to the Association’s deadlines, the Elections Committee Chairperson (President-elect) shall send a nominations ballot to the Society membership. The ballot shall provide at least two places for each office to be filled. All nominees must submit a personal statement identifying their interest and willingness to serve the Society in the position of their nomination. The nominations ballots, when returned by the membership, shall be forwarded to the Chairperson (President-elect). The Elections Committee shall tally the votes, and, for each office to be filled, shall select at least two nominees willing to serve if elected. The persons thus nominated must be the two willing nominees standing highest in the balloting for the office. If two willing nominees cannot be found on the basis of the nominating ballot, then one nominee may be selected by the Elections Committee on the basis of standing in balloting or other exceptional qualification for office. The persons will be named in alphabetical order to the Secretary without identification as to source of the nominations. The Committee Chairperson shall then transmit the names of the persons nominated for each office to be filled to the Elections Committee of the Association in accordance with the Association's deadlines for inclusion in the election ballot mailed or electronically sent by the Association in accordance with the provisions of the Association's Bylaws.
- Officers shall assume office on the first day of January of the year after their election; they shall hold office until their successors are elected and installed, normal terms of office notwithstanding.
