In the very first episode of the
Behavioral Health Brief, Jim Callaghan, President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, hosts a detailed interview with retired US Navy Captain Sheldon Margolis, exploring Margolis’s extensive 30-year military career, his leadership experiences, and his ongoing advocacy for veterans. Margolis recounts his entry into the Navy through the ROTC program, initially intending to serve only four years, but ultimately building a distinguished career that included combat service in Vietnam, where he led river patrol units and was awarded honors such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and three Legions of Merit. He describes the challenges of leading young sailors in combat, the emotional toll of sending others into danger, and the long-term psychological impacts of war. Margolis discusses his post-military transition, including leadership roles at the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park and as CFO for the Navy League San Diego Council, as well as his work with Lockheed Martin overseeing the Aegis weapons system. He shares his personal journey with PTSD, noting that he only recognized its effects after retiring from work, and credits the VA and mental health professionals for helping him address longstanding symptoms. Margolis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles, encouraging veterans to seek help, and highlights the role of peer-to-peer support programs like Courage to Call, which provides confidential assistance to veterans and active duty personnel in San Diego. The conversation also addresses broader issues facing veterans, such as the stigma around seeking mental health support, the generational nature of military service, and the need for community and legislative support. Margolis and Callahan discuss Senate Bill 1407, which proposes exempting military retirement pay from California state taxes to help retain veterans in the state, noting the economic and social benefits of such policies. Margolis advocates for greater community involvement in supporting veterans, stresses the value of programs like Courage to Call, and shares personal stories about family, the significance of memorials like Mount Soledad, and the transformative experience of participating in the Honor Flight program. The meeting concludes with audience questions, where Margolis reiterates the importance of speaking up about mental health, seeking support, and the collective responsibility to care for those who have served.
Introduction and Overview - Jim Callaghan introduces himself as the President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, emphasizing the organization's mission to improve lives.
- The podcast episode focuses on courage, particularly the courage to serve, lead, and seek help.
- Jim introduces the guest, retired US Captain Sheldon Margolis, a Vietnam War combat veteran and lifelong public servant.
- Sheldon's military achievements are highlighted, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and multiple Legions of Merit awards.
Sheldon's Naval Career and Early Leadership Opportunities- Sheldon shares his initial lack of interest in serving but his desire to go to college, which led him to the Navy ROTC program.
- He describes his early leadership roles, starting as a division officer on a ship and later being deployed to Vietnam.
- Sheldon recounts his experience leading a river division in Vietnam, managing 60 to 70 people, and the challenges of sending young men into combat.
- He reflects on the mental impact of sending young soldiers into dangerous situations and the long-term effects on his own mental health.
Major Achievements and Training Commands- Sheldon discusses his pride in running major training centers, including the Aegis Training Center and Fleet Combat Training Center.
- He explains the significance of the Aegis Weapon System and its impact on the Navy's surface combatants.
- Sheldon describes the scale of his training operations, involving hundreds of people and multiple ships around the world.
- He shares his transition from the Navy to Lockheed, where he managed the international and domestic supply chain for the Aegis systems.
Experiences with PTSD and Seeking Help- Sheldon reveals that he did not realize he was suffering from PTSD until he stopped working and the symptoms persisted.
- He describes the process of acknowledging and seeking help for his PTSD, including working with a clinician and taking medication.
- Sheldon emphasizes the importance of veterans admitting their problems and seeking help, whether through the VA or other organizations.
- He shares his experience with the Honor Flight program, which helped him acknowledge and address his PTSD.
The Brief | Impact of Military Retirement Taxes and Senate Bill 1407- Jim highlights the issue of California taxing military retirement pay and the proposed Senate Bill 1407 to exempt it.
- Sheldon supports the bill, arguing that it would help retain veterans in California and improve their quality of life.
- They discuss the broader impact of military retirement taxes on veterans' economic stability and housing insecurity.
- Jim encourages listeners to support the bill and the Turn Behavioral Health Services' Courage to Call program.
The Importance of the Courage to Call Program- Sheldon praises the Courage to Call program for its mental health and other support services for veterans and active duty personnel.
- Jim shares the challenges of losing county funding for the program but highlights recent successes in securing new funding.
- They discuss the importance of peer-to-peer support and the program's role in helping veterans and active duty personnel without reporting issues to their superiors.
- Sheldon encourages veterans and active duty personnel to seek help and not hide their struggles.
Personal Reflections and Community Support- Sheldon reflects on the generational aspect of military service and the need for a draft to ensure a broad range of experiences.
- He shares his pride in his son's military career and the importance of community support for veterans.
- Jim and Sheldon discuss the significance of the Mount Soledad Memorial and its role in honoring veterans' stories.
- They conclude with a call to action for listeners to support veterans and active duty personnel, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and seeking help.
About TURN Behavioral Health Services:Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.
About Cloudcast Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.
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