Military Mental Health • Therapy Dogs • Resilience Military Mental Health & Therapy Dog Gator with Linda Schuh Hosts: Kelly Poelker & Delisa Richardson Guest: Linda Schuh, Director of Psychological Health, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base Category: Military Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Resilience, Community Support What does it look like to support mental health on a military base — not just in a crisis, but day to day? Director of Psychological Health Linda Schuh joins Kelly and Delisa to talk about the realities of life in the Air National Guard, the pressures service members carry, and how a trained therapy dog named Gator helps people feel safe enough to open up. From deployments and family stress to stigma, resilience, and the upcoming Mental Health Day at Scott Air Force Base, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and reminders that you don’t have to walk through hard things alone. What You’ll Learn What a Director of Psychological Health does and how that role supports service members.The unique pressures and stressors military members face, especially those balancing full-time jobs with drill and deployments.How facility therapy dog Gator was trained, what he actually does on base, and how he helps people feel more at ease.The difference between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals — and where Gator fits in.How stigma around mental health still shows up in the military, and what Linda tells people who are afraid to reach out.What’s planned for the 126th’s Mental Health Day — from yoga and equine therapy to meditation, cold plunge, and community.Practical ideas for stress management, building resilience, and being a better support to someone who might be struggling.Why simply listening, asking real questions, and knowing your resources (including 988) can literally save a life. Guest Spotlight: Linda Schuh Linda Schuh is the Director of Psychological Health for the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Air National Guard at Scott Air Force Base. She brings both lived and professional experience to her role, with 20 years of military service and over 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker. Linda served five years on active duty as an Army Military Police officer and fifteen years with the Illinois Army National Guard. After leaving active duty, she earned her Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Washington University in St. Louis. Her career has spanned school social work, clinical and community mental health, private practice, and now counseling and support services within the Air Force community. Linda is married and has three children — two of whom are currently serving in the Navy — and she recently welcomed a very special teammate into her work: Gator, a trained facility therapy dog from DOGS Inc. in Palmetto, Florida. Together, they provide direct support, suicide prevention training, resiliency education, and a compassionate presence for the Airmen and families of the 126th. Key Quotes “I think the person who asks for help is the most courageous one, because it takes a lot to ask for help.” “Sometimes people come in, Gator runs right to them, and they’ll say, ‘He knew I needed that today.’ Just seeing their faces light up when they see him — he’s definitely in the right place.” “Leaders can’t just stop at ‘How are you?’ Get to know your people. The more you know them, the more comfortable they’ll be sharing when something’s really wrong.” “You’re not alone. There are other people struggling, and there are professionals, friends, and family who can help you. I just hope you have the courage to get help when you need it.” Resources & Next Steps Glow For Hope – Learn more about our work to spark conversation, create community, and ignite hope around mental health and suicide prevention. Military OneSource – 24/7 confidential help, resources, and counseling support for service members and their families. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 or use chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com to locate free, confidential support in your country. Next Episode Stay tuned for our next conversation, where Kelly and Delisa sit down with another guest to keep building honest, hopeful dialogue around mental health and suicide prevention. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it. Support the Show Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and engaging events. If this episode encouraged you, there are a few simple ways to support our work: Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope You can also support us by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a rating or review, and sharing this episode with a friend, colleague, or loved one who might need it....
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