Who is MiOT and what is the mission?
MiOT (Mile in Our Treads) was born from the personal experience of then-Capt. Shannon Dee Revit, who found herself stranded with a small group of military members in remote Arba Minch, Ethiopia. Despite challenging circumstances, she demonstrated remarkable composure while overseeing the remaining nine members due to a decision made by higher authorities to withdraw most of the security forces.
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During this intense week, the locals turned against the Americans, making Capt. Revit the de facto commander, which subjected her to relentless harassment, including dangerous situations and threats. These experiences were kept private until now.
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Capt. Revit's full story, from the ever-changing exit dates due to plane policy conflicts in Arba Minch to her role as a liaison to Arba Minch University, will be shared. As a liaison, she had to witness tragic situations at a local third-world hospital where she could not use her medical skills and medications to help the people she had grown to care for, due to a SOFA agreement between the U.S. and Ethiopia.
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Upon her return, Col. Robin "Mike" Pollack (then 166th MDG, now 113th ANG) supported Capt. Revit in acknowledging her emotional struggles. The stigma surrounding mental health in the military often silences those in need of help. Capt. Revit experienced this firsthand during her final years as a family nurse practitioner for the DANG, and she was determined to change it.
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Hence, MiOT was born. Only someone who has walked through the fire of emotional pain and navigated the VA health system with a fractured psyche truly understands the struggle. MiOT offers a safe space for military members to connect with others who have faced similar challenges, sharing moments of vulnerability for just ten minutes – a chance to "let the air out of the tire."
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MiOT is inclusive; you don't have to be a veteran with a war story to be part of it. Everyone counts, and judgment is left behind. MiOT acknowledges the difficulty and is not a quick fix, but it provides essential support. It aims to help individuals find the combination of programs that work for them, providing a lifeline to those in need.
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Pick someone wearing a MiOT lanyard or patch, and they will give you the time you need to unburden your thoughts and emotions. You are not alone, and together, we can navigate the journey towards healing and resilience.
STAY CONNECTED TODAY!
We extend support within our own community. Military personnel, both current and retired, come together to assist fellow members. All volunteers are part of this initiative. When you encounter individuals wearing either the MiOT red lanyard or the MiOT military patch (found on the home page), you can choose whom you wish to talk to.
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Our MiOT members are not professional counselors or therapists. However, they are willing to dedicate ten minutes of their time to help you 'let the air out of the tire' and provide a listening ear during tough moments. They will offer you a card with additional resources without any pressure or expectations.
Sometimes, all you need is someone who listens without judgment, interruptions, or overreactions. Someone who allows you to speak your mind and unload your thoughts without fear of consequences or reproach. We understand your experiences, and our support speaks your language.
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It's essential to acknowledge that while our bodies may return from the battlefield, our minds may need time to readjust and find stability again. In a fast-paced world, each of us may benefit from someone's presence to help us slow down, catch our breath, and regain our composure.
MIOT MESSAGE
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