Sunday, January 14, 2007

Fisher House Foundation to Build Many More Homes

By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 14, 2007 – The Fisher House Foundation will expand its efforts to help injured U.S. troops and their families by building five new comfort homes per year until 2010, the foundation's chairman said last night on CNN's "Larry King Live." These are families that make sacrifices. This program is designed to help them," Ken Fisher said.

The foundation builds homes on and near active
military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The houses provide free lodging for servicemembers who must stay near a hospital for continuing treatment, as well as families visiting wounded loved ones.

The work done by the Fisher House Foundation was featured for the entire hour on last night's "Larry King Live." Clips of King and his crew visiting patients at the Fisher House in San Diego last week were shown throughout the program. King also interviewed servicemembers and their families who are currently at other Fisher House locations or have stayed at one previously.

Army Staff Sgt. Harold Ord, whose right ankle and lower leg were shattered by a mortar round last year in Iraq, talked about his appreciation for the Fisher House at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he is receiving treatment. "It's a great organization and it's great thing to have," Ord said. "We probably would have had a rough time without it. It's helped out a lot of people."

The foundation was started in 1990 by Ken's late uncle, Zack Fisher. When it was brought to Zack's attention that there was a shortage of affordable housing for injured servicemembers and their families, he decided to put the program together, Ken Fisher said.

Zack Fisher built the first comfort homes with his own money. "Zack always believed that it was our obligation to give back to a nation that had been so great to us," Ken Fisher said. "Zack always considered them (servicemembers) to be the greatest national treasure."

Today, there are 36 Fisher House facilities in 16 states and one in Germany. After the houses are built, they are gifted to U.S. government, which then maintains them. Fisher said the foundation works closely with the
military to determine where a new house should be built.

"The beauty part of the house is that the families will sit together, they'll eat together, it has become a support network in the house," Fisher said. "It's not just families having a place to sleep, it's getting together and supporting each other on a bad day and sharing the joy on a good day."

Actor Gary Sinise, star of the hit CBS program "CSI: New York," joined King via satellite feed. Sinise said he has been involved with the Fisher House Foundation since 2003. "Fisher Houses are doing amazing, amazing work," he said. "I can't say enough about these folks and their dedication to helping our wounded and supporting our families."

Sinise and his music group, the Lt. Dan Band, named after the character he played in the movie "Forrest Gump," have played more than 40 shows for troops stationed in the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan. They will next perform at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center Jan. 27.

"It's rewarding to know that I can give back to these people who are volunteers, and who go out and defend our country," Sinise told King. "They're making a lot of sacrifices for us. And their families do as well."

Sinise, like the Fisher House Foundation, is an active member of the "America Supports You" program, a Defense Department program showcasing the ways Americans are supporting the nation's troops. In addition, Sinise co-founded "Operation Iraqi Children," an organization that collects and ships school supplies and toys to Iraq.

Country music singer Wynonna Judd also appeared on last night's program. "I think there's nothing more important than support in a time of illness," she said.

Judd has performed at many
military bases and medical facilities. "My job is to enlighten and lift up the spirits of these people who put their butts on the line every day so my family is free," she said.

Denise Mettie, who is staying at the Fisher House near Palo Alto, Calif., praised the foundation for giving her a place to stay while her son Evan gets treatment for severe injuries he received in Iraq. "Fisher House is a godsend," she said.

Army Staff Sgt. Ross Graydon, his wife Jamie and daughter Brittney, 10, appeared on the show from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Graydon lost his left arm while serving in Iraq.

Jamie said Fisher House has been like a home away from home while her husband gets treatment. "It's nice and very comfortable," she said. "Everybody is friendly, so you have a nice internal support system working for you."

Ken Fisher said seeing the Graydon family reinforced the reason the foundation does what it does. "This is exactly why we do what we do. To see the three of them together and wonder what it would have been like had they not been able to there," he said. "It's a wonderful feeling to see them together."

CNN will auction off a Humvee nicknamed "Warrior One" to benefit the Fisher House Foundation Jan. 20. The vehicle was used by some of the network's correspondents during the Iraq war, but was completely refurbished during a recent episode of TLC's "Overhaulin.'" Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., a classic car auction house, will auction the vehicle at its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

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University of Miami 'Adopts' Sailors in Iraq

By Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey McCoy, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service

Jan. 14, 2007 – The University of Miami Hurricanes have reached out to share a little bit of home with the men and women of the
Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion, "The Sand Pirates," currently serving at Camp Bucca, Iraq. The connection between the Navy unit and the university is through the Battalion's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kathryn A. Donovan, who once worked for University of Miami President Donna Shalala. Shalala sent almost 100 shirts and baseball caps to the battalion just in time for this year's college football bowl games.

"This very generous way of thanking the soldiers, sailors and airmen who are away from their families at the holidays and provided a huge morale boost. Plus, there are just a lot of Hurricane fans in the desert," said Donovan.

Among the recipients of a green-and-orange "U" cap was Army Spc. Estuardo Morales, of Tampa, Fla., who said he was overwhelmed to receive an official Miami Hurricanes cap. "The hat reminds me of home, because everybody in my family loves the Hurricanes," he said. "I leave my new hat on top of my 'battle rattle' in the office to show my school pride because I work with all Gamecocks fans, and they don't have any hats."

Morales is attached to the 251st Rear Area Operations Center, a National Guard unit from South Carolina. "Battle rattle" is a slang term soldiers use to refer to their body armor and helmet.

Airman Morris Bell created a motivational sign with the slogan, "Taking a Time Out for The U, Camp Bucca, Iraq."

"I'm from Houston, so I don't know much about Miami, but I'll cheer for anyone that sends free hats and shirts," he said. "I know that Devon Hester went to Miami and he's worth cheering for."

A third "Canes" fan, Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Sharrard, hails from Hawaii, but his grandmother lived in Miami and he has been a Hurricane and Dolphins fan since childhood. "This really improved the battalion's morale and is truly appreciated," he said. "The fact that the hats and T-shirts arrived during the holidays makes them even more special."

Seaman Abel Rivera added, "This helps us feel supported from people back home and lifts our spirit in this environment. It keeps us motivated to keep going."

"Thanks for your thoughts and prayers," said Petty Officer 1st Class Isiah Dumas. "Maybe we'll see 'the U' in a BCS Bowl Game next year." said

The University of Miami effort is just one of countless others being put forth by the American public, grassroots organizations and corporations to show support for U.S. servicemembers.

The Defense Department's "America Supports You" program highlights many of those efforts. More information is available on the America Supports You Web site.

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Chicago: the reality and the fiction

Editors Note: One of the author is Vietnam era prior military with service in the theatre, 1st Infantry Division.

January 14, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com added three Chicago police officers to the listing of state and local police officers who have authored books. Added were William O’Shea, C.M. Russell and Daniel Schrager.

William O’Shea began his public service career in 1968 when, as a Chicago Police Cadet, he was assigned to the infamous Democratic National Convention. In the ensuing decades as a Chicago Police Officer he had many adventures, some of which are chronicled in his first novel, “The Foot Post.”

In 1992, Bill moved to southern Illinois with his wife, Susan, and established a detective agency under his private investigator’s license. In recent years, he has been active as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, working with children who find themselves mired in the court system. His experiences as a CASA volunteer moved him to write “The Advocate” and create the advocacy project.

Bill is now a relentless advocate for the rights of abused and sexually exploited children and fears that it will be a life long endeavor.

C. M. Russell was born and raised in Chicago, IL. After graduating from the University of Illinois/Chicago Campus, he began his career with the Chicago Police Department. He has drawn upon numerous real-life experiences from this urban city to depict the situations officers face on a daily basis. This, his first book, takes the reader on a virtual ride-a-long with the officers. His account is action packed, suspenseful, and keeps the adrenaline pumping right to the very end.

According to his book, Thin Blue Line is about power and control in the city of Chicago. The drama asks, “who is really running the streets of Chicago? A high-ranking gang member’s trial is less than a week away. Determined not to go back to the penitentiary, he decides to “tie up some loose ends”. An officer, on patrol in the area, interrupts those plans and pays the ultimate price. Now, two veteran police officers lead the manhunt to bring this killer to justice. There’s only one problem; too much red tape! Ultimately, they must choose between what is legally right and morally right.”

Daniel Schrager was a member of the Chicago Police Department for twenty-eight years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant in 1998. During his career, he worked as a patrol officer in the Cabrini-Green housing project; spent eight years as a vice officer in the Rush Street entertainment area; three years as a sergeant in a special unit created by then-mayor Jane Byrne to investigate misconduct in the Chicago Transit Authority; and, several years as a patrol sergeant. During his last five years on the Chicago Police Department, he was the Acting Watch Commander in the 24th Patrol District.

For eighteen months, in an unofficial capacity, he assisted as a bodyguard and driver for a mayoral candidate during a re-election bid.

Prior to joining the
Chicago Police Department, he served fourteen months in Vietnam assigned to the U.S. Army First Infantry Division, including the period of the Tet offensive in 1968.

His book “The Code” is the story of a Chicago cop, Jake Harmon, who stumbles across an unidentified man carrying $250,000. While struggling to adhere to the "Cop Code of Behavior," he attempts to uncover the source of the money. Aided by his girlfriend and fellow officer, Aranda Gonzalez, he makes a shocking discovery that pushes him to the limits of the Code. His second book, “On The Edge” is the story of two Chicago cops, the investigative reporter they've teamed up with, and their investigation into the seamy world of drugs, politics and corruption.

While Police-Writers.com hosts 253
police officers (representing over 70 police departments) and their 647 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors and international police officers who have written books.

Marine Brothers-in-Arms Honor Fallen Hero

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 13, 2007 – There's a picture that shows the remains of Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham's helmet, but in no way do the shattered, flattened pieces of Kevlar resemble a helmet. Dunham died April 15, 2004, when he leapt on a grenade, using his helmet and body to shield his fellow Marines.

For his actions, the 23-year-old Marine who grew up in Scio, N.Y., was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor Dec. 11 by President Bush during a White House ceremony. The Medal of Honor, given for gallantry in action, is the nation's highest decoration.
Yesterday, Dunham's parents visited here to receive the Medal of Honor flag from Gen. Robert Magnus, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and to thank those who cared for her son. "To the brothers-in-arms who took care of my son: You brought him home," Deb Dunham told the Marines.

Magnus praised the fallen hero yesterday for putting the welfare of his fellow Marines above his own. "In that very short moment, when Corporal Dunham and his Marines saw that grenade rolling free, he gave selflessly of himself his last full measure," Magnus said. "We celebrate the life, the values and the example of Corporal Jason Dunham today and forever more."

Maj. Trent Gibson, Dunham's commanding officer with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment told Deb and Don Dunham their son did not die in vain. "Yours has been an endless burden, the sacrifice of a son," he said. "That sacrifice has not been in vain."

Gibson talked to Dunham the morning he was killed. "I explained to him that I witnessed his appointment to the title of respected and trusted leader," he said, "a title which I believe cannot be given by one's seniors, but can only be given by one's subordinates."

Then Gibson addressed Corporals Kelly D. Miller and Bill Hampton, the two men Dunham saved when he used his body to absorb the blast.

"I have just a few words of wisdom for you, borrowed from one of my personal heroes, Kilo 3 Bravo Gunnery Sergeant Adam Lockert," he said. "All that we have, has been given to us. What we do with what has been given is how we honor those who gave."

Dunham's extraordinary service honors the Marine Corps, Miller said. "The greatness of his sacrifice is impossible to describe with words," he said. "He gave his life for mine."

Marines paid tribute to Dunham at the National Museum of the Marine Corps here, their first Medal of Honor recipient since Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith received the medal in 1970 for heroism in Vietnam.

"As a symbol of heroism, the Medal of Honor has no equal," Harvey Barnum, retired Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, said. "Inherent in this medal is the power of America, the assurance of a proper destiny, and the promise of her magnanimity."

Dunham's clean-shaven young face now joins the 294 Marine Medal of Honor recipients' portraits displayed in the museum.

Justin Lambert, who grew up playing with Dunham on his father's dairy farm, was on hand for yesterday's ceremony.

Lambert described his boyhood friend as a kid at heart. "Jason told me he loved the kids over there (in Iraq)," he said. "He would give them candy, play soccer with them.

"He really felt like he was making a difference, and he did make a difference," Lambert said. "What he did was a selfless act. He knew what the consequences were and he did it to protect his guys. That's the way he was."

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